Sa re ga ma challenge/ Updates/ Comments - Page 3

Shirin AbbasLucknow, July 16: Talent hunts seem to be proving lucky for Lucknow, at least as far as one particular television channel is concerned. Clearing the first big hurdle, city girl Twinkle Bajpai has made it to the list of 32 finalists in the Zee Sa Re Ga Ma PA Challenge 2005. That's not all. While the coming weeks will decide the ultimate winners, music director Adesh Srivastava has already chosen Twinkle to record a song for him.

A B.A. Third Year student of Avadh Girls' Degree College, Twinkle completed her Class X from Emma Thompson School and Class XII from St Teresa's School in the city.

When contacted by Newsline in Mumbai, Twinkle could hardly hide her delight at having come so far. ''But I am trying to brace myself for the tough fight ahead. I know the competition is very tough and I need to give my best. It is not going to be easy,'' she added.

Back home in Lucknow, her mother, Aarti, does not harbour any doubts. ''I am sure she is going to do well. I think my proudest moment was watching her sing in Friday's episode where she was pitted against some very talented girls. Our entire family was rooted to the TV. I must say that while I have heard her sing several times before, I never thought she could sing so well,'' said Aarti.

She was lauded by all the judges: Adesh Srivastava, Hemesh Reshamiyya, Ismail Darbar and Jatin-Lalit for her attempt.

Making her victory even more special is the offer from Adesh Srivastava to sing for him in his next movie.

''That's a big opening. It's still a long journey ahead in the competition and every youngster yearns for recognition and a big break. I am very grateful to Adeshji for giving me a chance,'' she said.

The next phase of the competition begins on July 20 when the contestants will battle it out to make it to the the list of the top 24. After that, the elimination will get tougher by the week till they reach the final tally.

''I hope my training in classical music will stand me in good stead. I thank Zee TV for giving me the platform to realise my dreams and reach this far. It has been a very memorable experience throughout,'' said Twinkle.

If Twinkle does manage to make it to the top slot she will be the second girl from Lucknow to shine through on Zee TV. In Zee's last talent hunt, Zee Cinestars ki Khoj, Aditi Sharma, another local girl, was declared winner. She is now shooting for her forthcoming film.