29 October 2007

Nepal magazine apologises for cartoon on �Idol� hero

Monday, 08 October , 2007, 11:49

Kathmandu: Soon after an Indian radio station apologised for offensive comments on Nepali-origin policeman Prashant Tamang who won the Indian Idol contest, a Nepal magazine had to Monday publicly say sorry for a cartoon that protestors said maligned both the singer and his community.

In its latest edition, the popular Nepali fortnightly Himal Khabarpatrika published a cartoon by its regular cartoonist Rabin Sayami that outraged the peace-loving Buddhist Tamang community to which Prashant belongs.

The first sequence of the cartoon titled "Prashant Tamang in Kathmandu", published in the magazine's regular column 'Muhurta' (Moment), shows a beaming Prashant waving a microphone before a sea of ecstatic fans, an allusion to the runaway success of the Idol's recent concert in Kathmandu.

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 second image called "Phulmaya Tamang in Mumbai" shows a scantily clad woman, her clothes scattered on the floor, sitting near an empty bed and weeping piteously.

It is an obvious allusion to the plight of the large number of Nepali women, who are trafficked to India every year and forced into prostitution, especially in Mumbai.

On Monday, the editor of the magazine tendered a public apology, saying it was not its intention to hurt or malign any community.

"The satire was directed at the chronic exploitation by the state, which was the cause of social problems," said the apology, printed in Nepal's biggest daily Kantipur.

"We apologise for having hurt the sentiments of the Tamang community."

The Tamang community, once among the most exploited in Nepal, has begun fighting for its rights under the umbrella of the Nepal Adivasi Janajati Mahasangh, demanding an autonomous state for its people.

Protests started pouring in from the community soon after the magazine hit the stands last Wednesday, forcing its publishers to remove the offending cartoon from its web site.

The cartoon incident comes after violence erupted in Darjeeling and Siliguri towns of India's West Bengal district after a radio jockey in an FM station programme made derogatory comments about Prashant's victory

http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14539309&vsv=SHGTslot4

Prashant Tamang Live in Butwal

Prashant Tamang Live in Butwal

By Nischal Tiwari
October 13, 2007

Winner of the Indian Idol-3, Prashant Tamang is coming to Butwal after the successful Kathmandu and Pokhara Concert.

Along with Prashant, the top 10 finalist - Charu Semwal will also be performing there in Butwal on 30th October 2007. Not only that, Nepali Singers like Rajesh Payal Rai & Kranti Ale will singing there as well.

The concert is organised by Thaha Payen Music album unit and Magar Rastriya Mukti Morcha .It is said that Singer Rajesh Payal Rai will be releasing the album Thaha payen which contains vocal of various artists namely Rahul Vaidhya, Sanjeevani, Rajesh Payal Rai, Uday Sotang, Manila Sotang, Yash Kumar, Swaroop Raj Acharya, Ram Krishna Dhakal, Anju Panta and Birendra Agrahari.

'Indian Idol III' becomes Sony's golden goose

When Prashant Tamang won Sony TV's "Indian Idol III" contest and a contract worth Rs10 million, people thought it was the making of the Darjeeling boy whose father's death forced him to become the family's bread earner in his teens. However, going by the incredible response, it is Sony that has struck a gold mine.

On Oct 30, Kolkata cop Prashant, accompanied by one of this year's top 10 finalists, Charu, would be performing at the Kalika Secondary School in west Nepal's Butwal town. It would be followed by two more concerts at Jhapa in November and Pokhara city, where he has already staged a packed show.

The November gigs are also expected to be super hits with Idol finalist Amit Paul, dubbed the boy with the golden voice by the judges, making his debut in Nepal.

Prashant's two earlier shows in Kathmandu and Pokhara with Ankita and Dipali created a kind of mass hysteria.

So great was Nepal's joy at the victory of the boy of Nepali origin that Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who has been refusing to meet powerful lawyers and student unions pleading indisposition, invited Prashant and his companions twice.

At the second meeting, Koirala even gave a gift-wrapped present to Prashant.

All this adulation is keeping Sony's cash register ringing, with the company collecting hefty fees from each show.

So great is the craze in Nepal, not just for Prashant but for the top 10, that DMI, the event management company that first brought them to Kathmandu, has now become the Sony franchisee in Nepal for staging concerts starring "Indian Idol III" contestants.

Nepal's corporates are rushing in to cash in on the craze.

Surya Nepal, ITC's joint venture in the Himalayan kingdom, sponsored the first Prashant shows to advertise its Springwood brand of men's wear.

Now McDowell will sponsor the Butwal show.

And it's not just a Nepal phenomenon.

In November, Ankita, who had never set foot abroad till last month, would head for the Big Apple with Emon for more shows there.

They would be followed in December by Prashant and Amit, who would entertain NRIs in New York, Washington, Dallas and Los Angeles.

From the US, the new singing sensations are to perform in the West Indies, South Africa and Hong Kong.

That's only for now.

Raju Singh, the DMI chief, predicts that the craze for the Idol III top 10 would last at least till May 2008.

"In the earlier contests, only the first two or three contestants were talented singers," he says. "So the others did not stay in people's memory. But in Idol III, all the top 10 have star qualities."

Prashant Tamang to perform in Butwal


Indian Idol winner Prashant Tamang is set to perform live in Butwal on Tuesday, October 30.

Along with Prashant, Indian Idol III contestant Charu Semal and Nepali pop singer Kranti Ale would also be performing at the ground of Kalika high school, reports Nepal Samacharpatra daily.

Organisers Magarat National Liberation Front and unit of Thaha Payen music album have claimed that 15,000 people will attend the performance. They said they paid Rs 1.5 million to Sony Television to bring in Prashant.

Meanwhile, Prashant is also set to perform in Pokhara on November 17 where he will be accompanied by Indian Idol III finalist Amit Paul, according to Tamang Ghedung, Kaski, which is organising the event.

Immediately, after he won the title in September, Prashant had come to Nepal and performed live in Kathmandu and Pokhara. nepalnews.com sd Oct 29 07

Related News

24 October 2007

Our Insulted Countrymen

Jyoti Thapa ManiWhen Darjeeling Gorkha lad Prashant Tamang won the fiercely contested Indian Idol show, Indian Gorkhas were delirious with joy. The show created history by polling over 70 million votes — the highest for any Indian reality show. Tamang’s fight reflected the Indian Gorkha’s struggle for national recognition, finally redeemed by the humble cop from the West Bengal police force. The community was revelling in its moment in the spotlight when a radio jockey made a mockery of Tamang’s ethnic background, calling him a durbaan.

The remark, born out of a stereotype, broke the dam of years of Gorkha angst. With their moment of glory spoiled just when they had finally made it to a portal of Indian celebrities, the Gorkhas erupted in protest. It is a pity that a fellow countryman has reduced the image of the internationally acclaimed ‘bravest of the brave’ Gorkha to that of a mere gatekeeper.

