Hello people, and welcome to Gala 6! Hussain and Mini opened the show each trying to sing a folksy song and then teasing the other about it. Then to end all unnecessary debate, Hussein called upon the Queen of Modern Folk, the one and only--ILA ARUN!!!! (Ila made her grand entrance with the background score "Nigodi kaisi jawani hai"..hehhe, absolutely love this song --except if I have to dance or sing it in public largely due to the erotic noises Ila repeatedly makes which can make any public appearance with this song very very embarassing😳😆)
Now having said that, let me just note Ila Arun is one lady I like apart from Usha Uthap for not just her unique singing style but also her style mantra. As usual, Ila ji came in looking glamorous in a ghaghra choli with her gorgeous tresses left open--seriously, does this woman ever age?
Mini jokingly asked Ila ji if she looked forward to reuniting with Javed ji--her co-judge from Fame Gurukul. Ila replied that though she came here to judge the sweet contestants, but her actual intentions were to meet Javed bhai--for those who don't know, Ila and Javed ji were often at loggerheads in Fame Gurukul. At this, Javed ji noted that Ila Arun has managed to follow him here as well!
Any case, following a few "not worth mentioning" jokes on the Alisha-Anu so called war (which looks like it is pretty much over), and Hussain saying that Anu ji was looking dapper--umm, he looked the same to me--we begin with the contestants:
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1. Emon Chatterjee
First up, Mini introduced the sweetheart of the nation--none other than Emon Chatterjee
Before Emon could perform, Udit ji told him that if he didn't perform well he would become geography!! Emon looked confused--not that I blame him? At this point, Anu and Alisha intercepted to correct Udit ji saying it should have been history, not geograpy..heheh, poor Udit ji, looks like those weren't his favorite subjects:)
Emon wished to dedicate his number to Parleen, and he sang "Tere naam se likh doon" by Kailash Kher which Parleen had performed during his auditions. The crowd went crazy after Emon completed the song. Here is what the judges had to say:
Alisha: I have run out of words to praise this boy. He was out of this world.
Good thing Alisha has run out of words for a change, rather than repeatedly borrowing words from Shaggy such as bombastic and fantastic, or at times getting phrases wrong! Remember when she told Chang "you blew it" (after a good performance) and to Charu, "you really gave it us" (umm, didn't get that, sorry?) heheh..of course, I love the lady otherwise--takes guts confronting Anu each episode😊
Udit: The audience has already responded to how well you have sung.
Ila Arun: You resemble Sonu Nigam in apprearance. If you had more feel in your song then it would have been better.
Javed Akhtar: I also think that if there was more feel then it would have been better. But technically you were very good.
Anu Malik: I don't agree with Ila ji. For me I have found my playback singer. You have been very eclectic in your performances, and have proven your versatality as a singer.
My score: 9/10
I felt Emon sang really well. He had the feel in it and of course got all the notes and other technalities spot on. For once, I agree with Anu ji that Emon has definitely proved his versatility in every genre. Though I am not sure if Anu ji was serious about finding his playback singer--remember his promises to Amay Date, whatever happened there? Anyways, Emon was consistently good as always
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2. Prashant
The second contestant was Prashant Tamang. His song was "Rind Posho Mal" from Mission Kashmir. I must tell you guys, I was all prepared to criticize Prashant for another weak performance, but he compeletely took me by suprise, and in a good way. Here's what the judges had to say:
Alisha: Your alaaps were fantastic. You are back!
Udit: I thought you were a goner, but you are back in the game with this performance.
Javed Akhtar: Very good. So far it seemed like Darjeeling and Calcutta were sending you votes...but this time all of Hindustan will send you votes.
Ila Arun: Very nice
Anu:I disagree with all the judges (why pray tell us?)
Then he had to come up on stage to prove his point! And then he did the unexpected (yawns ) he hugged Prashant and said he was outstanding!
Okay, so should have known better, Anu ji just couldn't let go of an opportune moment--remember the time he went out of his way to "gale milao" with Parleen after first scaring him to death..heheh😊
My score: 8/10
This was Prashant at his best, in my opinion. I really felt we had lost Prashant the singer, and instead were watching a voting conspiracy unfold with his thanda performances in the gala. But now, for once and for all Prashant can shun his critics, move away from being the next Sanjaya Malakar, and rightfully take his place among the Top 8. He hit the notes in all the right places, and his voice carried the right dard needed to do justice to this song. As Javed ji said, regionalism aside, people from all over India will now vote for him--and rightfully so! Bravo Sepoy Prashant:)
moving on, next up was Deepali....
