India ushers in its first Idol
Modelled after the popular show American Idol, the show was judged by renowned choreographer and film director Farah Khan, music director Anu Malik and playback singer Sonu Nigam.
Hours before the big night, both Indian Idol finalists Amit Sana and Abhijeet Sawant had no time to ponder about their fate. They just wanted to get some rest. Sawant has been extremely unwell and in pain. He has been diagnosed with a stone in his kidney. Popping painkillers, he was determined to flash his hallmark smile.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The treatment is on hold till next week.
Sana, on the other hand, was struggling to keep his eyes open. The last few days before the grand finale had been an arduous journey for both - travelling, round-the-clock rehearsals for the finale besides the music sessions.
The grand finale was held at the Famous Studio in south Mumbai and telecast on Sony Entertainment Television. All 11 finalists reunited for the final two-hour show of the talent hunt that began in October 2004 with over 21,000 aspirants.
After a number of performances from both finalists, Abhijeet was declared the winner. Abhijeet, a local of Mumbai, bagged a Rs 1 crore ($229,000) contract with Sony Entertainment TV. He also won a luxury car and a weeklong holiday with his family in Switzerland. The son of a Mumbai civil officer, Abhijeet, used to sing in an orchestra to supplement his family's income. A simple boy with a disarming smile had transformed into a sizzling performer.
Amit seemed to accept his defeat graciously and applauded Abhijeet's triumph.
In this most entertaining of clashes, clinched by the whims of millions of viewers who watched the performances on TV and then dialled in or sent SMSs to vote, both the finalists brought their own armory of songs.
Over 30 million SMSs were sent in the run-up to the final, the organisers said. The program got an unprecedented viewership for Sony Entertainment Television.
Abhijeet is now looking forward to participate in the World Idol contest. This Idol expects to keep his fans entranced with his remarkable vocal skills.