30 September 2007

Indian Idol row: Curfew lifted from sensitive areas in Siliguri

Siliguri, Sept 30: Curfew was lifted since this morning from this violence-hit commercial town in North Bengal. Inspector General of Police (North Bengal) R J S Nawla said curfew in the remaining 11 sensitive areas of the town was lifted after the situation was reviewed this morning. The Army and BSF, called out on September 28, were now on standby and expected to be sent back after a review meeting tomorrow morning, he said. Darjeeling District Magistrate Rajesh Pandey has asked all educational institutions to remain closed tomorrow as a precautionary measure. Curfew was withdrawn from most areas in Siliguri yesterday but continued in 11 sensitive areas, including the inter-state Tenzing Norgay bus terminus, Silguri town railway station area and Mahabirsthan. Curfew was clamped on September 28 to quell violence following a clash between fans of Indian Idol Prashant Tamang and local people over making way for an ambulance. There was no untoward incident in Siliguri sub-division in the plains and the three sub-divisions in the Darjeeling hills, with political parties, youth organisations and influential individuals appealing for peace, the IGP said. Bureau Report

Hills are alive with sound of music

Amit: Shillong’s brand ambassador
A Shillong boy’s entry into the finals of Indian Idol is altering reality. Most shops sport posters of 24-year-old Amit Paul. Crowds of girls sit around telephones sending in their votes. Even his house has become, according to his uncle Abhijit Khongsit, “a tourist spot”. Current state urban affairs minister Paul Lyngdoh said, “A small town like Shillong is always in search of heroes… Amit Paul, a Bengali, has flaunted his Shillong roots.”
Meghalaya has a history of violence between the Khasis and settlers from other places, especially the Bengalis. The current wave of support for Amit, coming from all communities, has surprised all. The state government has been asked to declare Amit state ambassador for peace and communal harmony.
Prashant: Darjeeling’s unifying voice
“Vote for Prashant” fever is seeing issues such as the recent spate of landslides and drinking water crisis being put on the backburner.
Local politicians feel that Prashant Tamang has united the Hills and are presenting him as an icon of “the true Gorkha”.
“Prashant has broken the stereotype ‘soldier’ image of Gorkhas,” said Bimal Gurung, a Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader.
Locals want Prashant to win at any cost and have not even spared GNLF chief Subash Ghising. Posters proclaiming that “if Prashant loses, we will not let Ghising return” are splashed all over the town. Ghising is in Indonesia.

Gurkha remark: I&B notice to pvt FM channel

NEW DELHI/SILIGURI: The information and broadcasting ministry on Saturday issued a showcause notice to a Delhi-based private FM channel after its radio jockey’s alleged derogatory remark against Gurkhas sparked violence in Siliguri on Friday. The ministry has given the channel time till Monday to give an explanation on the remarks which it says has violated the programme code of All India Radio. A statement by the ministry said that from the sequence of events it was evident that the "derogatory remarks" against the Gurkha community were in violation of the AIR’s programme code that the channel was expected to follow. The AIR programme code prohibits "any programmes attacking communities, anything defamatory, incitement to violence and anything against law and order. From the sequence of events it is prima facie evident that the remarks are in violation of the programme code of AIR and hence, the permission holder has been given time till 4 pm on October 1, 2007 to explain why action should not be taken against them," a ministry statement said. The government action comes close on the heels of West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s complaint to the home ministry regarding Friday’s violence. The CM had also asked the Union government to take strong action against the FM channel. Several members of the Gurkha community had also protested against the FM channel to the government. Gurkhas have taken exception to the remarks on the channel about Indian Idol talent show winner Prashant Tamang who belongs to the community. An I&B ministry official said, "The Gurkha community has reacted strongly to the remarks by the RJ protesting the stereotyping as racist and insulting." According to a report by the Union home ministry, general strikes were called in several places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sukna in protest and Army and para-military forces were deployed to maintain law and order. There were violent clashes in Siliguri leading to police firing and curfew being imposed. The FM channel’s spokesperson clarified that they had apologised to Prashant Tamang over the "derogatory remarks". Tamang later issued a statement asking his supporters to refrain from violence. Meanwhile, the curfew was lifted from most of places of Siliguri on Saturday. "No untoward incident was reported from anywhere. The Army staged a flag march to ensure peace," a police officer said.

Prashant Tamang is Indian Idol


The verdict is finally out!
After weeks of slugging it out in Sony Entertainment Television's most popular reality show, Indian Idol [Images], Prashant Tamang has won the coveted crown.
The grand finale -- a three-hour show held in National Small Industries Corporation Ground, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi -- saw thousands of fans waiting breathlessly for the results, while millions others watched it from their homes.
The show saw performances from the top 13 contestants, as well as from Mika, Alisha Chinnai, Anu Malik, Udit Narayan and Sukhwinder.
John Abraham made a surprise entry at the end, and was the one to declare Prashant the winner. As soon as he heard the news, Prashant -- a 24-year-old constable from Darjeeling -- became emotional and could not hold back his tears. His mother, who was accompanying him, broke down in tears as well.
On the other hand, runner-up Amit Paul, who hails from Shillong, was all smiles.
Both boys win a Maruti SX4 car each, while Prashant bags a Rs 1 crore contract with Sony as well.
The boys, who seem to be the nation's favourite singers right now, got a whooping seven crore votes during the contest.

Indian Idol contest sparks violence


India's version of American Idol sparked violence today when police clashed with supporters of the winner, leaving at least 30 people injured.
Officials said the army had been called in to maintain calm.
Prashant Tamang, an ethnic Nepali youth from the eastern state of West Bengal, beat Amit Paul from Meghalaya state, inflaming regional rivalries after a closely contested final round last Sunday.
The animosities subsided after the two contestants appealed for peace, but a radio station stoked further trouble by making inflammatory remarks about Tamang this week, angering ethnic Nepalese.
Today, thousands marched in West Bengal's Siliguri town in protest against the remarks. The procession later turned violent, forcing police to fire tear gas shells and use batons.
A Reuters photographer was injured in the clashes.
"The situation is tense. We have placed the entire region under heavy security cover," Ravinder Jit Singh Nalwa, a senior police officer, told Reuters.
Indian Idol is among a slew of singing contests on Indian television judged by audience vote. The voting is heavily parochial, with contestants drawing maximum votes from their native state.
REUTERS

Gorkhas seek apology for RJ Nitin’s comment on Tamang, want Centre to intervene

Aanchal Bansal
New Delhi, September 28 While violence broke out in Darjeeling over a radio jockey’s remarks about Indian Idol winner Prashant Tamang, leaders of Tamang’s Gorkha community in Delhi have asked Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi to intervene.
After Tamang won the contest on Sunday, RJ Nitin (also known as Ulta Pulta Nitin) casually remarked the next day that mall owners and shopkeepers would themselves have to guard their businesses by night.
“Everyone can put two and two together. His comments imply that all Gorkhas are chowkidaars or sell momos on the streets of Delhi,” said Dr Y P Shreshta, a businessman from the community who called up the RJ on hearing the comments. “I told him his comments were offensive and asked him to apologise. He said he wouldn’t and tried to clarify that Tamang was a cop, so all policemen would be celebrating after all.”
Said Dr Enos Das Pradhan, president of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisan, Delhi, “The RJ’s remarks have hurt the sentiments of the community. The FM channel has refused to give a written apology.”
He said the apology was important and necessary. “The media is generally responsible for perpetuating this image by usually showing chowkidars as Gorkhas. We forget that Gorkhas are soldiers and there’s a regiment called the Gorkha Regiment.” Pradhan said that last year, too, another channel had described Gorkhas as chowkidars.
He said many Gorkhas, chiefly those who come to India from Nepal, do take up jobs as watchmen but there's no reason to perpetuate a stereotype about a community.
“The Gorkhas take their name from the eighth century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath. We happen to live in India and Nepal. By implying that Tamang is a Gurkha and therefore a chowkidar, the media is perpetuating a stereotype and ignoring the presence and contribution of over 1 crore people as an Indian community that happens to speak Nepalese,” says Pradhan. Over the last couple of days, the RJ's comments have sparked protests in the Nepali-dominated Kurseong and Kalimpong areas. On Friday, curfew was imposed in Siliguri after clashes broke out when people protesting the comments held up an ambulance taking a patient to hospital. Meanwhile, Tamang has appealed for peace.