Initially, ‘Gorkha’ was the collective term for warriors from Nepal. The Gorkhas believe and live up to their name as rakshaks — defenders, protectors or guardians. In 1815, the British retained the genus when the British-Gurkha regiments were raised. In 1947, they were renamed as the Indian-Gorkha Regiments of which there are 11 today. The ratio of Nepali and Indian Gorkhas in the army stands at 60:40. The Gorkha has metamorphosed from warrior to ethnic Indian, fanning out from the borders of Nepal. According to the Bharatiya Gorkha Parishang, there are about 600,000 Gorkhas in Uttarakhand, about 200,000 in Himachal, 100,000 in Punjab, and they comprise 75 per cent of Darjeeling’s population. There are many in the Northeast, Jammu, Assam, Nagpur, Ranchi and Bangalore. Although state-level OBC status has been granted to Gorkhas in Uttarkhand, HP and Punjab, it remains a dream nationally. A suit filed by representative advocate Lt. Col. V.K. Sharma (retd) to the National Commission for Backward classes to include Gorkhas in the Central list is still pending. Despite being residents for more than two centuries, the Indian Gorkhas have no place in the ethnography of the states where they live, resulting in an erosion of their history, heritage and culture.

http://www.businessworld.in/content/view/2620/2698

Prashant Tamang Crowned Indian Idol 3 - Dhruva Thapa


Prashant Tamang Crowned Indian Idol 3 - Dhruva Thapa

It is the passion of Idol contest a reality show all over the world and India is not exceptional in this field too. India has also started Indian Idol contest and this year in India Idol 3 Prashant Tamang the first Nepali to ever participated in the Indian Idol contest crowned the title with record breaking vote this year, that is this year’s contest more than 7 crore vote casted by the music lovers of India and the world as a whole, The winner of the first season of Indian Idol is Abhijeet Sawant.
With the development of television and mobile phone this singing talent hunt program first time started from British Television on October 5th 2001. The show was to decide the best new young singer and it was named Pop Idol in British. Later on the Idol contest became so popular, same program followed by different countries of the world with different title. Such as American Idol is one of the most popular show in America similarly other popular idol series are Canadian Idol, Australian Idol, Indian Idol, Nepali tara (Nepalese Idol) Indonesian Idol, Philippine Idol, Singapore Idol, New Zealand Idol and many more idols are coming up in different countries television, but one of the common factor is all based on phone and sms system.
Indian Idol is a popular television show on Indian television, a singing talent contest to determine the best undiscovered young singer in the country. It is based on the international Idol series format as I have already mentioned above.
The program airs two back-to-back prime-time shows a week: the first night features an hour of performances while the second night features elimination. The show is produced and broadcasted on Sony TV, India
The participants have to go from the different round of elimination and at last have to reach the grand finale round where they have to perform live with the huge crowd of audience and one week long voting line determines the fate of the finalists. The show is divided into four rounds like theatre round, piano round, Gala round and at last the grand finale of the show that declares the Indian Idol of the year.
This Season three marked the arrival of two new judges on 4 May 2007. Anu Malik is now joined by singer Alisha Chini who replaced Farah Khan, and Udit Narayan also joined the judges who replaced Sonu Nigam. In addition, lyricist Javed Akhtar is also a new judge on the show. Auditions were held on the different dates and places in early 2007 and more than 25,000 contestants tried for the popular show. But this year new judges had to face the criticism by the media saying they were bias and supported unfairly to their loved contestant, among them Alisha broke the rules of judges code of conduct and whole heartedly supported Suhit, chang and even to Amit Paul, among them always Prashant Tamang was ignored by the judges except Anu Mallik who is the gem of the show. He has the vision and true judging power without any prejudice and it seems that he only wanted to search the real talent.
The main goal of Indian Idol is to find a talented singer from ordinary people. I think that Indian Idol 3 has managed to do so. It has already found some great singers from very ordinary people. They come from all corners of India. Many people in Eastern India are now interested about Prashant Tamang. He is from Tungsung village in Darjeeling and you know that Darjeeling is a beautiful place with high mountains. Prashant Tamang is a speaker of Nepalese language and that is why the people of Nepalese origin in India and Nepal consider him their own Idol. Even Govt. of Sikkim declared him the Brand Ambassador of Gorkha community. And it is pride for all the Nepalese living all over the world because he won with record breaking vote of seven crore hope fully this record wont’ be breaking in the near future too. Although he works as a Sepoy with Kolkata police, his main fan base is in Darjeeling, Sikkim and neighboring areas.
Prashant Tamang, a constable in the West Bengal Police had never taken any formal singing class was on Sunday 23 September 2007 crowned Indian Idol after conquering his rival Amit Paul in a grand finale of the over-two month long talent hunt.
Tamang, 24, who hails from Darjeeling, has undergone a journey from being a member in the police band in Kolkata to becoming the heart throb of millions of TV viewers all over the country and overseas. The results of the talent hunt were announced at a gala in New Delhi with the final witnessing a whopping seven crore people sending in their votes. Tamang stole the heart of million people with his rendition of the song Yeh Kali Kali Ankhen from the Hindi film Baazigar.
As Bollywood actor John Abraham announced Tamang the winner, the constable thanked his mother, all his well wishers and of course the band of Kolkata police and Kolkata police as a whole in a voice choked with emotion.
The result proved that the people of music lover had gone crazy to vote for prashant Tamang and to see him as a hero of Indian Idol 3. and at last the dream of all the music lovers fulfilled when John Abraham announced the result. Tough he was already become a celebrity in West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. Prayers for his success are expressed even in website of Nepalese and non-Nepalese newspapers, websites, forums, blogs etc. It is believed that he has gained a huge popularity all over the world among the Hindi music lover and global Nepalese community are proud to see him as a great celebrity of Indian Idol 3.
“After a long and sometimes bumpy ride, Indian Idol has found its winner—Prashant Tamang. The first Nepali to ever take part in the contest, he beat all odds (no formal training in music and coming from a police background that does not nurture a singer) to become the new Bharat ki Shaan. He has his fans—who were so enthusiastic in voting for him—and the negative comments from the judges—which spurred him on to do better—to thank for winning the title. Here’s wishing him all the luck for his future”
Officially announce by the website http://indianidol.sify.com/
Source: different news media.
Article by:
Dhruva Thapa, Berkeley California, USA.

Commotion at rehearsals

Indian Idol 3 has a very haughty contestant called Richa Aneja.

In the episode which will be telecast today, Richa behaved very indifferent with her allotted partner Prashant Tamang and later demanded a change of partners.

Prashant was shocked by her behaviour and tried talking to her about it, and later judges Javed Akhtar and Alisha Chinai too came in to talk to Richa.

Even anchor Mini Mathur got into the act, but Richa did not agree to rehearse with Prashant!

Later, Richa was heard telling her friends and relatives on the set, “I’d never heard Prashant sing, so I was quite apprehensive to be paired with him as this could affect my performance.

Even during rehearsals he was never on time. He made me wait for one and half hour that day. This made me very uncomfortable and I was very irritated with him.”

The issue was resolved only when Richa’s father explained things to his daughter. Says Mini, “Richa is only 17 years old and is the baby of the show, but she definitely has an actress inside her!

She has learnt singing since the time she was six years old and feels she knows it all. At the same time, she is very sweet and one always feels like hugging her.

She did a lot of nakhras that day and bechara Prashant was at the receiving end, but we cannot bend rules for any contestant.” Thankfully, both Richa and Prashant have gotten through this round but more fireworks are certainly in store.

After the ‘I know it all’ attitude, Richa has got just about managed to go to the second round while Prashant has sailed through with all the praise!


Govt sees red

Amit Paul Rocks Again

Amit Paul rocks again. After end of Indian Idol 3, Amit performed again at his hometown Shillong, Meghalaya. He rocked the entire stage and created his magic again!!

