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I t's exactly a week since Antakshari-The Great Chal- lenge (Star One) went on air and it's already seems to be embroiled in a controversy. The man behind the show, producer-director Gajendrra Siingh, is rattled about reports of cable black-outs in some areas in Mumbai when the show was premiered last week and also, that he is supposed to have barged into Span- ish Villa, a guest- house rented by Zee to house his contestants. On rumours of a cable black-out, Siingh says, "Yes, many viewers from Ghatkopar, Mira Road, Boriv- ili, Kandivili, And- heri (west), Ban- dra, who were eager to watch the show, called me to say that Star One went on the blink for over 15 minutes on this Febru- ary 9. I dismissed it as a one-off case because of some technical fault. "Surprisingly, this was repeat- ed on Saturday and Sunday too. Then I realised that it couldn't be passed off as a technical fault. Since we have decided to show viewers something new, I know that any attempts to reduce the reach of my show will only get more people to watch it," he asserts. On being asked if he went to Spanish Villa at midnight and created a ruckus asking for accommodation for his out-sta- tion contestants, Siingh retorts, "I reached my set this morning for the shoot and that's where I learnt that an absolutely untrue grammes have always been fron- trunner shows on their chan- nel? "No, I parted from Zee on good terms. I don't see why they would stoop down to such mis- chief," says Siingh. Tell us something about the show? "Every day is a different excitement with rounds that test your knowledge in music and make it a thrilling contest. The idea in the first segment is to involve families from across India to participate. I am happy that I have brought a great deal of freshness to an age-old concept," he ends. report had been published. I con- sider it irresponsible journal- ism and these are mere attempts to malign my name. We are all professionals and should work similarly." Where are your contestants staying? "They are staying at Manish Nagar in Andheri. It's a plush apartment and it has been rented two months ago. Star has been very supportive from day one. It's ridiculous that I would take the contestants anywhere, when all their needs are met with in a flat that has five-star facili- ties." The East Zone contestants- Pratik and Pratush Sen- say, "It is rubbish. We are well taken care of in our flat in Manish Nagar." Do you think Zee has a hand in this, considering your pro- This week features Alka Yagnik Ujjaini and Vineet Sangeeta Ghosh

Looking forward to a great show - As Colgate Maxfresh Antakshari - The Great Challenge (Star One)enters its 2nd round, hosts Annu Kapur and Juhi Parmar are all geared up for the musical rounds.

Wanna hear me sing? Energy levels soared to new heights as 'Queen of Melody' Alka Yagnik graced the show and cheered the participants

Now hear me croon! - The beauteous and talented Juhi enthralled the crowds by rendering the hit number, bhumro from Mission Kashmir.

How can I be left behind? - The show was fuelled with zing when the zestful Annu Kapur took over the mike and sung chalat musafir.

Here's a duet - Annu and Juhi took centre stage and gave a marvellous rendition of dholi taro

I'm impressed - Annu at his expressive best to eulogize Miss Parmar.

Text by Ruchika Shah