Prashant Tamang fans attacked by Amra Bangali Anti-socials

Nepalese residents of Siliguri had taken out a silent protest rally in Siliguri against the derogatory comments made by RJ Nitin Brady of Red FM, Delhi, when an unexpected riot broke out. Amra Bangali, an anti-social outfit (organization), members had already pre-planned the attack according to the analysis of the whole situation.This is the most authentic so called "version of the tale" of the riot that broke out in Siliguri, because its been narrated by one of the participants of the rally who had gone down to Siliguri from Darjeeling to take part in the rally. The rally had submitted a memorandum to the ADM to take action against the RJ for the derogatory comments made. After the submission of the memorandum the rally had virtually ended and the Nepalese people were moving towards their respective homes and at this juncture, some Nepali school girls (Class 8-9) from Krishna Maya School, were returning home from the rally and the Amra Bangali members caught hold of them and showered punches on them - For god sake these were poor little school girls returning. They were beaten so much that their face were defaced. Seeing this some boys from the rally tried to disperse them and to their great surprise, the Amra Bangali members were ready prepared with weapons (swords, knives etc.) and instead chased our Nepalese rally people.The rally people were mostly school children and elderly people and to attack them was just a sign of hatred which the Amra Bangali people were fuming in. These anti-socials started throwing stones at the rally and they resorted to take cover. This is sad but true, but the police were beating the rally people instead of the Amra Bangali people. Were the police supporting the attackers? God only knows. The rally people however didn't retaliate much because there were women, children and senior citizens, but the culprits stuck to their agenda of giving it a riot look. The army had to be pulled in from Sukna who barricaded the minority rally members. They were held surrounded by the Siliguri mob for about 7-8 hours without food and water and remember there were children included. How come people can be so rude that they even didn't spare children in the rally? "The ambulance excuse" seems to be a fake one which seem to have been created by the anti-socials to gain a safe-side on the media front.So much so, it was preplanned Amra Bangali drama because they even attacked Nepalese female college students in Siliguri College itself, but thanks to other sensible Bengali students, they resisted them. The girls were put in one room and were barricaded from being attacked by these Amra Bangali people. However, they smashed the Siliguri college gate. What an attitude. Don't they have their minority people in the hills? They do, but we people from the hills are not stupid anymore, yes, I have Bengali friends here in Darjeeling and they are the elite lot, meaning sensible people and we won't stoop so low to prove ourselves.A reminder - this is not a story pulled out from the sky having no authenticity, this was narrated by one of the rally people who had gone done to Siliguri from Darjeeling to take part in the rally. He had to flee and thank god he is back now - some bruises though.Later the clash wasn't between the Prashant fans and the mob, it was between the Amra Bangali anti-socials and the police. Amra Bangali people wanted to kill Prashant fans and the police in resisting this got into the clash.Now the conclusion part - From the analysis it seems that some Bengalis are not happy with Prashant Tamang becoming the Indian Idol. In an Independent country like India (Bharat Mahan), such anti-social groups like Amra Bangali do exist and the law lets them carry out such incidents and no action is taken what so ever. No action is taken to crush such anti-socials. Lawlessness prevails and that is the fact. The meaning of Indian Freedom and citizenship is in jeopardy and the so called sacred constitution of India seems to be losing its color day by day. Our politicians are all opportunists and are just concerned about the power struggle and the seat. When will India get its true secular identity? When will India gain its total freedom? What about minority communities in India? Are they in safe hands and free from discrimination? Is their own country exploiting them through hatred and racism? And are these Amra Bangali outfit members really Rabindranath Tagore people? The follower of Sir Aurobindo or Bankim Chandra Chatterjee? Were these actions humanitarian?You decide!!I was once in Siliguri near Court More where these Amra Bengali people were giving speech. They spoke in Bengali and though I cannot speak fluently, I am understand every Bengali word - they were instigating people that we Nepalese are from Nepal and should be driven out from India. I literally had a laugh inside me and thought how little they were informed. Anyways, have to face it.My message to all, please don't resort to violence because one or the other will die and what will we gain - a big nothing. Instead, make your own individual economy strong which will instead make the whole community strong. Economy is what we should concentrate on and forget all political influences. Lets prove them individually. Khukuri ko din gayo, dimag ko game khelnu parcha which is safe and beneficial. Though one message to Amra Bangali - if you hate us so much and don't even like the sight of us - GIVE US A SEPARATE STATE - THE STATE OF GORKHALAND. Na rahe ga bas na bajeka baasuri. JAI GORKHA, JAI GORKHALAND!

RJ Nitin from Red FM discriminated Prashant Tamang and the whole of the Nepalese community




RJ Nitin of Red FM Delhi splatted Prashant Tamang and the whole of our Nepalese people to the wall through his live show on Red FM from Delhi. Again are we the same silent lot who will do nothing and watch the oppression thats being so called conferred upon us. This is 100% racial discrimination and we have to have to have to DO SOMETHING and teach him a lesson. He should publicly apologize through media any one paper, tv etc. and apologizing just through his radio red fm will not be enough.His words on the show:"Aaaj Prashant Tamang 'Nepali larka from Darjeeling' has become Indian Idol 'with sarcastic laugh'.. and we have match tonight so we need to guard our house / malls / resturants by ourself as there will be no Nepali People to guard these place and whole night we need to say "Jagtay Raho". He also added that all the Footpath momo shops will remain closed as Nepali guy has become Indian Idol."What the fuck is this? Again I repeat, what is the meaning of Indian Freedom when one citizen discriminates the other. Why should we be so proud of the Indian Constitution if it gets defied publicly as RJ Nitin of Red FM has done? This is a shame and a sad incident. This is a concern for the whole of India and its citizens. Big talk on supporting minority community can be heard from many but practically this is how minority communities are supported - THROUGH HATRED AND DISCRIMINATION.People open your eyes wide, this mother fucker should be sued and really sued the hard way.So many people were grumbling about Prashant being in the finals and I had told them, people grumble away and you will still be grumbling in a corner after Prashant becomes the Indian Idol. He is now the Indian Idol and you people must still be grumbling - oh it gives so much pleasure. Now its your turn to grumble.

Prashant Tamang’s fans, Siliguri residents clash



Protest against remarks made on FM channel turns violent
—Photo: PTI MOB FURY: A motorcycle set afire by a mob protesting against the comments by a radio jockey in Siliguri on Friday.
KOLKATA: A clash broke out in Siliguri on Friday between the fans of Prashant Tamang, recently selected Indian Idol, and local residents during a march protesting alleged derogatory remarks against him by a radio jockey of a Delhi-based private frequency-module channel.
Later Mr. Tamang, who won a television channel-sponsored nationwide “talent-hunt” for crooners, appealed to his supporters through a local television channel not to resort to violence and to maintain peace in the region. He said action had been sought against the FM channel.
Vehicles, including police jeeps, were set ablaze, shops attacked and brickbats exchanged between the warring groups forcing the police to fire three rounds after bursting of teargas shells and a baton-charge failed to quell the disturbances. Several persons, including some police officials, were injured in the violence.
The trouble, which was sparked off by an alleged attack on a woman by some in the procession, threatened to snowball into a riot. The demonstrators, who were on their way to the office of the sub-divisional office to submit a memorandum demanding action against the radio channel, allegedly prevented an ambulance headed for a nearby hospital from passing through. The Army was called in to help the police in restoring normality in the town. There will be a flag march in some of the sensitive areas, a senior police official said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said the situation was tense and his government would initiate legal action against the channel and was in touch with the Home Ministry.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr.PC were promulgated in the town. Additional police forces have been rushed to the area where the Rapid Action Force has been deployed.
The State police administration decided to send a team of officials to New Delhi to investigate allegations against the radio jockey, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said here.
Bandhs were called and rallies held in the Darjeeling hills over the past few days against the comment made earlier this week even before the jubilation following Mr. Tamang’s victory had subsided.