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3. Deepali
Deepali sang "Nimbooda" from Hum dil de chuke sanam. In a blue lehenga she was really looking beautiful reminiscent of Aishwarya's ghaghra choli dance number. As far, as her singing in this song, all I had to say was WOW! Hussain joked with Deepali that if he had a nimboo with him, he would have presented her with it..after a while he does give her a nimboo
Now, let's hear about what the judges had to say:
Javed Akhtar: I think Anu ji's scolding worked. You were great.
Alisha:Confident, that was really good.
Udit: You have set the stage on fire (in Bihari).
Ila Arun: Its a rajisthani folk song. The amazing thing is that you sang this song without taking a breath. You also retained the sweetness in the song😊
Anu Malik: It is such a difficult song and you have rendered it so beautifully and effortlessly that as a judge this is the first time among all three Idols, I have seen such an outstanding performance.
My score: 9/10
Deepali today was completely in her element. The Deepali today was reminiscent of the mindblowing "Mera Piya Ghar Aaya" Deepali . Her singing along with her sublte performance for this number was outstanding. There was not one note she missed, and staying in sur, in breath, and yet giving such a lively performance is quite a feat! I was worried that her singing would lack passion and would be "technically perfect" but without the soul, but how she proved me wrong. Ladies and gentleman, Deepali is indeed back in the game and how! Tomorrow is Deepali remains in the game, it will be due to her sheer talent and excellent performance this week--no need for any gender sympathy votes for this gal!
I must say up until this point, performances have all been mindblowing, will the other contestants be able to live up to these standards..let's wait and watch:)
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Next up Abhishek Kumar
4. Abhishek sang the title song from Rang de Basanti. I really liked his Punjabi outfit. I guess it was a blue theme today? Everyone's clothes were blue..ladadida. Umm, took me quite a while to realize that--how silly. So Abhishek really gave a zabardast performance a lot of energy trying to live up to Daler Mehendi's excellent rendition of the song. However, was his singing up to the mark? Judges:
Javed Akhtar: Had you sung the song on an a higher scale it would have been better.
Ila Arun: I really liked your liveliness. I appreciate the dance movements too and the way you sang despite not being a Punjabi.
Alisha: I agree with Javed ji. It was good but could have been better.
Udit Narayan: It was good, but you went out of tune in many places. Also a higher scale would have helped.
Anu Malik: You sounded out of tune in between. Try to stay in tune, the scale is not that important.
My score: 7/10
Okay, so the judges gave Abhishek a hard time. This is not to say Abhishek sang poorly, au contraire he was pretty good--but just not excellent. So, what went wrong? Surely, he had the right energy and passion needed for this zabardast number. Hmmm, in my opinion it was a case of too much energy and performance affecting the singing. Abhishek needs to realize that at this point in the game, his singing is all that matters. Looks are out of the window (along with Charu and Parleen), ditto for performance alone (remember the Emon bash after Khaike paan and Puja's failed Mahi ve). At this stage, a contestant can't just be good in his singing, he needs and has to be excellent! What with Prashant back in form, and Emon and Deepali keeping the standards high, even one lackluster performance would spell elimination! Abhishek, mere bhai, I am tad bit worried for you--now up to Junta Janardhan.
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Okay, before the next performer came on stage, the mystery behind the Blue ladadida gala theme was finally revealed as the three girls shown searching for color clues for this week's gala.
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5. Pooja Chatterjee: Man, I felt Puja was really slipping in the Galas and none of her performance left a mark for me. So, again expecting nothing great before she started. But seriously, how many times on this episode do I need to bite my tongue. Puja sang "Saajna Ve" from Taal and oh my dear sweet GOD!! Someone preses the replay button--oops too bad, that doesnt work. She was fantabulous (awed silence.) Judges, judges, please quick, I am running out of words to say!
Javed Akhtar: I am not superstitous but I would recommend you protect yourself from the evil eye (heheh, nazar utar folks)
(At this Mini does a slight "nazar utar" for Puja)
Ila Arun: You reminded me of Resham who was only 18 (umm, who is this Resham--Fame Gurukul gal?). I wish to do a puja for you.
Alisha: To die for performance(Gives Puja a standing O)
Anu Malik: Mini, I swear on my profession. This is the first contestant that has brough tears to my eyes. You are ready to be a Bollywood playback singer😊
Udit Narayan: Anu ji has finally acknowledged you were good. I have always appreciated your performances.
My score: 10/10
This was the best performance of the night. This is probably the only time I will say this: II3 viewers please make sure to watch this performance! It is definitely worth your while. In my opinion, Puja should (I hope) make it safely and smoothly across the elimination waters tomorrow.
