Shocking! India says no to female 'Idols'
By Rachna Kanwar
https://tvguide.indiatimes.com/quickiearticleshow/msid-144265 0.cms
Happy Women's Day, India! On the eve of International Women's Day, India voted out the only girl contestant on the show. Antara Mitra, much to the shock and dismay of the judges as well as her fans exited the show after she was judged on the popular Sridevi song from the 90s, 'Mere hathon mein nau nau' in the wedding celebrations round.
The case however is totally different on the other side of the world. Americans are favouring women 'Idols' and how! Out of the four seasons so far, three winners have been women. This year too, in the fifth season, some of the favourites in the show are women. Other countries as U.K, Indonesia and even the Arabs have had a female Idol in the first series itself.
The top 5 contestants sang 'Sapnay mein milti hai o kudi meri' but unlike the song the only 'kudi' on the show went back without becoming the dream girl of 'Indian Idol'. Antara, along with the others was criticized by the judges especially Sonu Nigam. In this round even Amey Date who usually gets praise from the judges was criticized by them. Karunya was the only contestant who got good remarks from all of them.
The stage was set with red, white and pink flowers and the contestants looked stunning in their traditional attire. Antara feeling the pulse of the nation had said before her elimination, "Being the only girl left in the race now, I quite fear a vote out...". Antara got loud cheers of applause from the live audience and the hosts of the show, Aman Verma and Mini Mathur when she said that she didn't want votes on the pretext that she is the only female contestant left on the show
The results were devastating for the audience as well as the judges who had always believed in Antara and the fact that she had the perfect voice for playback singing. Farah Khan had felt that her makeover had been brilliant bringing about a positive change in her personality. While all the judges felt that Anuj or Sandeep should have been voted out, they were quite shocked when Anuj was declared safe. Anu Malik couldn't bear his disappointment and walked up to Antara and declared that she will sing for him.
'Indian Idol' judge, Sonu Nigam lashed out at the voting public accusing them of regional bias. "We made the same mistake a long time back when British ruled us. We cared only about our region or state. Why do people forget that they are Indians first and then, Bengalis or Himachalis or Marathis," said an exasperated Sonu.
Antara though at a loss at being voted out of Indian Idol thought that she had gained a lot too from that very platform. "This stage has given me so much; glamour, recognition and love of all the people. Though I am upset about being voted out but I am quite content with the 'Indian Idol' stage. Though out of Indian Idol, I am not going back to my village, I am going to stick on here in Mumbai and make my name in the music industry," said a tearful yet confident Antara.
Kumkum Bhagya
Hollywood