CALCUTTA POLICE ORCHESTRA SWAMPED WITH FOREIGN OFFERS

-
IMRAN AHMED SIDDIQUI

Prashant Tamang holds aloft his Indian Idol award
After growing Sony Television’s audience, Indian Idol Prashant Tamang is doing the same for the Calcutta police band — with a mike, not gun, in hand.

With Puja round the corner, Bengalis in the US and Hong Kong are making a beeline for the Calcutta police band to get it to perform at their festivities. The band has also received requests from Nepal, where Tamang is now a national hero.

“Several Bengalis in Hong Kong and the US have requested the Calcutta police orchestra to perform at their Durga puja functions there,” the special additional commissioner of police, Zulfiquar Hasan, told Metro on Wednesday.

“We are happy that our band has become so popular following Prashant Tamang’s victory in Indian Idol 3. The NRIs want our band to lend a Bengali touch to their festivities,” added Hasan.

The rise in the band’s popularity and demand has been in tune with Tamang’s success in the talent show. As early as last month, a women’s organisation from Nepal had invited the band to perform at a cultural event in the Himalayan kingdom in December.

But for Calcutta police, it’s not easy saying ‘yes’ to all these invitations. “For that, we have to take permission from the Centre. We have already informed the state home department and they have assured us of help,” said an IPS officer at Lalbazar.

“When a representative from the Nepal-based women’s organisation came to us with the request, we had to ask her to wait, as a government clearance was required. The organisation wants to felicitate the band, especially Prashant Tamang,” Hasan said.

Tamang has won a Rs 1-crore music contract with Sony, which has prompted rumours about him quitting the police job, as he cannot accept the money without permission from the state government.

Moreover, he has to take a year-long leave for accepting the contract. “According to the rules, he has to take permission from the government. The contract is only for a year and we are hopeful that he will be granted special leave for that period. He has said he wants to continue with his job and we are very happy. He will be back in Calcutta next week,” said police commissioner Prasun Mukherjee.

Prashant Interview after II3

After Abhijeet Sawant and Sandip Acharya, it is the turn of Prashant Tamang to revel in the limelight. He still cannot believe it, though – still thinks it is a dream. From his chowki to a recording studio – he recalls his journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Q. What was your life like, as a constable in a chowki?
A. Nothing like this! The only thing in common between my life then, and my life now, is music. It has always been a part of my life. It has brought me here, and I am happy.


Q. Did you ever imagine that one day you would be here?
A. Absolutely not. In fact, when I had come here to audition, I never imagined that I would win.


Q. You have not only won the 'Indian Idol 3' crown, but also a contract and a car? Which of these is the most precious to you?
A. The love and support of the audience. I am proud that I did not let down those who believed in me. Their joy is my biggest reward. Anybody can earn money, but I have earned both money and made a name for myself. I am excited about that.


Q. What are your future plans? Will you work even harder now to make a mark in the music industry, or will you go back to your previous job?
A. The Kolkata Police Force, where I was working, want me to move forward. I want to work harder. I want to fulfil the expectations of those who have pinned their hopes on me. I want to be a singer. However, I want to meet my colleagues and seniors once – they have given me a lot of support and strength.


Q. Now that you have won the title, what do your family members have to say?
A. They are very happy. My mother has always wanted to see me on television. When I won the title, I called her on stage, and paid my respects to her. That was my most memorable moment.


Q. We have heard rumours that you will make an appearance on either 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja 2' or 'Nach Baliye 3'.
A. (laughing) I know nothing about this. You are the first person who has mentioned this to me.


Q. The previous winners of this title disappeared after a few days of fame? Where do you think you are headed?
A. I understand that this contest is just a platform – an entry into the music industry. This is where we were noticed. The journey has just begun. How hard we work, depends entirely on us. It is not like Abhijeetda and Sandipda are not doing anything. Abhijeetda recently recorded and released his album. Sandipda is also going to launch his album soon. Karunya and Amit Sana are also launching their respective albums. God willing, I will be able to record and release my own album, when the time is right.


Q. Three judges thought that Amit Paul deserved to be the winner. In fact, Javed Akhtar had once mentioned that you are not good enough to be a contestant. How did that feel?
A. I do not think that Javedsaab said that to belittle me. I always thought his criticism was constructive, that he made comments so that we could improve. He always saw where we were going wrong, and mentioned it. Whatever I am today, I am because of his honesty.


Q. One contestant, Richa Aneja, refused to sing with you, earlier in the contest? How did you feel then, and what do you think now?
A. Yes, I remember. I was a little hurt, because she had not heard me sing, and yet she refused to sing with me. Then I realized that she is a kid, and that was her childishness. I did not take the incident too seriously. It was all sorted out in the end.


Q. How does it feel to be an Indian Idol?
A. Great! I still think I am dreaming, and then I think that my dreams have come true. Responsibilities have increased now. I have to work harder, and be more sincere now.


Q. According to you, is your co-contestant, Amit Paul, a better performer than a singer?
A. He was good at both. I prefer his singing – he has a great voice.


Q. What is your relationship with him?
A. We bonded well at the beginning of the contest, and both Amit and Abhishek became very close friends of mine. I was shocked when Abhishek was eliminated. I missed him a lot.


Q. Are you planning to settle down in Mumbai, or will you go home?
A. I have not decided that as yet. Let's see what the future holds, and I will make that decision accordingly. Right now, I leave it to fate.

Prashant Interview after II3

After Abhijeet Sawant and Sandip Acharya, it is the turn of Prashant Tamang to revel in the limelight. He still cannot believe it, though – still thinks it is a dream. From his chowki to a recording studio – he recalls his journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Q. What was your life like, as a constable in a chowki?
A. Nothing like this! The only thing in common between my life then, and my life now, is music. It has always been a part of my life. It has brought me here, and I am happy.


Q. Did you ever imagine that one day you would be here?
A. Absolutely not. In fact, when I had come here to audition, I never imagined that I would win.


Q. You have not only won the 'Indian Idol 3' crown, but also a contract and a car? Which of these is the most precious to you?
A. The love and support of the audience. I am proud that I did not let down those who believed in me. Their joy is my biggest reward. Anybody can earn money, but I have earned both money and made a name for myself. I am excited about that.


Q. What are your future plans? Will you work even harder now to make a mark in the music industry, or will you go back to your previous job?
A. The Kolkata Police Force, where I was working, want me to move forward. I want to work harder. I want to fulfil the expectations of those who have pinned their hopes on me. I want to be a singer. However, I want to meet my colleagues and seniors once – they have given me a lot of support and strength.


Q. Now that you have won the title, what do your family members have to say?
A. They are very happy. My mother has always wanted to see me on television. When I won the title, I called her on stage, and paid my respects to her. That was my most memorable moment.


Q. We have heard rumours that you will make an appearance on either 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja 2' or 'Nach Baliye 3'.
A. (laughing) I know nothing about this. You are the first person who has mentioned this to me.


Q. The previous winners of this title disappeared after a few days of fame? Where do you think you are headed?
A. I understand that this contest is just a platform – an entry into the music industry. This is where we were noticed. The journey has just begun. How hard we work, depends entirely on us. It is not like Abhijeetda and Sandipda are not doing anything. Abhijeetda recently recorded and released his album. Sandipda is also going to launch his album soon. Karunya and Amit Sana are also launching their respective albums. God willing, I will be able to record and release my own album, when the time is right.