He performed at a place called "Polo Grounds" in Shillong and some 50,000 audience came to watch his show. Its was a jam-packed show and Amit showed his humble attitude here. He obliged to every request the audience made and performed free of cost for the audience. No tickets, nothing!!

He will also be performing at different places at Shillong in the next 2 days. He was gifted 24-carat decorations by the Meghalaya government. He has also recorded 2 songs for unnamed films. After his trip from Meghalaya, he'll be coming back to Mumbai and performing many more shows around the world.

I also discovered 2 videos. Go and watch and enjoy vintage Amit Paul!! The Jhalak Dikhlaja performance was not his and prashant's best, but was enjoyable to watch him after so many days on TV. The second video, of his journey at Indian Idol is awesome watch!!

Indian Prick vs India Idol


RJ's remarks against Idol Tamang triggers voilence
Fans of recently crowned Indian Idol Prashant Tamang went on the rampage in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal.They were protesting the remarks on air of RJ Nitin of the Delhi-based FM channel Red FM 93.5 for making foul and insensitive remarks about the Nepali community. The protesters have a point when they say that the Delhiwallahs have always resorted to unfair racial stereotypes when it comes to the citizens of the rest of India.

Radio jockey Nitin.
Radio jockey Nitin

Here
are some reactions in the Indian Blogsphere

RJ Nitin from Red FM 93.5 discriminated Prashant Tamang and made foul comments against Nepali Community.

He said "Aaaj Prashant Tamang 'Nepali ladka from Darjeeling' has become Indian Idol 'with sarcastic laugh'… and we have match tonight so we need to guard our house / malls / restaurants by ourselves 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.

It's really disheartening to hear all these stuff. When called to Red Fm the same moment…however… they tried to twist the topic. It's really amazing that…Whenever someone calls them black or what ever… the whole India burns but they never try to put themselves in our shoes.

We claim to be in the most democratic country and we call ourselves democrat but are we treated in the way we are supposed to be? If somebody calls Shilpa Shetty "Black" the whole nation is ignited but are we aware of the scenario in our own motherland……

We must make him / Fm station apologize for this. Call Nitin… 0120 419 35935 or email (Nitin's Boss) anhita@myredfm.com and make them feel our presence…

Program aired:
Date: 24/09/2007
Time: 09.55 am – 09.58 am

http://www.blogtantra.com/

People open your eyes wide, this mother fucker should be sued and really sued the hard way.

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.

http://nepalisongsmp3.blogspot.com/

RJ who made derogatory comments about Nepalese could be arrested

I simply feel elated when I read this news. 'RJ who made derogatory comments could be arrested' And I am glad that Indian Idol III, Prashant Tamang's fans and locals are out to teach this RJ a lesson. What I don't feel good about is the violence part. It could have been achieved peacefully too. BUT ITS HIGH TIME WE START RESPECTING OUR OWN PEOPLE. AND IF WE CAN'T THEN BE PREPARED TO FACE THE MUSIC. The politicians are perfecting the 'Divide & Rule' policy', we are not doing much to nullify these politicians' move.

If we educated Indians can't rise above regionalism, then what can be expected from others? I gather "educated" in today's context means a professional degree, a job in a good company and speaking English with fake American accent and blasting Biharis, UPites, South Indians, Maharashtrians, Bengalis, Punjabis, Sardars, Haryanavis, Himanchalis, Chinkies, Gurkhas minus what you are. See where "MODERN EDUCATION" landed this RJ, Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd

What our "educated", "English speaking", "cosmopolitan" male RJ has said for a certain section of the society:

The RJ, Jonathan Brady, who is popularly known as Nitin after a programme called Ulta Pulta Nitin that he used to host on some other FM channel, apparently commented in a live broadcast that "shopkeepers will now have to make their own security arrangements as Gorkhas have taken to singing." The remark was made on his new programme, Khurafati Nitin on Red FM.

I am glad that the "Bahadurs", "Gurkhas" and "Chinkies" are out to teach a "hep, metrosexual, barbarian" a lesson. It will certainly be a treat watching a "disguised bhaishahib" RJ perform before the people of Darjeeling. Perhaps during schooling our "disguised bhaishahib" was too busy perfecting his English accent and couldn't pay much attention to the fact that Gurkhas belong to world's finest warrior class!!!

http://www.alkadwivedi.net/

He discriminates one race, one language against another. He is racist. Just don't listen to Red FM

.
Asks activist, Rashmi Deewan, He should be pulled off air. How can he stereotype us (Gorkhas) like this? Does he know what Gorkhas have done for the country?"

The West Bengal government has now promised to take action against Red FM channel. From IBN Live

My question is how dares he insulting Gorkha/Nepali community like this. This is not a question of whether someone is having sense of humor or not. Will he dare to poke joke on a Sikh's mile of fabric as a nappy? Or Mahatma Gandhi as gas station attendant or gay? Or asking the Jat community in Delhi why they are so abusive to their women, why they kill girl child, why for marriage they have to bring girls from different states like North East? Will he dare to poke fun on Islam?


I received many a calls from my Nepali friends who work in Delhi BPOs. Nepalis residing in Delhi and working in call centers are planning to take the issue further and they will walk a peaceful protest on either Saturday or Sunday wearing black badge.

While in Delhi I used to listen to this Red FM RJ Nitin, he considers himself a star material, he speaks as if he is favoring someone, while speaking he rarely pronounces the word completely or strongly, it seems there going a constant fight between his upper and lower lips. Sounds like P, B, M, Bh, V never came clear from him.

Nitin's comments were really uncalled for. He said sorry but I wonder if that is enough. Because he keeps on making fun of people's sensibilities from time to time. He discriminates one race, one language against another. He is racist. Just don't listen to Red FM.

Ok, guys, media has been cleverly hiding Nitin from the incident and instead of calling him Nitin, calling him by Jonathan Brady. Good PR execrise, Nitin.

Amit bares his soul

/photo.cms?msid=2469784
Amit Sana (TOI Photo)
Amit Sana might have been a runner-up, his road to celebdom was nevertheless laid out.





Two years ago, he was the cynosure of all eyes, as he and Abhijit Sawant fought the very first of those unique battles that have become such a rage now musical reality shows. And though Amit Sana might have been a runner-up, his road to celebdom was nevertheless laid out.

It still feels like yesterday. The memory will last a lifetime. I am happy to note the programme format’s evolution in these three years, says Amit.

But Amit is disturbed at the recent ruckus caused following Prashant Tamang’s election. Some RJs think that they sound ‘cool’ by making such statements. What they don’t know is that discretion is a must. Humour is a very serious business indeed. You should joke only after looking at the opposite end. It was rightly perceived that by insulting Prashant, the RJ had passed a derogatory remark on the entire community. It was sheer tomfoolery on the RJ’s part, feels Amit.

Does he fear being caught in an image-trap vis-à-vis the show? Not at all. There is no doubt that I will be remembered foremost because of it. But, it is very much in my power to break it (the image). Take Akshay Kumar for instance. He had almost been typecast as an ‘action hero.’

But, he has been very successful in making the switch to comedy. That is the hallmark of a true performer: create an image that almost seems impossible to break, and then break it as if you always knew how to do it, says Amit.

So, how has the journey been so far? He says, It has been good so far. I have worked with some top-notch music directors like Sandesh Shandilya and Anu Maleik. In that sense, it has been very rewarding. But I would definitely want to do something different.

I consider music to be a divine medium. I want to entertain people through it, like most performers. But, my music should be different, in that it should not be repetitive. I want to bring about changes in people’s music tastes. I think I know the pulse of the people well enough now to attempt this, adds Amit.