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6. Amit: He sang the title track from Omkara. Amit started off with a deep voice to complement Sukhwinder's rendition of the song. At the end of the song, Mini noted that Amit had forgotten some of his lyrics--umm I don't remember the song well enough to comment on this. On to the judges. So judges, did Amit Paul make your day?
Javed Akhtar: I didnt' notice that he forgot his lyrics. Amit, let people say what the want to say, I think your voice is fabulous. (How is this a critique of his performance?..umm moving on)
Ila Arun: I think you might be suited for soft songs better. Your folksy number need a bit of work.
Anu Malik: I disagree with Ila ji. For me u are and outstanding singer. (That is not the point, Anu! Everyone knows he is an outstanding singer.)
Ila ji and Anu have a bit of argument. Ila ji says that the song selection was wrong. Anu stood by his mindless comments about Amit being an outstanding singer.
Udit Narayan: I agree with Ila ji. It was a wrong song choice
Of course, now Anu gets into an argument with Udit ji. Alisha interferes and says that he hasn't given a mind blowing performance as before, to no avail. Finally, Udit ji says that it is not necessary that Anu Malik is correct every time.
Here I would like to add that I felt Anu was being unnecessarily difficult and I applaud the other judges for being so diplomatic in their interactions with him.
My score: 7/10
Definitely one of the weaker performances of the night. I fully agree with Ila and Udit ji's that though it was okay, there was something missing in Amit's rendition of this folksy number. Perhaps, romantic soft songs is his forte and a better song selection would have helped. Either way, Amit cannot afford to arouse controversy among the judges as this might divert audience votes. It's all or nothing time now. I pray he is not in the danger zone tomorrow.
And now, it is time for Ankita Mishra.
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7. Ankita sang "Dilwalo ke dil ka" the famous Shilpa Shetty item number.
Let me just say when Ankita came on stage with her very sexy (non blue, thank god) ghaghra choli, Shilpa Shetty was completely forgotten! She was looking so attractive and then her performance was absolutely stunning. I can imagine guys going crazy over her with this song. Perfect body language and a "masti se bhaari" singing style, this was a truly memorable performance. I joined in on the chorus for ONCE MORE when she was done. Judges, aap ka kya khayal hai?
Javed Akhtar: This song needed more nautanki and masti. But it was still exceptional.
Ila Arun: You were fantastic in my opinion and I really enjoyed your performance.
Alisha: I can say that all your mistakes are forgiven It was mind blowing.
Anu Malik: Concentrate more on sur. But still u were outstanding for me.
Udit Narayan: Performance was good but singing was strictly OK.
My score: 8.5/10
Whehter or not it is technically perfect is perhaps another issue, but in terms of the energy and life in the performance, it was definitely one of the best! I do feel a little heed to her sur and tal would easily establish Ankita among the Top 3. She is in my predictions for being in the Safe Zone. Hats off, girl!
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I must say I like the final contestant's introduction. India's next mindblowing mahiya (taken the music of Cash)--Dr. Chang!
8. Meiyang Chang: Meiyang sang "Rut aageyi re" from 1947 Earth. Without further a due, here is what the judges had to say:
Javed Akhtar: You remind me of Tendulkar. After a bad lapse in performance, he always manages a winning streak.
Ila Arun: You were looking nice and sang well tooAlisha: You are such a natural. You rocked and your voice is unique. Chingo mingo.. (a new name for Chang?..umm glad Chand didn't take offence to this)
Anu Malik: I am not surprised. You proved me right. I knew you would sing zabardast.
Udit Narayan: It was so good that you might just be the next Indian Idol
My score: 8/10
It was good, but in my opinion could have been excellent. This was probably Chang at his best in a long time, but there is always room for improvement. I am glad the judges didn't bash him and ruin his confidence, and instead had encouragement and positive reviews to offer. Though, one thing I must say about Chang, he might have a "unique" voice as Alisha noted, but he really needs to find his forte and create a trademark singing style or else he will find himself in oblivion when this contest is over. Overall, good job Doctor---Carry on!
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Thus, the night ended and how can one drop the curtains without having a mindblowingly sultry rendition from our very own Ila Arun. Ilaji shocked the judges and viewers alike by grabbing Javed saab's hand and pulling him to the stage. Then what followed should be recorded in history as a classic Ila moment. I was spell bound between shock, peals of laughter and genuine magic as Ila ji sang, danced, pushed Javed saab, coerced him to dance along, while the contestants and judges went haywire, with "Dilli shehar mein maro." This much I can say: nobody says "Uyyi Uyyi" and "Hayee" better than Ila Arun
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