Q. Three judges thought that Amit Paul deserved to be the winner. In fact, Javed Akhtar had once mentioned that you are not good enough to be a contestant. How did that feel?
A. I do not think that Javedsaab said that to belittle me. I always thought his criticism was constructive, that he made comments so that we could improve. He always saw where we were going wrong, and mentioned it. Whatever I am today, I am because of his honesty.


Q. One contestant, Richa Aneja, refused to sing with you, earlier in the contest? How did you feel then, and what do you think now?
A. Yes, I remember. I was a little hurt, because she had not heard me sing, and yet she refused to sing with me. Then I realized that she is a kid, and that was her childishness. I did not take the incident too seriously. It was all sorted out in the end.


Q. How does it feel to be an Indian Idol?
A. Great! I still think I am dreaming, and then I think that my dreams have come true. Responsibilities have increased now. I have to work harder, and be more sincere now.


Q. According to you, is your co-contestant, Amit Paul, a better performer than a singer?
A. He was good at both. I prefer his singing – he has a great voice.


Q. What is your relationship with him?
A. We bonded well at the beginning of the contest, and both Amit and Abhishek became very close friends of mine. I was shocked when Abhishek was eliminated. I missed him a lot.


Q. Are you planning to settle down in Mumbai, or will you go home?
A. I have not decided that as yet. Let's see what the future holds, and I will make that decision accordingly. Right now, I leave it to fate.

27 September 2007

prashant with a nepali tune


Nepal and the Nepali-speaking diaspora worldwide erupted in joy after their newest icon, Indian policeman Prashant Tamang, vanquished his closest competitor Amit Paul to lift the third Indian Idol title in Sony Television channel's hugely popular reality show.
Soon after midnight, as Bollywood actor John Abraham declared Prashant the winner of the coveted Rs.10 million contract and a sleek Maruti Suzuki SX4 car in New Delhi, ecstatic fans in Kathmandu started bursting crackers while crowds danced on the streets, screaming the 24-year-old's name again and again in delight.


As the results were announced and the Darjeeling boy's mother put the Nepali dhaka topi -- that is part of the Nepali national dress -- on her son's head, Nepal went wild with pride and joy.


Despite the lateness of the hour, spontaneous processions marched on the streets of Kathmandu in Thamel, the tourist hub, near the royal palace, Boudhanath, where the Tibetan diaspora lives, in Pulchowk, near an engineering campus, and in Pokhara town and other areas as well.

The rallies were reminiscent of another national celebration last year, when similar late night demonstrations erupted following King Gyanendra's decision to surrender the power he had seized through a coup and restore democracy. Indian Idol 3: The official website | In Video: Watch the 40 best moments on Indian Idol 3 | All about Amit, Prashant & all Idol contestants

The victory marks the culmination of a sustained campaign for Prashant in which Nepal played a considerable part.

Various organisations and individuals in Nepal had been raising funds to send SMS votes to help the boy from Tungsung village win. Determined teams went to Darjeeling on the eve of the grand finale Sunday to vote for him from there after Nepal Telecom said its SMS service could not be used to send votes.

On Monday, the beaming face of Prashant, wearing the Nepali cap and garlanded with khatas, the traditional white Nepali scarf, leapt out of the front pages of Nepal's dailies.

"Nepal's heart-throb new Indian Idol", said the Himalayan Times daily while Kantipur, Nepal's largest sold newspaper, simply said "Prashant has won". Its sister concern, the Kathmandu Post, claimed Prashant as Nepal's own with its headline "Nepali Prashant Tamang crowned Indian Idol".

Though Nepal is passing through a critical stage with its Maoist guerrillas having quit the government and begun a protest movement to foil the crucial November election, the average Nepali forgot political considerations to focus on Prashant's fate Sunday.

They also ignored the ongoing problems of Nepal's biggest party, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's Nepali Congress, that is holding a critical meeting to decide whether it will support monarchy or not.

In the small-town boy who had no formal training in music and was forced to take up a job early in life after the death of his father but still overcame great odds and nearly 30,000 aspirants to win, Nepal has found a new icon.

The Prashant frenzy will reach an even greater height Saturday when the conquering hero comes to Kathmandu to rock the capital at a live concert.

Surya Nepal, ITC's joint venture in Nepal, is sponsoring the concert to promote its newly launched Springwood brand of clothes targeting the middle class.

Two more popular Indian Idol contestants, who have already taken part in shows in Kathmandu - Ankita and Deepali - will accompany Prashant.

The trio will also participate in a concert in Pokhara city.

Prasant Tamang felicitated by Kolkata Police

KOLKATA: The new Indian Idol Prasant Tamang, a constable of Kolkata Police has been felicitated by the commissioner of Kolkata Police, Prasun Mukherjee at the police headquarters on Tuesday.

The felicitation was received by his mother Rupa Tamang as Prasant is still not in town. Mukherjee handed her over a congratulatory letter from Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee. Prasant's sister Archana was also present.

"We will give him a separate reception once he comes back," Mukhrjee said to the reporters. The Kolkata Police Family Welfare Association would give him another reception.

Asked whether he would be allowed to continue with his singing career as it was against government rules that a government employee cannot earn from a different source, he said, "This is a special case. I have verbally asked for permission from the Chief Minister and he gave the consent".

On how could he continue duties in a one-year contract with the organisers of the Indian Idol when he would have to stay outside most of the time, Mukherjee said "I haven't seen the contract but Prasant is our treasure and we will try to keep him in the force".

A resident of Darjeeling, Prasant's father Madan, a constable in Kolkata Police, died in 1992 and Prasant got the job on compassionate ground. He was posted on bodyguard lines.

And then the fortune fairy passed by. He was primarily selected in the Indian idol and his voice won the hearts of millions across the country. He made it to the finals and then it was a history.

Prasant's mother Rupa honoured the Commissioner of Police in a traditional way by giving him a Khada, a white piece of cloth.

Prasant Tamang felicitated by Kolkata Police

KOLKATA: The new Indian Idol Prasant Tamang, a constable of Kolkata Police has been felicitated by the commissioner of Kolkata Police, Prasun Mukherjee at the police headquarters on Tuesday.

The felicitation was received by his mother Rupa Tamang as Prasant is still not in town. Mukherjee handed her over a congratulatory letter from Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee. Prasant's sister Archana was also present.

"We will give him a separate reception once he comes back," Mukhrjee said to the reporters. The Kolkata Police Family Welfare Association would give him another reception.

Asked whether he would be allowed to continue with his singing career as it was against government rules that a government employee cannot earn from a different source, he said, "This is a special case. I have verbally asked for permission from the Chief Minister and he gave the consent".

On how could he continue duties in a one-year contract with the organisers of the Indian Idol when he would have to stay outside most of the time, Mukherjee said "I haven't seen the contract but Prasant is our treasure and we will try to keep him in the force".

A resident of Darjeeling, Prasant's father Madan, a constable in Kolkata Police, died in 1992 and Prasant got the job on compassionate ground. He was posted on bodyguard lines.

And then the fortune fairy passed by. He was primarily selected in the Indian idol and his voice won the hearts of millions across the country. He made it to the finals and then it was a history.

Prasant's mother Rupa honoured the Commissioner of Police in a traditional way by giving him a Khada, a white piece of cloth.

25 September 2007

Prashant Tamang is Bharat Ki Shaan, The Indian Idol 3

Hailing from Darjeeling, Prashant has now become the Boy Next door, as he has managed to walk into the hearts of the people of India, with his lively songs. John Abraham declared the name of the winner at a glittering function in New Delhi. An ecstatic Prashant hugged his parents and thanked the Kolkata Police, judges and his fans as he accepted the prize--a one-crore music contract and a Maruti SX car. After months of hard work, perseverance and dedication, the 24 year old Prashant Tamang reached to the winning title in grand style. From being a part of the police force in Kolkata, to being the youth icon of the country, Prashant surely has come a long way. With a total of 7 crore votes that came in, Prashant Tamag got away with the maximim votes.The runner up of third season on Indian Idol was the young heart throb of millions - Amit Paul. Amit not only managed to make it to the top 2, with the wild card entry, but was also chosen as the Brand Ambassador of Meghalaya during his journey in Indian Idol. Along with Prashant Tamag, Amit Paul too was gifted a brand new Maruti S4 car, for his brilliant performance. Both the contestants were gifted a Sony Erricson mobile phone, apart from the love and fame that they recieved over the last three months from people all over the world. We wish the lucky winner - Prashant Tamang a hearty congratulations, and wish Amit the very best for future.