An interesting tidbit about Amit is that he is addicted to the web. My father is harried at home since I stay awake till 3.00, downloading music. It is such a powerful and useful medium. You can showcase your own music, listen to others’ and even market it, says Amit.

Amit’s next album is ready for release. He informs, It will be releasing by November or December. It is a solo album. I have stressed on some of the key elements that make up a song - melody, for instance. The numbers will be soft and melodic and yet powerful. Listeners should like it.

Racially discriminated, people from NE start helpline

New Delhi: Be it a Radio Jockey ridiculing Prashant Tamang's triumph as 'Chowkidar se Indian Idol' or the recent incident where girls from the Northeast were molested in Delhi University campus, people from the Northeast have for long been facing discrimination.

Constant attacks on identity and lifestyle, sexual and racial harassment and apathy in times of need are just some of their problems.

However, help has finally come their way. Social activists, lawyers and student organisations from across the Capital have come together and launched the North East Support Centre and Helpline.

Through the helpline, a victim can contact volunteers at the Helpline Centre through SMS or a phone call.

Although a permanent helpline number has not yet been registered, four temporary numbers are now functional — 9868184939, 9818314146, 9868157066 and 981055490.

The helpline may have come as a step forward in helping victims, but Madhu Chandra, a core member of the centre says a permanent solution lies in changing the mindset of people.

"We want to sensitise the Government that our people are Indian and we are a peace loving people. So, we should not be treated differently just because we look different," says she.

Another activist spearheading the initiative, Dr John Dayal of the National Integration Council, explains why cultural intolerance is rampant.

"People have called people from the North East 'chinkies'. They have called tribals all sorts of names. When confronted with the unusual, they are semi-apprehensive. They also find it difficult to relate to people from the North East and sometimes this brings out cruel behaviour in them," says he.

However, the support group hopes to change this all and hopes that this initiative goes some way in healing wounds.

13 October 2007

Amit Paul and Prashant Tamang: The Political Prawns


soniagandhi-amitpaul-prashanttamang.jpg

The Indian Idol III would be remembered for some special reason – it has been politicized entertainingly. Political leader do take the mass appeal of actors and actress for their political gain. But it has been first time witnessed that the most powerful persons of India UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meeting with the contestants and showing their interest towards a purely entertainment program Indian Idol.

Since the first day Indian Idol was launched many artists especially from Bollywood have showed their presence. And it is a not a new phenomenon that has been added in the show. In recent times it has become the best marketable tool to promote any program.

manmohansing-amitpaul-prashanttamang.jpg

What could be the possible arithmetics done on the part of media advisers of Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh that led them to appear for the photo shoot with the contestants of the Indian Idol? Answer to this can be simple and straight as a stick; and may be very complex with multiple rings of political cobwebs. It is very tough to answer.

One thing is sure, the media advisers of both the two political bigwigs Sonia and Manmohan did honest manthan, atma manthan before suggesting them to appear with Amit and Prashant, the two last finalists of the show.

If one see from the other aspect of the show that is from the promoter and the marketing team fence, the appearance of Sonia and Manmohan Singh came as a win win situation.

The primary reasons that prompted Sonia and Manmohan Singh to align towards the participants may be counted on the popularity of the contestants Amit and Prashant in their respective regions or say on the creed they belongs to. Amit Paul is a bengali and Prashant is a Nepali. Associating them might help the grand old party Congress to score it in the vote bank politics.

Moreover, it may give the party to sneak and penetrate into the mass fans of the two. Now, when mid-term poll is looming large over the nation, and where no party wants an isolation from the youth; a rapport build – up with the contestants might help in the long run or in the short run.

amitpaul-prashanttamang.jpg

It is not that every act on the part of the politicians be scanned and given a political twists and turns. They being the powerful person of a country it becomes their responsibility to encourage the youths who are talented and enthusing them to excel in their respective fields.

Source: PXylem’s Blog

Prashant Tamang arrives in Kathmandu; says he is grateful for Nepal’s support

Prashant Tamang arrives in Kathmandu; says he is grateful for Nepal’s support

A week after he won the title of Indian Idol, Prashant Tamang, a Nepali-origin boy from Darjeeling has arrived in Kathmandu, Friday.

Prashant Tamang, the winner of Indian Idol (r) speaking to journalists after arriving  in Kathmandu, Friday. He will give a live performance in Lalitpur on Saturday and in Pokhara on Sunday. Nepali singer Nima Rumba is also present in the conference Sep 28 07 nepalnews.com/rh

Prashant will be performing live in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur on September 29 and in Pokhara on September 30.

He will be joined by co-finalists of Indian Idol III Ankita Mishra and Deepali Kishore and a Nepali pop-star Nima Rumba.

Addressing a press conference at Soaltee Hotel, Friday evening, Prashant said he was grateful for the overwhelming support shown by all Nepalis in his campaign to bag the Indian Idol title.

“This victory is not my alone. It is victory of all of you,” Prashant Tamang said, addressing the packed press meet.

“I am very happy to be here. I have received so much love from you,” he added.

When asked what he would like to say to young people, Prashant said that he believes hard work is the key to success.

On Sunday, September 23, he beat his competitor Amit Paul from Shillong to bag the coveted title after six month long singing competition where finalists were voted out one by one based on SMS and phone voting by the general public.

Prashant’s performance in Nepal has been organised by Springwood, the new brand from Surya Nepal. nepalnews.com sd Sep 28 07

Prashant Tamang Singing Nepali Song



prashant indian idol



Sikkim CM speaks for Prashant

you tube-2





you tube







Video: Prashant Tamang’s first original debut song

So, here goes the first original debut song sang by Prashant Tamang himself. This video is taken shoot when he sang this song in the Indian Idol stage along with Amit Paul. This video can be taken as a rough video but the original sound track. So be waited to watch the new version with new well decorated and professionally directed video of this same song.

In comparison to Amit Paul, this song is really much suitable to Prashant Tamang. So, enjoy the first original debut song by the new Indian Idol Prashant Tamang.

The heart of mine is a Nepali: Prashant Tamang

Prashant Tamang, a Darjeeling boy, created a history in the Indian Idol competition by earning maximum vote in the final. Tamang, who prefers to identify himself as a Nepali, said that he still finds it hard to believe that he had won the title. He said that the sharp comments made by the juries were the source from where he got inspired to win the title. Here is a short piece of conversation made with Prashant during his arrival in Nepal. Experts:

How do you feel to win the Indian Idol title?

It's obvious to feel something new and extra than before. It's a dream of mine to become an idol which comes true now. Its hard for me to describe the excitement in words because I, as a simple Nepali boy achieved a great success like this.

How did you feel to wear a Nepali cap after winning the title?

My mother had put on the cap over my head. She was also present at the final day. And I also had the inner wish to recognize Nepal from the stage. I have had not won the title without those tireless effort of my Nepali brothers and sisters. I only have participated the contest, all the credit of my victory goes to yours' account.

Did you ever have thought that you would achieve such a great success?

I never have had imaginations on all sorts of these. One the day when I reached the venue to give audition for the Indian Idol contests I even doubt of my selection then.

What is your future plan? Do you go with the music or other way?

Yes, I will work hereafter to become a good singer.

If so, you are planning to quit your previous jobs?

Of course not! I will continue with my previous job as a policeman. I have a lot to do in the Calcutta police. My seniors have many expectations and belief upon me, to which I never could turn off my face. pm-prasanta_b.jpg

How does your family feel to see you as the winner of the challenge?

