Indian Idol Ready to Rock from May 4th

The Big Wait is over! The third season of Indian Idol, the immensely successful and popular version of the blockbuster ‘Pop Idol’ format launches on Friday, May 4 at 9.00 p.m. on Sony Entertainment Television. The show that offers distinctive and breakthrough entertainment will be on air every Friday and Saturday at 9.00 p.m.

For the thronging youngsters from big and small towns of India, to contestants from Dubai & London as well, it’s been a humbling experience. The third season of Indian Idol has brought to the platform pure, raw Indian talent from across the world and contenders from all strata of the society. The hopefuls come from everywhere and in every shape, with genuine talent and sincerity to realize their dreams and put fame & fortune within their reach.

The greatest challenge before the young participants (even 16 year olds take the stage!) is to showcase their exceptional talent on the nation’s largest platform. This is no mean task given the vastness of the country and the abounding talent among youth. The journey thro’ the auditions has been one of agony and ecstasy and a once in a life time opportunity to participate in this phenomenal talent hunt, tailor made for television - it combines drama, reality, adventure, humor, thrill, glamour, entertainment – which promises to become an integral part of the viewers’ lives drawing ardent support and a voting frenzy.

As the curtain goes up… There is action from the word GO! The very first episode takes viewers on an emotional journey of thousands of aspirants waiting to realize their dreams.

The exciting third series of Indian Idol on Friday, May 4, 2007 at 9:00 pm kick starts with real drama–two of the judges at loggerheads. The irrepressible Annu Malek and numero uno lyricist, Javed Akhtar do not see eye to eye over Shubhangi a charming young participant from Delhi. While she sings her way to Annu’s heart, who immediately assures her she is making it to Mumbai, Javedsaab feels her diction needs improvement: the argument hots up and viewers will witness some high drama between the unyielding judges!

Where there is talent can quirkiness be far behind? A young man from Delhi arrives for audition with a bouquet of flowers in one hand, a huge poster in the other and a song on his lips. The judges are shocked while he pelts out ‘Happy birthday Alisha’ that is when everyone realizes it is indeed Alisha’s birthday. This is not the end of it, the guy then goes out and returns with a life-size teddy bear, which he presents to the pop diva! He declares himself Alisha’s biggest fan and challenges any greater fan to come forward! An amused and emotionally overcome Alisha Chinai, for once, is at a loss for words!

The episodes, alongside talent and ambition, also throws up the eccentricities of interesting participants who divulge to judges and viewers some of their most endearing and freaky characteristics. Watch and empathize with the thousand plus hopefuls who invest everything they have to showcase their talent before the judges - Annu Malek, Alisha Chinai, Udit Narayan, and Javed Akhtar. The jury’s job is not an enviable one; they have to whittle the list down to 123 deserving finalists!

Join in the excitement & entertainment, as the short-listed contestants get ready to face the nation for the first time ever. The coming weeks will see the eminent panel weed out the contestants to a select 28. The drama unfolds as the viewers vote for their favorite who will eventually become the nation’s third Indian Idol.

Stay tuned to Indian Idol every Friday & Saturday at 9.00 p.m. on Sony Entertainment Television.

WRITTEN BY GOHER IQBAL PUNN (Bollywood Analyst)