‘Indian Idol’ cheered

Siliguri: As Prashant Tamang, 24, was crowned ‘Indian Idol-3’ at the finale of the two-month-long talent hunt, celebrations erupted in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, from where he hails.

The revelry started as soon as actor John Abraham announced the name on Sunday night. People from different walks of life burst crackers, and hugged and applied colour powder on one another.

Fireworks boomed. Decorations with lights, flags and festoons were everywhere. A large number of people from the region had voted by means of SMS for him since September 21.

Educational institutions in the region had a holiday on Monday. Processions were taken out in Darjeeling Sadar, Kurseong and Kalimpong. The district administration deployed extra security in the hills.

In Gangtok, people, particularly the youth, celebrated with firecrackers. People who were glued to their television sets during the live telecast featuring Tamang and Amit Paul, a native of Meghalaya, as contenders, instantly started celebrations as the name of the young man from Darjeeling was announced. They congratulated one another. Many young people took to the streets and raised slogans such as ‘Prashant Zindabad.’ The celebrations continued throughout the night in many places. — PTI

prashant wins Indian Idol 3

When he decided to try his luck at the Indian Idol reality show, winner Prashant Tamang probably did not dream that he would make it to the top.

Even if he did imagine that, the 24-year-old from Tungsung village in Darjeeling district could have never thought, even in his wildest dreams, that for many in Nepal his win would become a symbol of political victory over their southern neighbour India, frequently regarded as an arm-twisting bully.

For nearly two months, Nepal agonised over Indian Idol while its own contest Nepali Tara went ignored. Indeed, the Nepalese contest had to change its timing since no one watched it while it clashed with Idol.

Why would a nation ignore its own talents and devote its energies to promoting a singer whose ancestors originated from Nepal?

The answer is because, for many Nepalese, Darjeeling is still part of Nepal.

In the 19th century, Darjeeling and other parts of Sikkim had been annexed by Nepal. However, as the British East India Company tried to open trade routes to Tibet via Sikkim, Nepal waged war against the Company and lost.

As a result, it was forced to sign the Sugauli Treaty and withdraw from all the territory it had occupied in Sikkim, Kumaon, Garhwal and much of the Terai.

Though the British found it difficult to govern the Terai and restored some of it to Nepal, Darjeeling, Kumaon and Garhwal remained part of British India.

When India obtained independence in 1947, Nepal hoped to get back its wrested land but did not.

Since then, the dream of achieving a "Greater Nepal" some day in the future with the lost area still remains in the mind of the Nepalese.

Royalists had been demanding a Greater Nepal and the Maoists, the opponents of the royalists, want it as well, demanding that the Sugauli Treaty be scrapped.

There has been no formal treaty between Nepal and India after 1947, even after Sikkim's merger with India in 1975, which Nepal regards as the annexation of Sikkim.

Nepal still does not formally recognise Sikkim's "annexation", nor has India sought recognition from Nepal.

Therefore Nepalis still regard Darjeeling as a part of Nepal that should be restored and Prashant Tamang is considered a Nepalese.

His victory Sunday therefore is the victory of Nepal over India in a way, which is why, despite his Indian citizenship, the fact that Prashant speaks Nepali at home, which constitutionally is an Indian language as well, is being regarded as evidence of his being a Nepalese.

Ironically, actress Manisha Koirala, who carved a niche in Bollywood, was never an icon in Nepal.

One reason was probably because she came from one of Nepal's most influential families and the average Nepali did not identify with her.

Her popularity also took a dive after she supported King Gyanendra when the king tried to seize absolute power through an army-backed coup.

Nepalis feel that Manisha obtained stardom with the help The politics behind Prashant's Indian Idol winof the Indian film industry, she did not "defeat" thousands of Indian contenders to attain success.

Prashant Tamang is Indian Idol 3

Finally, they put us all out our misery and announced the next Indian Idol.

And yes, it is Prashant Tamang. I was gunning for Amit Paul all along - he is, after all, the total package, and while Prashant’s growth and roots are worthy of appreciation, I don’t think he really is a class act as a singer, and more importantly, Indian-Idol material.

The janta thought otherwise. For once, democracy flaunted its might, and here I am hoping it didn’t. Ironic. I’m glad we’re over with it.

Because Indian Idol 3 was starting to get silly, overhyped and overspectacular. I thought the idea was a reality TV show, on the hunt for talent? The two finalists, however, have hogged such limelight that, in spite of my appreciation of their vocal and stage abilities, I puked everytime they went ‘Prashant’ or ‘Amit’ in the last few days.

Considering that it would be hard to surf the internet over the last few days without coming across those two names, here’s a list of news articles that go on to show what the media is capable of. Honestly, given the license, they would make a celebrity out of anyone or anything that moved, including the dustbin at home.

Sure looks like more of it is directed to Prashant Tamang. First, prisoners voting for him becomes a news article on TOI, and then, it looks like there’s a booze ban out there too, to help in the voting.

And hey, what business do two upcoming stars have with the Congress President?

The final, of course, was as spectacular (and silly) as can be. It was more like the oscars - dazzling stage shows, the works. Even Alisha Chinai - one the few people I’d really miss the most from this show - went ‘Chang’ until I cried mercy. And then, while she did threaten to turn the stage into a Chang-ka-adda, they mercifully broke into ‘woh ladki hai khan’. And there was a portrait for the lady too, made by the kid himself.

Even Abhijeet Sawant joined the party, rendering his junoon, which honestly is worth more than a listen.

And here I was, waiting for the results to be announced, the programme itself was diluted with all those commercial ads. Now, I don’t mind them too much - I’ve grown up on cricket matches on Star Sports where they used to air the same ad thrice consecutively - but seven minutes - isn’t that too much of a break?

Never mind, the show is over.

And hey, Mini Mathur, we’ll miss you!

http://mutiny.in/2007/09/23/prashant-tamang-is-indian-idol-3/

20 September 2007

52525 FOR PRASHANT ONLY: MISS NORTH EAST



Gangtok, September 14: Mega Miss North East 2007 Geetanjali Thapa beg vote for Prashant in Gangtok last Wednesday. She arrived here to receive a warm reception of Rotary Club of International, Gangtok. Miss Thapa, the girl from Soreng, Sikkim, first made her way to modeling industry finally got the title of Mega Miss North-East in Guwahati recently and opens the door for direct entry into the prestigious Femina Miss India Contest. Miss Thapa won the hearts of the North-east diaspora by her beauty and brain.
She was previously crowned as Miss Beautiful Skin 2006 in Kolkata in the May Queen Contest and as Miss Photogenic, Miss Popular by Judges and Miss University by public vote in Mr. and Miss University National 2006 in Mumbai. Miss Thapa is first main actress in first English film produced in Sikkim 'The Myth', when she was in the age of 15 only.

A Weeklong Celebration to the Grand Finale of Indian Idol

Dont miss the Week long Celebration to the Grand Finale of Indian Idol from Monday to Sunday, September 17th to 23rd only on Sony Entertainment Television.

It was February 2007 when auditions began for Indian Idol Season 3. Six months later, the most popular season of the show comes to its grand finale. With only a week to go before the winner is found, Indian Idol is heading for an exciting and nail- biting finish. With both finalists high on the popularity list, it is going to be tough for the viewers to select one amongst them as the winner. May the best man win is the heartfelt prayer. So who is India going to vote for? Who will walk away with the title Indian Idol Bharat Ki Shaan? Will it be the cool cop from Darjeeling, Prashant Tamang or will it be the dark horse from Shillong, Amit Paul? Ab Bharat ki haathon mein hai Bharat ki Shaan!