They were overwhelmed with my success. My mother always wished to see me in the televisions, which is materialized now. When I hold the trophy I called my mum on the stage. Lifting the trophy with her is the most immemorial moment in my life.

Doesn't you feel that the earlier Idols were not performing well?

Indian Idol is the platform to prove oneself best in the field of music. The winner has many doors open in front of him with many opportunities. But that depends upon ones' capability to sustain with struggle. But that does not mean that Abhijeet and Sandeep dai could not do much. They were doing their best. I think they are planning a new album.

One of the jury members, Javed Akhtar, had made a sharp comments on you saying that you do not deserve that platform. How did you feel on such comments?

I don't think that Javed sir had always taken me negative. Those were his sharp comments which insisted me to work hard. Those help me to sharpen myself which leads to the position where I am now.

Among the fellow contenders, one Richa Aneja had declared not to sing with you. How did you feel on that?

I still recall that moment. That hurts me too. I have excused her taking those comments as childish.

You won the title. Besides that a worthy contract and a brand new car are also in your hands. Which among those value most for you?

All the credits of my success go to my audience. Without their support and love I could not have make the way to this. So, they value me the most. Their love is the best prize I won.

But it is said that Amit Paul performed better than your's?

Yes, he was a good and deserving singer. I too believe that he possessed an excellent singing habit.

How is your relation with Amit?

We are good friends. Not only him, Abhishek is also my best friend. I was stunned when he was eliminated from the competition.

Do you have any plan to settle in Mumbai or return home?

I have not decided yet on that.

INTERVIEW WITH PRASHANT TAMANG


After becoming the Indian Idol Prashant Tamang, 24, has become one of the most talked about people these days. A veritable household name. Recently, he came to Nepal for his first ever concert. Shiva Sharma caught up with Prashant to talk to him about what it was like to compete in Indian Idol, the attitude of Anu Malik, his favourite music and his Nepali roots. Excerpts:

Q. How did you come to take part in Indian Idol?
Prashant Tamang: When the forms for the show came, my friends asked me to fill them up. But I didn’t give it that much importance. However, some of my friends from the police force SMSed my participation in the competition. That's how I came to give an audition.

Q. Did you ever think that you'd progress up to the audition round?
Prashant: Never. I had come to the venue at 9 am and my turn came only 12 hours later at 9 pm. I hadn't eaten anything for the whole day. I hadn't at all thought of getting into the audition round. But I sang from deep inside my heart and luck favored me.

Q. You had represented a small town Darjeeling. Had you ever felt that you could be in the top 10?
Prashant: I hadn't thought of reaching the top 10. But I was helped more by luck than talent. Moreover, the public and God were with me. Finally, I succeeded in reaching the top 10. After this, my Idol trip continued.

Q. It seemed the judges weren't supporting you much.
Prashant: I can't say so. All of the judges were fair enough. I progressed in the rounds with the support from all of them.

Q. But the behavior of Anu Malik towards you wasn't fair, was it?
Prashant: It's obvious for the judges to comment. The comments they gave me led me to advance and work hard every time. I took those comments to hone my talent and deduced my Achilles heel. I never felt them to be negative because they made the comments for my improvement.

Q. Who did you like the most among your contenders?
Prashant: I liked Abhisekh a lot. He was my well-wisher and a good friend who supported me in any circumstance.

Q. Finally, you ended up being the Indian Idol. How do you feel?
Prashant: I'm overjoyed. I can't express my joy in mere words. Some of the contenders in the top ten were better singers than me. However, I always kept on improving myself. I got big support from the Nepali folk, from Darjeeling and Sikkim. The support also from Indian well-wishers led me to the title.

Q. When John Abraham was about to declare the winner, did you think that you were the winner?
Prashant: I didn't think about winning and losing at that time. I was more concerned about my supporters who did so much for me through the days and nights to make me the Idol. I was thinking what they would say to me if I lost.

Q. When John Abraham raised your hand to declare you the winner, who did you think of at that time?
Prashant: I thought of God first. I also thought of my sister and mother and then of all the Nepali folk and millions of my supporters.

Q. Did you think you'd be the Idol?
Prashant: Not really. Luck backed me a lot. The blessing of God and the support of the public was the main factor.

Q. Did you ever think you'd get support from the Nepalese?
Prashant: At the start I hadn’t thought that I would be getting such support. After I read in some magazines that I was getting support from across the border, my happiness knew no bounds. So many Nepalese acknowledged me. Then I worked harder thinking that I was not singing just for me, but so many people.

Q. When you heard of your craze here in Nepal, how did you feel?
Prashant: The Nepali people came over the border to support me because there was no system of voting from Nepal itself. The support of the Nepalis who came across the border made me proud.

Q. What is the difference in Prashant then and now?
Prashant: Prashant is the same as before. The only difference then and now is that then he was known to only a few people and now a lot of people know the same simple Prashant.

Q. What do you prefer to sing the most, Nepali or Hindi songs?
Prashant: Both are the same. I can't live without Nepali songs. You know my love for Nepali songs. I sing both Nepali and Hindi songs.

Q. How have you seen the love given to you by so many Nepalese people?
Prashant: The love is from my own people. I couldn't have come to this point, if they hadn't loved me. I hope for the same kind of love forever.

Q. Which Nepali singers do you like?
Prashant: Anil Singh, Nima Rumba and Adrian Pradhan. I was overwhelmed to sing with Nima Rumba and Adrian Pradhan here.

Q. What are your plans for the future?
Prashant: I haven't made plans as such. I have become Indian Idol just now. I wish to do something new in music, let's see what happens.

Q. How many proposals have you got, please be honest?
Prashant: (Laughs) Really…no one has proposed anything like that yet.

Q. If that’s so, then were the rumors about a relationship happening between you and another contender Charu unfounded?
Prashant: This is totally wrong. Charu was a good friend of mine. She used to support me, that's it.

Q. You must have a girlfriend, right?
Prashant: There was a time when I had a girl friend, but not now.

Q. What do you think of marriage?
Prashant: I haven't thought about it. First let me do something. Marriage will happen in the end.

Q. How long have you been in the police and do you plan to continue?
Prashant: I’ve been in police force for five years. I have come to this stage with the help of my police sahibs(smiles). I will continue this profession alongside music.

Q. Is it true that the album Sony TV is launching with you will have some Nepali songs as well?
Prashant: I had asked for some Nepali songs. They agreed on this, let's see what they do.

Q. Where are your concerts after here in Nepal?
Prashant: I can't say right now. It's Sony’s contract. Wherever they send me, I have to go.

Q. What are your hobbies?
Prashant: Football, music and travelling.

Q. Finally, what do you want to say to Nepal?
Prashant: I had always wanted to come to Nepal and release an album. Something I wasn’t able to do because of my financial status. It is the love from the Nepali people that has, right now, brought me here. I will always be grateful to all the Nepali people who supported me. I ask them all to unite into single garland.

Prashant's craze in Nepalese media shadowed

By Indra Adhikari

Celebrations for Prashant's victory in the Indian Idol contest did not limit to his hometown alone, rather it extended far beyond his country. The sensations made residents of eastern Nepal and Kathmandu wild.

Kathmandu city saw nightlong enthralling rallies once the announcement was made. While the Darjeeling people had known his success quite earlier, Nepalese learnt it only through the broadcast of the Sony.

