The Seven Stars of Indian Idol 2

Now left to the 'Spicy Seven' on Indian Idol 2, as it grips audiences in its final leg. With publicity exercises across the country, rigorous riyaaz schedules, makeover magic and performances-par-excellence, the finalists Amey, Meenal, Antara, Ravi, Karunya, Sandeep and Anuj are having the experience of a lifetime.

While on-screen competition is at its peak, so are off-screen friendships and relationships. In the past few weeks the contestants have been there for each other through trying and challenging times. Meenal and Amey particularly seem to share a special bond. However, when it comes to competition Meenal is probably one of the most mature contestants with her head fir mly placed on her shoulders.

After Panna's exit from the show last week, Amey is the only one with the 'rock star' image on the show. His singing as well as exceptionally peppy performances are huge crowd pullers and have earned him a huge female fan following especially in Delhi.

Boy-next–door Sandeep Acharya is always smiling despite all the tension. The 'Udit Narayan' of the show, he may not be unique, but definitely has the voice.

Quite the opposite of the quiet Sandeep is the loud country-bumpkin Ravi. The 'Ravinder Ravi of Idol 2', Ravi is most dedicated to his own campaigning. Though npopular with the judges, he has struck a chord with the viewers who want to give him a fair chance. Makeover queen Antara has stolen the hearts of her many fans, who have seen her transform from a village girl to a chic performer and a superb singer. With her voice suited for playback singing, her "look" is the crowd puller at her shows.

A close friend of Panna and Monali, she could not control the outburst of emotion on stage when they got voted out. Though she misses her smalltown in Bengal, she's determined not to return. "There are bigger things in my destiny," she says. Karunya, the Idol's Abhishek Bachchan has fans all over him. A smooth talker with a suave personality and a voice to die for, Karunya is high on Indian Idol's popularity charts.

The newest entrant, Anuj though, fears the worst. Though the judges and viewers have been lenient with him so far, he's not sure for how long.And so the competition hots up.