There have been loads of excitement and drama at every Gala and buckets of tears shed during the Saturday eviction. The show & the viewers have lost some of its good singers to voting. As a run-up to the most exciting finale, it is going to be a week long celebration of Indian Idol on Sony Entertainment Television. Starting from September 17th to Sunday September 23rd, 2007 every night at 9.00 pm, Indian Idol will bring to viewers some exciting and never-seen-before excerpts from the musical journey and the dream run of Amit Paul and Prashant Tamang.

Monday September 17th – We showcase to the viewers the musical journey of Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling who bunked duty, (he is from the Kolkata police) to audition for the popular Indian Idol. Little did Prashant realize then, that reaching Indian Idol Top 2 will be a dream come true. Thanks to his Police force & loyal fans, who have supported him from the very beginning! Watch the true story of this modest young man and his rise to the top.

Tuesday September 18th— Track the amazing route of Amit Paul from his home town Shillong to the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and reaching the Top 2 of Indian Idol. Amit will never forget his early eviction, and of course his Wild Card entry! His ardent admirers brought him back and Amit promised them that he would not let them down. There's no looking back for Amit…

Wednesday September 19th – Recount the mind-blowing experience of Amit and Prashant in their respective home towns of Shillong and Darjeeling. Crowds came in mind boggling numbers, both young and old, thronging the homeward route for miles. In picturesque Darjeeling, the crowds went ballistic just to see their simple sepoy Prashant, who brought so much joy and cheer to their lives and made them so proud. While in Shillong, the mountains echoed with the sound of music, as Amit returned home like a hero… to be honored as the ambassador of peace and goodwill for Meghalaya.

Thursday September 20th—We salute the honorable judges of Indian Idol whose months of hard work and training helped shortlist the country's best singing talent among thousands of aspirants. Their efforts will bring to the fore that ONE voice which becomes the voice of the nation. They were sometimes hard on them, sometimes showered them with praises…but never a moment when they missed their performances. Meet the jury behind Indian Idol 3.

Friday September 21st— The viewers will be treated to the rocking performance of Amit and Prashant in Kolkata, their last public performance before the grand finale.


Saturday September 22nd— Prashant & Amit will perform on the Indian Idol stage for the last time. Also, a sneak preview to the second season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Dancing with the stars which goes on air from Friday September 28th.


Sunday September 23rd-- The grand finale of Indian Idol 3 is in Delhi. The three-hour live event will be attended by a galaxy of stars, celebrities, dignitaries among others from 9.00 pm to midnight. Watch this only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Vote for Prashant!

Names of Donors for Prashant Fan Club in Darjeeling

Here is the update from thamel.com KTM. Lets do some more guys.

Names of Donors for Prashant Fan Club in Darjeeling
Funds Collected will be used by Prashant Fan Club for installation of public booths
Disbursement of mobile recharge vouchers to the Prashant Fan Club
Last updated 9/17/2007 7:30 AM Pacific Time 1,530.39

SN Date Name Town /City Country Amount Paypal Fee Net Amount
1 9/14/2007 sonam lama elmhurst USA 20.00 (0.8 19.12
2 9/14/2007 Nirab Manandhar Kirksville USA 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
3 9/14/2007 Bikram Kumai Tempe USA 30.00 (1.17) 28.83
4 9/14/2007 Numa Fudong London UK 50.00 (2.25) 47.75
5 9/14/2007 Salana Adhikari Fargo USA 20.00 (0.8 19.12
6 9/14/2007 Kamala Gurung Minneapolis USA 50.00 (2.25) 47.75
7 9/14/2007 Posraj Bhujel Chattanooga USA 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
8 9/14/2007 Amrit Rai Copenhagen USA 20.00 (0.8 19.12
9 9/14/2007 swarnim ranjitkar hayward USA 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
10 9/15/2007 Ghanashyam Neupane Northport USA 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
11 9/15/2007 Milan Bista Arlington USA 150.00 (4.65) 145.35
12 9/15/2007 Samir Gyawali Long Beach USA 3.00 (0.39) 2.61
13 9/15/2007 Birendra Adhikari Simi Valley USA 20.00 (0.8 19.12
14 9/15/2007 Ashish Bhandari Falls Church VA 8.00 (0.53) 7.47
15 9/15/2007 Om Devkota Natchitoches LA 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
16 9/15/2007 kripa hada Spartanburg SC 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
17 9/15/2007 bishakha shrestha new hope MN 16.20 (0.77) 15.43
18 9/15/2007 Kaushal Shrestha Worcester MA 20.00 (0.8 19.12
19 9/15/2007 Madan Baral Prior Lake MN 21.00 (0.91) 20.09
20 9/15/2007 sumnima limbu warrenville IL 25.00 (1.03) 23.97
21 9/15/2007 bishwas chamling bonn Germany 20.00 (1.0 18.92
22 9/15/2007 Birendra Shrestha Euless TX 50.00 (1.75) 48.25
23 9/15/2007 ambika pradhan hayward CA 30.00 (1.17) 28.83
24 9/15/2007 rajib shrestha troy AL 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
25 9/15/2007 Rosha Shrestha Wales Australia 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
26 9/15/2007 bhupendra mahat boulder United States 20.00 (1.0 18.92
27 9/15/2007 Samriddhi Karki Brunswick West Australia 15.00 (0.89) 14.11
28 9/15/2007 Elina Shrestha South Hadley United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
29 9/15/2007 Susil Rayamajhi San Carlos United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
30 9/16/2007 Binod Basnet Bonita Springs United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
31 9/16/2007 Roshan Shrestha Laurel United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
32 9/16/2007 Prakriti Thapa Magar MN United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
33 9/16/2007 Aalok Sharma AZ United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
34 9/16/2007 Samjhana Karki NY United States 20.00 (0.8 19.12
35 9/16/2007 Rubi Baral SC United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
36 9/16/2007 Prachanda Adhikari MA United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
37 9/16/2007 Ghanashyam Pokharel TX United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
38 9/16/2007 suni pandey PA United States 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
39 9/16/2007 Sandesh Acharya Ontario Canada 20.00 (1.0 18.92
40 9/16/2007 Mira Yonjan VA United States 17.00 (0.79) 16.21
41 9/16/2007 Binaya Shrestha CA United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
42 9/16/2007 hari bohara OK United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
43 9/16/2007 Bishwash Hamal Pirkanamaa Finland 10.00 (0.69) 9.31
44 9/16/2007 Prabesh Pokhrel LA United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
45 9/16/2007 Bigyan Shrestha VA United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
46 9/16/2007 Suresh Joshee Alberta Canada 30.00 (1.47) 28.53
47 9/16/2007 Himal Kafle WI United States 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
48 9/16/2007 smriti shrestha CO United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
49 9/16/2007 Kiran Tuladhar CA United States 20.00 (0.8 19.12
50 9/16/2007 Prajesh Acharya CA United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
51 9/16/2007 liza shrestha west lafayette United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
52 9/16/2007 Krishna Sharma Detroit United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
53 9/16/2007 JagadishNReena Kaphle Iowa United States 51.00 (1.7 49.22
54 9/16/2007 Bhesh Ghimire Iowa United States 11.00 (0.62) 10.38
55 9/16/2007 Ashok Neupane highlands ranch United States 25.00 (1.03) 23.97 $993.25 Transferred to Darjeeling on 9-17-2007
56 9/16/2007 Barsha Bista Annandale United States 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
57 9/16/2007 Bikash Gurung Hooksett United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
58 9/16/2007 Laxman Thapa Houston United States 11.00 (0.62) 10.38
59 9/16/2007 Jiba Acharya Baton Rouge United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
60 9/16/2007 saroj maharjan Minneapolis United States 11.00 (0.62) 10.38
61 9/16/2007 Sudha Pande Folsom United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
62 9/16/2007 Suresh Basnet Ventura United States 11.00 (0.62) 10.38
63 9/16/2007 Avishesh Dhakal Moscow United States 1.00 - 1.00
64 9/16/2007 Avishesh Dhakal Moscow United States 1.00 - 1.00
65 9/16/2007 Prasanna Man Shrestha Edmonton Canada 30.00 (1.47) 28.53
66 9/17/2007 Bishal Pradhanang Syracuse United States 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
67 9/17/2007 Anup Khadka Durham United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
68 9/17/2007 Shakya Rojina falls church United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
69 9/17/2007 Nishana Gauchan gaithersburg United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
70 9/17/2007 Narayan Timilshina London United Kingdom 20.00 (1.0 18.92
71 9/17/2007 Kanchan Pandey Bridgeport United States 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
72 9/17/2007 Ratna Shrestha Richmond Canada 40.00 (1.86) 38.14
73 9/17/2007 Pragya Upadhyaya lake forest United States 9.00 (0.56) 8.44
74 9/17/2007 abhaya sharma Sunnyvale United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
75 9/17/2007 saraswati hamal Omaha United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
76 9/17/2007 MANITA YOGI poway United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
77 9/17/2007 Kamal Bhusal Brooklyn United States 25.00 (1.03) 23.97
78 9/17/2007 bidurji shrestha denver United States 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
79 9/17/2007 Jay Ram Poudel Sharma North Finchley United Kingdom 5.00 (0.50) 4.50
80 9/17/2007 Shreyas Pandey Woodbridge United States 20.00 (0.8 19.12
81 9/17/2007 Arun Shrestha Fairfax United States 10.00 (0.59) 9.41
82 9/17/2007 sanjaya pradhan Boulder United States 11.00 (0.62) 10.38
83 9/17/2007 Resham tamang San Francisco United States 20.00 (0.8 19.12
84 9/17/2007 Surya Ghimire Cincinnati United States 20.00 (0.8 19.12
85 9/17/2007 kripa hada Spartanburg United States 1.00 (0.33) 0.67
86 9/17/2007 Umesh Ghimire Vancouver Canada 10.00 (0.69) 9.31
87 9/17/2007 Binod Dhungel River Forest United States 20.00 (0.8 19.12
88 9/17/2007 Sagar Karki Richardson United States 15.01 (0.74) 14.27
89 9/17/2007 Mansha Thapa San Francisco United States 15.00 (0.74) 14.26
90 9/17/2007 Nisha Thapa San Francisco United States 30.00 (1.17) 28.83
91 9/17/2007 Kiran Shrestha Birmingham United States 40.00 (1.46) 38.54
92 9/17/2007 Nanda Pun Magar winchester United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
93 9/17/2007 Santosh Thapa Irving United States 5.00 (0.45) 4.55
94 9/17/2007 Lima Acharya Fort Worth United States 20.00 (0.8 19.12
95 9/17/2007 sushmita khadka birmingham United States 20.00 (0.8 19.12