Thousands of his fans had gathered at Basantapur Durbar Square to see him winning in a large screen projector. Others saw him on TV sets in rooms.

I was working on my computer for a book and had been sending SMSs to friends to send message immediately after the announcement of the winner. I had intended to make news for nepalnews.com, the biggest online news portal in Nepal. However, the news came earlier.

A friend of mine in Darjeeling sent me a SMS of the victory of Prashant as he joined the celebrations in his town.

Media people had been watching the event quite closely. Since his entry into top 10 finalists, the media buzz in Nepal had begun. As his success ladder continued to grow up, it received ample space in Nepalese media. This instigated the readers to cheer for Prashant.

The following day he emerged victorious and won the title, it was headline for most Nepalese daily newspapers. Kantipur, Nepal Samacharpatra, Rajdhani, Annapurna Post, The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times and others published prominently the news of his victory. Not usual of political headline, the dailies covered the success of Prashant in a way that it was a scoop story.

The grumbling politics was sidelined. The hot debate of the Nepali Congress unification, which would change the whole course of Nepalese politics, received lesser priority. It was national politics that shadowed the massacre in western Nepal where around two dozen people died. However, in case of Prashant, newspapers ignored national politics.

The coverage did not end here. On Tuesday, The Kathmandu Post supplement carried a whole front-page story on this ethnic Nepali boy from Darjeeling hills. The newspaper also carried small opinion piece on Prashant.

Nepal Samacharpatra also carried a big story of Prashant's victory and the celebrations in Nepal and India in its 'PAGE THREE' with a picture where he hugs his other contestant. The daily carries a reader's letter congratulating Prashant. In contrast, half of a page in Kantipur carried letters all praising him.

The notable event for Nepalese at the final contest was wearing of Nepali cap by Prashant. One of the readers referred Prashant's love for 'Nepali topi' to criticise Nepalese leaders to their fading sentiments to nationality and national cultures.

His other fan Dr Kedar Karmacharya said that tears rolled down his cheeks as he saw Prashant on TV screen singing 'gorkhaliko choro hu gorkhe mero nam'. He has proposed for felicitation of Prashant during his visit to Nepal. Fortunately, Surya Nepal has scheduled a music concert in Kathmandu and Pokhara next week where his fans are expected to go wild the second time. I wonder, a school compound would be enough to accommodate his fans for whole of Nepal.

Ironically, Kathmandu reporter for Indo Asian News Service Sudeshna Sarkar in her report said the celebrations for Prashant in Nepal have ideological relations with the concept of Greater Nepal. She claimed Nepalese even regard Kalimpong Darjeeling to be part of Nepal.

I asked her, what difference you find in between two concepts: Greater Nepal and Akhand Bharat. There was no reply from her.

A reader in nepalnews.com said there is no point for celebrations when an Indian citizen wins an Indian contest.

Above that, Nepalese media played crucial role in promoting the Indian Idol contest in Nepal expanding the market of Sony TV in Nepal. The craze would grow wilder if by chance any one of Nepali origin enters the contest in next round. (Adhikari works with nepalnews.com)

(The Indian Nepalis or Gorkhas did not appeal for the support of Prashant from Nepal but it happened due to the media report of Prashant that they were attracted and they even crossed the border and sent SMS in favour of Prashant from India. According to them, music and culture go beyond political and geographical barrier. Actually, music and exchange of culture link the country to each other emotionally, whatever may be their political ideology and concept. When SONY Entertainment channel invites voting even from Hongkong and foreign countries, why Nepal cannot vote for Prashant? The news report of Sudeshna Sarkar of Indo Asian News service as stated above by Adhikari is highly objectionable and therefore condemnable when such statement hurt the sentiment of Indian Nepali speaking people. If so, what they say about the annexation or merger of Sikkim into Indian Union? There are 99 percent Nepali speaking people in Nepali, who voted vigorously and tirelessly for Prashant. -Editor)

The Idol, The Ideal & The Idiots

oct5voiceofdarj
THE IDOL, THE IDEAL & THE IDIOTS

The Idol: In a country full of complexities and contradictions, a country where people feel proud of a US citizen, when she flies to the space and calls her “our own”, just because her ancestors came from India; but refuses to recognize those brave hearts who have been the mainstay of it’s defense force since independence...... refuses to acknowledge the contribution of a community whose son Capt. Ram Singh Thakuri gave music to it’s national anthem.... “Jana Gana Mana.....” Refuses to see this community... beyond the stereotype “Chowkidar.....”.... Who would have thought that one simple individual from this community could go on to win the hearts of millions and go on to become “Bharat ki Shaan”????

Who would have thought that this simple policeman could generate sentiments from a community, which never seemed to bother? A community so complacent, that it never even looked up to see where it was heading to. A community composed of happy-go-lucky people who never even asked for what was rightfully theirs. A community which was getting fragmented into castes... sub-castes and super sub-castes...... A community which was happy being a Tamang or a Rai or a Newar but was gradually moving towards extinction (as Nepalese/Gorkhas)????

But, that’s what differentiates the IDOLS from us mortals.... An idol is not just a hero or a pin-up star.... rather he/she is an ICON..... A symbol that represents people and their aspirations, a sign that others can look at and know what that single Icon represents.

In Prashant, we have a new Icon who is entirely different than all the previous icons that we the Nepalese/Gorkhali ever had. Till Prashant, we were known world over for our bravery, fearlessness and our valor.... but Post-Prashant we are also known for our talents that go beyond the battlefield. We are now known to be capable of being united... we are now known to forget the petty little stuffs that always created rift amongst ourselves.... Our bonding together and being united has not gone unnoticed.... so much so that even the Govt. of India and West Bengal, which was dilly-dallying with our demands, rushed in to give cabinet endorsement to the inclusion of Darjeeling Hills into the Scheduled Sixth of the Indian Constitution.

I am sure that, had the demand been for a separate state of Gorkhaland, this time round, we may have got that as well. All thanks to our Idol, our Icon, our Hero... Prashant.... for you have far exceeded the achievements of Prithivi Narayan Shah, who united Nepal, or Subash Ghising, who united Darjeeling....... for you have united the Nepalese/Gorkhali world over.

The Ideal: Prashant sure did succeed where the politicians had failed miserably, that is in rousing public emotions and bringing unity among Nepali speaking people world over. I have seen issues that have gone unheard or unnoticed because of lack of public involvement. The best example would be the water scarcity problem. We have been reeling under sever water crisis for nearly two decades, but no one is bothered. I am sure and confident that if we keep on being united and demand our rights with one voice, the water scarcity problem can be solved within a matter of months if not days.

Remember how we never had a day of load shedding during entire Indian Idol contest, how our telephone lines never got disrupted (as is the usual case), if it was possible for the electricity board or the telecom department to be so efficient for those few months, don’t you all think they can be as efficient throughout the year.

The only difference between other days and these past few months has been that, we have demanded our utility systems to be efficient and surprisingly enough they have been. So, if we raise our voice not as sporadic individuals but as one community, I can bet, we will achieve anything and everything. The ideal situation will be to stay united and stay focused and know what we want to achieve and where we want to reach as a community.

The Idiots: Though, I did try my best to restrain myself from making any negative observations on this whole issue, but I feel that “The Voice of Darjeeling”, has never been known to mince its words..... So why try to be gentle now??

A comic once said... “You can fix a car, a house, even a mouse or a pig... but mind it my friend.... you can never fix an idiot”.... I took it as a joke back when I heard it, but now I realize he was speaking a universal truth.... you really can’t fix idiots.

