28 May, 2008 - The show kicked off three hours late. Most chairs were empty. Tickets were expensive and one of the performers, Charu, missed her flight.
Despite all that, Prashant Tamang’s show in Thimphu, though not a roaring commercial success, went down well with the waiting audience.
The third Indian idol’s first song of the evening, Jab se tere naina from the film Saavariya followed by Bhegay hoot teri from Murder was welcomed with whistling and cheers as the short and perky singing sensation set the Thimphu crowd dancing with old sentimental Nepali and hit Hindi songs.
The show went on till midnight as more people poured in after the organizers slashed ticket rates to a uniform Nu 100 from the earlier Nu 300, 500 and 700. Many chose to watch for free from nearby buildings and the flyover area opposite the concert arena.
The response overwhelmed the singer. Speaking to Kuensel, the 25-year old said that he was apprehensive about how the show would be received. “It’s my first time performing in Bhutan. I never thought that the response would be this good. It was unexpected. I’m very happy.”
So how has life changed for the police constable after he was crowned Indian idol? “Life’s good and there are both positive and negative changes,” said Prashant.
He said that the secret to his success was the effort he put in and the love, blessings and support from the people. Besides singing, he loves playing and watching football.
Organisers said that the show being cancelled twice, extensive formalities and lack of support from authorities discouraged people from attending the concert. The concert was first scheduled for April 11, then postponed to May 2 before finally being staged on May 24.
Thimphu residents also said that tickets were too expensive. Organiser Nguldrup Dorjikss, however, insisted that it was the formalities and cancellations that affected the show. “People came to watch him at Nu 1,800 in Jaigoan; cost is not a problem.”
Organisers spent Nu 970,000 on the show and paid Prashant Tamang Nu 350,000 for performing in Bhutan.
As for Prashant Tamang, he doesn’t want to leave his current job with the Kolkata police. He is presently based in Mumbai and has released his first album Dhanyavad. He wants to make his career as a playback singer in Bollywood.
The concert was organised to mark the centenary celebrations and Indo-Bhutan friendship.
By Sonam Pelden
spelden@kuensel.com.bt
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10464
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just stopping by to say hi
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