From the Telegraph:

Volunteers in Kalimpong vote for Prashant at a special booth. (Chinlop Fudong Lepcha)
Darjeeling, Sept. 18: Say hello to Indian Idol and bye to a drink in the evening.

The Darjeeling administration has ordered “all foreign liquor off shops and country spirit shops” in the hills shut after 5pm over the weekend and on Monday.

Frenzy and Prashant fans go hand in hand. They have spent crores buying mobile recharge cards to SMS their votes or sponsored booths for others to vote through landlines. They have also laid siege to service providers’ offices, accusing them of not delivering the votes to the Sony TV server.

In Kalimpong, leaflets today ordered Lepcha groups on hunger strike against hydel power projects in North Sikkim to concentrate on voting for Prashant instead.



Now , we are going places , aren't we?

And in as much as we need to support Prashant, why do I have this constant, nagging, feeling that we are being royally had? That some group of executives are sitting somewhere, laughing at their luck, monitoring their swelling windfall, urging the passionate people of both hill areas to tap into their sentiments and dig into their earnings and give, more than generously.....and that too for over a week!
Infact they opened the voting lines even before the boys sang their final songs!! ??
And now this rumour, that one or the other is winning... leading to ek jana didi commenting.' Hett !!! vote alik pugena rey....aajjai uthaayera jod ley haalnu parchha!!!'

Huney ley ta deehaalchha...nahuney ley? Pailaa voluntarily, then peer pressure, then gaon ko pressure.. last maa chai aankha cheem garera, jodley kanera nikaalchha hola paisa.

Prashant is already famous, a hero among nepalis all over the world...has put Darjeeling in the map and united us like never before.

So somehow I unrealistically wish we'd play it sly.. let Amit's supporters splurge their money on Sony TV and the phone companies, let him win the title...while we add up all the funds that poured in and handed it over, lumpsum, to the deserving Prashant for all his efforts. It would have certainly been a waaaaaaaaaaaay larger sum than the prize money.

But again, maybe he wants the title desperately. Then we do need to vote like crazy.

Or do WE want the title?

Sochhey ko matrai hai...social boycott nagara. Pheri kyaakpa adkinchha mero....

Just wondering, if we again have one of our own in II4..or 5...or 6. Would it be sensible to vote like this again? Ki we just tell him/her..."Ehhhhh bhai/ baini, aba ghari ghari chai hoss hola, bholi la?'

Hett.. I guess this is not the time for such traitorous thoughts..Ghar maa phone garda ta I too get caught up in the whirlwind. Natra chai...yaha taado maa basera alik BT deko ni....

Lu , lu.. CONGRATULATIONS PRASHANT!! You have already won.!!...


NB...:Hehehehe...and Alisha was not alone who broke into puberty. Mr. Javed Akhtar too did a lot of growing up, acne and all, when Ankita was around..
At least here, I won't be wrong when I say that Indian Idol 3 has been 'The Blue Lagoon' for Alisha and Javed Ankitar.....

Reesaani maaf and all that blah blah. Good night..aba ghurnu gaye...
_________________
Nice and eeeeeasy

US$3300.00 for Prashant

And http://www.thamel.com/prashantfanclub.htm
where over US$3300.00 have been contributed so far by the Nepalese living abroad. Isn't it amazing to see we all united for one single cause/purpose? . Someone (B. Pun) from Hongkong donated over US$800. Wow!!!

This is the only event I have seen so far in my entire life the whole Nepalese from all over including Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nagaland, US, UK, Hongkong..etc etc (the list goes on..) are united for a single cause. It is really really good to see like this.

View rally in support of Prashant in Kathmandu
http://one.revver.com/watch/396935/flv/affiliate/21281

4 September 2007

support Prashant Tamang

t’s the hot season for music mania in most of the Asian countries including Nepal too because of an Indian Idol. As you guys know that this time even Nepal’s citizen is selected for top 5 in Indian idol, singer hunt, and a reality show of India.

Neel David was in butwal yesterday, he was here for the beauty seminar and I met him in summerland resort of butwal. I asked lot about him. I knew much about about his profession. He is really a cool person. When I asked what he is doing tomorrow, he replied that he is going to Darjeeling to support Prashant Tamang.

Isn’t that a cool thought and a work and a great help and a great support for Nepal and our Nepali bro, Prashant Tamang? He thinks that Prashant tamang is a Nepali and we should contribute for his win. We should appeal votes for him. If he wins then it’s our win. We can show to the world that even Nepal has the talent and moreover, Prashant sings well. He deserves to be a next Indian idol, so why not we support him???

The groups of people are going to Darjeeling today, Thursday and Neel David is going along with them with banners, pomplets and with courage of vote appeals for Prashant Tamang.

I think this is great news and a great effort by Neel David. I hope that all the efforts made for Prashant Tamang come true with his win in Indian Idol.