Topping the charts are our so called politicians and leaders, except for few who did work dedicatedly.... most of our so called leaders abstained not just from generating support for Prashant but even from voting for him. Rumor has it that one of our most popular politician of all times, felt threatened and it hurt his ego big time, that this simple policeman had gone on to become more popular than he could ever think of being.

Another rumor has it that some of our so called politicians collected huge sums of money in Prashant’s name and people are still trying to figure out.... where did these politicians spend this money?? A poster had come up in Chowk Bazar recently to this respect and the politicians could not reply satisfactorily to the queries. True enough there is “no limit to idiots or their stupidity.....”

Next on line would be a bunch of idiots who still seem to be stuck in the 18th century. In the era of global village and globalization these idiots tried to spread communal tension and riot through unfounded rumors in Siliguri. This group has been quite active in spreading communal hatred especially in some parts of Siliguri-Jalpaiguri. They nearly succeeded in starting a full scale riot before people realized what this bunch of idiots were trying to do and restrained themselves.

“60 injured and lots of hearts broken...” was the headline next day...... although the Intelligence Bureau is supposed to have had all the information regarding the pre-planned attack on Prashant supporters, they seem to have kept the information to themselves, thus proving to be not-so-intelligent bureau after all.

Last but not the least the Cream de la cream of all idiots and thus the winner of the Crown-de-Idiota 2007, goes to Jonathan Brady (aka Nitin) of 93.5 Red FM. Poor guy he used to work as a security officer for KLM-Northwest airlines and was based in Delhi airport few years back. Seems like he has not been able to come out of that anxiety stricken era of his life, where he used to be shit scared of even his own shadow in absence of the brave Nepalese/Gorkhali around. Many people, who have worked with this guy, agree to one thing....... “He does not use his freedom of speech and expression..... Rather, he abuses it”... One person even went on to say that he is a “real pain-in-the-a**.....”

Well, racist he may not be..... but idiot he sure is. Hope he learns his lesson this time around.... and so do these other idiots... so that we can construct a better society together.

Once again, I congratulate all the people who came together, saw what was needed to be done and conquered what seemed unconquerable (removing the disunity among people). I request all of us to remain united and come together hand in hand so that we make a better society, a better community and a better country. I request all those who have not yet realized how much their stupid action can hurt others, to start learning their lessons and to contribute positively towards the development of a united society where every one is equal.

Finally, I leave you with the immortal lines by Kabi Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore… “where the mind is without fear and the head held high… where the world is not broken into fragments….. Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake…”

Hope! I made some sense.

Upendra

http://www.darjeelingtimes.com/news/Voice-of-Darjeeling/The-Idol-The-Ideal-The-Idiots.html

9 October 2007

Prashant's Audio Song's Almost All of them~

Prashant _ Ya Ali -PR

http://www.zshare.net/audio/3736365d68f074/

Prashant _ Yaar Ko Mai Nai -PR
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38043021c8d8fc/

Prashant _ Ae Kaash -PR
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3736092d7f5cb4/

Prashant _ (Gala 1)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3717223b6bac2e/
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Prashant _ Mai Hoo Na (Gala 2)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3732957f18c9fb/
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Prashant _ Aada (Gala 3)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3716886f55f61d/
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Prashant _ Ae Ajnabi (Gala 4 P1)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/37171696fe5582/

Prashant _ Kaho Na Kaho (Gala 4 P2)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3717583a5cd15a/
--------------------------------------------
Prashaant _ Kasto maza (Gala 5)
http://www.zshare.net/download/293721629e5743/
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Prashant _ Rindha Poosa (Gala 6)
http://www.zshare.net/download/2987006d9fcfa2/
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Prashant _ Sarfarooshi Ki Tammanna (Gala 7)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/31676454af5e9b/
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Prashant _ Aap Ki Dua Hai (Gala 8) Not Full
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3277992aed3cc7/
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Prashant _ Ek Haseena Thi (Gala 9)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3362896fb6c70e/
------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Kuch Na Kaho (Gala 10 P1)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3428778ec48d1f/

Prashant _ O Mere Dil Kai Chain (Gala 10 P2)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3433849d63868d/
------------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Ye Koi Baat Hai(Gala 11 P1)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3544533694be33/

Prashant _ Bheege Hont Tere (Gala 11 P2)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3544262edbb022/

----------------------------------------
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Prashant _ Aashiq Banaya Aapne (Final Gala)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/36763701608fed/

Prashant _ Badi Mushkil Hai (Final Gala)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3676374262287d/

Prashant _ Tanhaai (Final Gala)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/367654035549e5/
---------------------------------------------

OTHER PRASHANTS SONGS
Parshant _ Nipaali Song (Sung in Last Robaroo)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3655169b527d50/
--------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Dil Mai Guitaar (Mumbai Concert)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3686558d965899/
-------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Is Kaal (Mumbai Concert)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3687192f3f9cca/
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Prashant _ Door Sai Koi Aai(Calcuta Cafe Round)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/37892435531ab5/
-------------------------------------------
Prashant _ OO Meri Jaan (Calcuta Cafe)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/37899920573640/
-------------------------------------------
Prashant _Zindigi Itni Khubsoorat -His 1st Song
http://www.zshare.net/audio/37917725ec8662/
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Prashant _ Bheegi Bheegi -Bangali Song (Calcuta Cafe)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3793038b647d87/
---------------------------------------------

Prashant _ Janabe Ali (Grand Finale)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38295981543cc5/

-----------------------------------
Prashant _ Sadde Naal (Grand Finale)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38300681088054/

Prashant _ Nipaali (Grand Finale)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38331484b7a130

Prashant _ Sundeese Aate Hain-with Annu (Grand Finale)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38336851e43076/

-----------------------------------------------

hey ppl...i read this on mouthshut.com...

How come a guy with a name like "Jonathan Brady" dare insult a respectable community of India. He must have been left behind by Britishers to torment Indians after they were gone.

Here is an open letter to Nitin aka "Jonathan Brady" from P. Rai, USA

---> Quote

Hi Nitin,

First of all let me introduce myself. I am firstly an Indian working in an Indian IT company oversees. I am also a Nepali. The comments that you had made (in jest or in all seriousness) on Red FM was brought to my attention by an e-mail that I received from a friend in Delhi. While speaking with my parents in Darjeeling I came to know of how big an issue this has been there. How people are burning your effigies and demanding a public apology. I have heard that there are some committees or bodies who have raised litigation against you. This letter is not a hate mail and if you will have the patience to go through it, it will be an eye opener of sorts.

I will make this short and simple. You had made a statement saying that Prashant had won and since it was the Cricket Match that night, no Nepali would be there to guard your houses and that the road side momo shops would be closed. How kind of you to bestow the honour to the Nepali community of guarding your homes. It is a billion times better than looting and plundering your homes. Since time immemorial people in India have made the ’chowkidar’ synonymous with a Nepali. Bollywood stereo-types are well known and we have had numerous comedians in Hindi movies play the role of a Nepali chowkidaar or ’Gurkha’ with a fake accent and holding a ’khukuri’ in the wrong way. At least one would think the so called creative pundits would have actually seen a Nepali Gorkha ( not a chowkidaar, but I will explain that later) wielding the symbol of Nepali courage and dignity, the Khukuri in the right manner.
Gorkhas are valiant warriors and I don’t need to iterate on this fact. Just Google any site on the history and you will be awed by stories of their valor and courage. Gorkhas are best known for their history of bravery and strength in the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas and the Indian Army’s Gorkha regiments. The Gorkha war cry is "Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali" which literally translates to "Glory be to the Goddess of War, here come the Gorkhas!". And it is to the credit of this fierce and brave race that many battles were won.

Now coming to the Gurkhas or chowkidaars who you so look down upon. They have been guarding your homes and offices and there is nothing demeaning in that. They stay awake all night ( Jaagte Raho!! ) so that you can sleep in peace inside the comfort of your homes. There is little difference between a baton wielding Gurkha on our gates and a rifle wielding solider on our country’s borders in that respect. But to imply that every Nepali is a chowkidaar is not only incorrect but reeks highly of little and dangerous knowledge. One would presume that a famous RJ like you had more knowledge regarding his own country and acted with more responsibility in making such a politically incorrect statement. One would wonder if all Biharis are ’pan wallas’ or ’rickshaw wallas’ or if every Punjabi is a ’dhaba walla’ just because a few have taken to the profession. It is simply ridiculous to make an occupation sound demeaning or worse identify it with an entire community.

There has been mixed reactions regarding Prashant’s victory. On one side the people are jubilant and on the other side some are crying foul. The latter are dismissing it as a well orchestrated win by the Nepali community. However, in the light of the media support and visibility that Amit received, it didn’t take a child to understand that Prashant was being side tracked. It took enormous support from his fans to finally make him victorious. And we are proud of him.

You would be too if you had to overcome such circumstances.

However, this letter is not just in support of Prashant Tamang but the entire Nepali community in India and abroad. This letter is not an assault to your profession or a question to your morality. This is just a letter from an Indian clearing some of your misconceptions. This is the age of information (or misinformation) after all and I guess that by now you would have known the consequences of your actions. The Gorkhas are hard working, honest and big-hearted people and I hope that one day they can forgive you and your scathing comments on their pride. For now I am happy to know that you missed the momos that night. Now that the Indian Idol mania is over, I am sure the road side mom shops you so miss are back in business. So go have a feast...this one is on the house !!!

Yours sincerely,
P. Rai
USA

8 October 2007

Nepal PM meets Indian Idol Prashant Tamang

KATHMANDU: Nepal's Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala found time amid political uncertainties on Saturday to meet the kingdom's new heartthrob, Darjeeling boy Prashant Tamang, who has become a household name in India and Nepal after winning the TV talent hunt show Indian Idol .

It was also an unexpected honour for Prashant's companions, finalists Ankita Mishra and Deepali Kishor, when all three were invited to the prime minister's official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday morning.

"The prime minister asked me how I felt after winning the contest," a beaming Prashant said after the meeting.

"Then he put the Nepali topi on my head and gave me his blessings."

Koirala, who was wearing the black cap that is an integral part of his public persona, put a traditional Nepali cap on the head of the 24-year-old rising star, watched by smiling family members and Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula.

Prashant, who had serenely faced a nearly three-month long nerve-racking contest in a television channel to be selected winner out of nearly 23,000 aspirants, said he was nervous when he met the prime minister, since it was his first meeting with a leader about whom he had heard so much.

Music, he said with his trademark grin, had strengthened ties between India and Nepal. In response to coaxing by media persons, he sang a few lines of the Nepali song, Gorkhali ko chhoro mo , that had captivated the hearts of the Nepali-speaking diaspora during the contest.

On his maiden trip to Kathmandu, Prashant said he was overwhelmed by the love and support shown to him from Nepal and the effort made by Nepalis who used to go to Darjeeling to send SMS votes for him.

Sidestepping political questions, Prashant said he had joined the contest urged by friends who used to tell him he should try his luck.

"I joined the 'Indian Idol' contest without thinking of winning," he said frankly. "But after I reached the top three, I realised a lot of people wanted me to win."

Regretting that he was not a trained singer, Prashant said he would like to have some training now. However, he was not sure immediately whether he would give up his job with Kolkata Police.

"I am grateful to my superiors who gave me permission to take part in the contest," he said.

After a late night show at the Casino Royale following his arrival here on Friday, Prashant - along with Deepali, Ankita and Nepali pop star Nima Rumba - was set to rock the capital at a mass concert on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, Prashant is scheduled to sing in Pokhara town before returning to Mumbai on Monday.

~Prashant's Songs in Indian Idol 3

~Prashant's Songs in Indian Idol 3 (Audio only)~
(source: Dino from Orkut community)

Prashant _ Ya Ali -PR
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3736365d68f074/

Prashant _ Yaar Ko Mai Nai -PR
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38043021c8d8fc/

Prashant _ Ae Kaash -PR
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3736092d7f5cb4/

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Prashant _ (Gala 1)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3717223b6bac2e/
------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Mai Hoo Na (Gala 2)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3732957f18c9fb/
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Prashant _ Aada (Gala 3)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3716886f55f61d/
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Prashant _ Ae Ajnabi (Gala 4 P1)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/37171696fe5582/

Prashant _ Kaho Na Kaho (Gala 4 P2)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3717583a5cd15a/
--------------------------------------------
Prashaant _ Kasto maza (Gala 5)
http://www.zshare.net/download/293721629e5743/
----------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Rindha Poosa (Gala 6)
http://www.zshare.net/download/2987006d9fcfa2/
--------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Sarfarooshi Ki Tammanna (Gala 7)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/31676454af5e9b/
--------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Aap Ki Dua Hai (Gala 8) Not Full
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3277992aed3cc7/
----------------------------------------
Prashant _ Ek Haseena Thi (Gala 9)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3362896fb6c70e/
------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Kuch Na Kaho (Gala 10 P1)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3428778ec48d1f/

Prashant _ O Mere Dil Kai Chain (Gala 10 P2)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3433849d63868d/
------------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Ye Koi Baat Hai(Gala 11 P1)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3544533694be33/

Prashant _ Bheege Hont Tere (Gala 11 P2)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3544262edbb022/
-----------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Aashiq Banaya Aapne (Final Gala)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/36763701608fed/

Prashant _ Badi Mushkil Hai (Final Gala)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3676374262287d/

Prashant _ Tanhaai (Final Gala)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/367654035549e5/
---------------------------------------------

OTHER PRASHANTS SONGS
Parshant _ Nepali Song (Sung in Last Robaroo)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3655169b527d50/
--------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Dil Mai Guitaar (Mumbai Concert)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3686558d965899/
-------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Is Kaal (Mumbai Concert)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3687192f3f9cca/
-----------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Door Sai Koi Aai(Calcuta Cafe Round)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/37892435531ab5/
-------------------------------------------
Prashant _ OO Meri Jaan (Calcuta Cafe)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/37899920573640/
-------------------------------------------
Prashant _Zindigi Itni Khubsoorat -His 1st Song
http://www.zshare.net/audio/37917725ec8662/
-------------------------------------------
Prashant _ Bheegi Bheegi -Bangali Song (Calcuta Cafe)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/3793038b647d87/
---------------------------------------------

Prashant _ Janabe Ali (Grand Finale)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38295981543cc5/

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Prashant _ Sadde Naal (Grand Finale)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38300681088054/

-----------------------------------
Prashant _ Nepali (Grand Finale)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38331484b7a130/

-----------------------------------
Prashant _ Sundeese Aate Hain-with Annu (Grand Finale)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/38336851e43076/

Enjoy!