3 September 2007

Prashant's Yellow Skin does Matter

Well, just watched the Indian Idol and Prashant singing "Aap ki Duwa" originally sung by KK. What the hell is wrong with the judges? I guess all of the judges were nodding their heads with Sonu Nigam. And what the hell is wrong with Mr. Javed Shaab? I respect him because he is a great lyricist and honor his comments, but today he was not himself I guess. Sonu Nigam, another person, I respect, due to his tremendous voice quality which Emon tends to be.

Anways, I saw Puja singing, she sang well overall, but her low notes were a disaster, which every judge was willing to skip it. Although, the song sung by Suda Mudgal, hope the spelling is correct, I was not satisfied with the comment that she sang better than the original singer - have you heard the original song? Mudgal has a very strong presence in her songs due to her strong voice of course. Well, now lets head towards our boy - the comments made to Prashant was totally what you call in hindi as "Bay Buniyad". It really doesn't matter what song you choose, its how you sing on stage. I too have sung the song in my hey days and am aware of each and every note, Prashant was not off at all as Sonu Nigam said. I think Sonu has a grudge with KK because KK too is not a trained singer, but his songs Pal seems to be an ever green one.

And lastly, does the mongoloid feature upset the judges? Does the whole of India have some grudge with the Nepalese? Despite the services we do for you, die for your safety in the line of fire. Well I believe, we are all Indians and not all Indians seem to bear this on their heads. Or is it that Sonu Nigam was prepared to paster Prashant.

I remark Sonu Nigam's opening speeches - Don't vote thinking that it is your jatbhai - then what the hell should we think - why was the idea of Indian Idol even placed and implemented? Then all votings should be stopped and done purely through the judges. Its the Janta's Faisla and since Indian Idol show is empowered upon the people's will, it will happen so. To inform, I now believe that Prashant is receiving votes from rest of India also, because votes for Nepalese community alone is not enough for Prashant to move this far.

Thanks to rest of India who is voting for Prashant. Please keep on voting and let a minor community move forward this time. "prashant" to 2525 without quotes hai.

By the way, it was good to hear Suresh Kumar on Indian Idol. Thanks to Amit Paul.

One more by the way, I heard that former contestant Charu is doing a campaign for Prashant in Dheradun - Thanks to Charu - She was cute hai!!!

Again my fingers were crossed for Prashant Tamang

Watched Prashant Tamang sing the two rounds in the galas and I was quite satisfied with his singing. His first sung song was marvelous and the second song was equally good, but the first was better.

Yesterday, my fingers were crossed and like always, was praying for Prashant to enter the following upcoming galas. Thanks to almighty, he just swigged in as we drink tea here. Good for him. KEEP VOTING FOLKS!! yas pali ta prashant lai nai hamro idol banau nu parcha hai. Nepali ko naam judeko cha - so all Nepali folks no matter what is your origin or where you live, VOTE FOR PRASHANT - for Indian citizens sms code has changed from 2525 to 52525 - remember it.

I know Prashant and Amit are best of pals, but some unwanted elements are creating a havoc here and the leader among the ugly heads is Asok Bhattacharya. I have come to know from reliable resources that he has suddenly started to campaign for Amit Paul here in Siliguri. Ya there is no harm in campaigning for some favorite idol, but this shit is communal from the beginning. He wants our north bengal votes to be diversified and hence affect Prashant's vote count. I even heard that he spoke to the Darjeeling SP and asked his police force to vote for Amit. What an asshole!! Just fit to be kicked from the back - A Nepali kick!! Well police will vote for Prashant and thats the fact. To inform you, don't take it otherwise, there is an ANTI-NEPALI group formed here in Siliguri called "Aamar Bangla" whose sole purpose is to create hindrance for the Nepalese community, but folks to inform you what can such miniature communal affect when the whole of India is watching. Balls to Aamar Bangla dick suckers. Sing your own tunes and remain in the pond forever. We are no more illiterates hear that. I doubt Asok Bhattacharya to be of this communal group.

Good news, I met a local mobile main man who knows how much voting is being done for Prashant - he told me that Mr. P is getting the highest score. Good news for all of us. Now the voting has to be more intense, because, you know folks, only three are left for the top and we have to push our boy.

I liked Mr. Javed Shaab's comment on Emon, its not that I don't like emon, its just a notion that despite all odds of him singing well and is a good singer, he is just a sonu nigam clone and his versatility just circles around sonu nigam songs. I was talking to my family that he should have some bass vocal while singing kishore kumar song which he sang. The same comment was given yesterday by Mr. Akhtar saying that his voice is "too patla" meaning thin and he further commented that he cannot be a playback singer, because the better one already exists in the Bollywood arena. And this is very very true. I have been talking about this from my very first post on Indian Idol 3. Sorry Emon, I don't intend to go against you, but its just your voice, GET REAL, BE ORIGINAL and STOP IMITATING YOUR GURU - HE WON'T MOVE OUT FOR HIS GREATEST FAN IF YOU ENTER BOLLYWOOD, INSTEAD HE WILL PLASTER YOU TO THE WALLS - COME ON ITS HIS VERY EXISTENCE AND LIVELIHOOD.

I heard Prashant will be in Darjeeling tomorrow for a day, for the SONY shooting. I believe SONY crew has already landed. Guess, what our boy will be accompanied by the police escort car. After all its their boy and our boy. The greatest thing is that "SALA MULA PUGYO HAI TOP 3 SAMMA!!!"

PRAY AND VOTE - THE ONLY TWO THINGS THAT CAN MAKE PRASHANT "BHARAT KI SHAAN"


Oh yes! back to square one - do you guys like Ram Krishna Dhakal, because I was planning to upload one of my favorite album for you all!! so keep your eyes peeled.

ONE MORE THING, PLEASE VOTE FOR PRASHANT ON INDIAN IDOL WEBSITE AT http://indianidol.sify.com/ . I know apart from us, Nepalese, he won't get any votes from other communities, so please take part in the online poll of Indian Idol. Log on to the above site and you will find a poll on the left hand column and just click on Prashant and press the vote button. You are done. Only one vote is permitted because the site utilizes ip address for voting. JUST DO THE ONLINE VOTING FOR PRASHANT if you are a Prashant fan.

http://nepalisongsmp3.blogspot.com/

GSUD apeals for Vote to Prashant Tamang

Filed under: Indian Idol, Contestants — zareef at 12:02 am on Sunday, July 15, 2007
The Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur (GSUD) has also celebrated the193rd birth anniversary of Adi Kabi Bahnu Acharya with the rest of the world on Friday with Akum Longchari, managing director and publisher of Morung Express as the chief guest.

Bhanu Bhakata Acharya the pioneer of Nepali language the first ever poet and author amongst millions of Nepalese also known as Adi Kabi who was born on 1814 in Tanahu district of Nepal is being remembered for his great and immense contribution to the Nepali community.

Akum Longchari termed Bhanu as a great “social reformer” and said that it was his humbleness which had left a relevant inspiration to the populace of present generation.

Akum also stated that the legacy of the great social reformer had left a deep impact to the people which are still relevant to the present humanity.

The teaching of Bhanu reflects the values of life and his contribution was not focused to Gorkha community alone but also to the whole human race. “It enriched the culture, language and the values of life,” Akum said and described the Gorkhas as honest and dignified people.

A brief life sketch of Bhanu was delivered by Suk Kumar Pradhan, president Gorkha Union Dimapur and short speech was also delivered by Mayang Jamir, general secretary of DNSU. During the celebration thirteen students from HSSLC and HSLC were felicitated.

Earlier the programme started with the welcome address by Rupak Chetri followed by garlanding of the portrait by the chief guest while the vote of thanks was proposed by Rajesh Gurung.

The programme was followed by a cultural entertainment from various groups of Gorkhas.

Meanwhile, the Gorkha students union has wished all the best to the Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol and requested all individuals to cast their vote for him.

http://indianidol.dhamaka.org/2007/07/15/gsud-apeals-for-vote-to-prashant-tamang/index.html