Laga Chunri ne daag:

Great Job:

Confirmed: Judging panel for 'Indian Idol 3'

Rumours of Himesh Reshammiya being a part of ‘Indian Idol 3’ can now finally be put to rest.

Sony Entertainment Television Asia has officially announced the judging panel for its new series, starting in April.

Out are Sonu Nigam and Farah Khan and in are the versatile singers Udit Narayan and “Kajra Re” singer Alisha Chinai.

The tagline of the third Indian Idol is ‘Ek Awaaz Jispar Ho Desh Ko Naaz.’

In addition to a recording contract with Sony BMG, the ‘Indian Idol’ will be awarded a contract with Sony Entertainment Television Asia worth Rs 10 million (Rs 1 crore).

Sony Entertainment Television executive vice president and business head Albert Almeida said, “As witnessed in the last two seasons of Indian Idol the third season too promises to take viewer engagement and interactivity to even greater heights while catapulting the Indian Idol into ultimate stardom. This year too, the channel will give talented singers from across the nation the platform to realize their dreams and put fame and fortune within their reach while offering distinctive and breakthrough entertainment.”

Sony Entertainment Television chief creative director Sandiip Sikcand added, “Indian Idol aims to showcase the biggest singing talent from across the nation in the most entertaining and involving manner. This season, the focus of the judges would be to help us find that ‘One Voice’ that will be the pride of the nation. Indian Idol third season will offer a combination of great singing talent and entertainment for our viewers.”

This time round, the channel has roped in actor Hussain Khuwajirwala to host the show, who replaces Aman Verma (currently presenting ‘Cinestars’ on rival ZEE TV). On the other hand, Mini Mathur will continue as the other host of the show.

UK auditions for the new series will be taking place at the Asian Lifestyle Show in Birmingham on 30th, 31st March and 1st April.

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Indian Idol 3 - The countdown has begun

From correspondents in Delhi, India, 11:57 AM IST

Indian Idol the hugely popular adaptation of the blockbuster 'Pop Idol' format took the nation by storm in its very first season and followed that with an equally popular season 2.

While Indian Idol served as the intimate platform for budding singers from across the nation to realize their dreams, the show went on to become the most entertaining and involving show to hit Indian television. In keeping with its philosophy of offering innovative and distinct content, Sony Entertainment Television, is now all set to launch the third series of this groundbreaking phenomenon, Indian Idol with an even bigger bang!

Indian Idol is a 'made-for-television phenomenon' that combines drama and reality with music, humor, thrill and glamour. The last two seasons of the show experienced a collage of emotions, raising levels of viewer frenzy and excitement coupled with the contestants' tears and joys, heartbreak and jubilation, learnings and achievements. With its immense popularity, Indian Idol showcases exceptional talent on the nation's biggest platform. The phenomenon of following this journey and ultimately picking that 'Ek Awaaz Jispar Ho Desh Ko Naaz' becomes an integral part of the viewers' lives drawing ardent support and a voting frenzy.

This year too Indian Idol will give the people of this nation the opportunity to chase their dreams and the power to make one talented aspirant ' Bharat Ki Shaan'. In addition to a recording contract with Sony BMG, the 'Indian Idol' will be awarded a contract with Sony Entertainment Television worth Rupees One Crore, thus catapulting him/her to unparalleled stardom, fame and fortune.

Highlighting the essence of this worldwide phenomenon, geared to hit India once more, Albert Almeida, Executive Vice President & Business Head, Sony Entertainment Television, said, "As witnessed in the last two seasons of Indian Idol the third season too promises to take viewer engagement and interactivity to even greater heights while catapulting the Indian Idol into ultimate stardom. This year too, the channel will give talented singers from across the nation the platform to realize their dreams and put fame and fortune within their reach while offering distinctive, breakthrough entertainment. Indian Idol will showcase the best singing talent from across the nation via a 12-city audition. The journey of finding Bharat Ki Shaan—Indian Idol 3 will enthrall the Indian audiences and help them connect, leading to extreme involvement and mass frenzy."

New Idol judges: Alisha, Udit
By: Tushar Joshi

February 14, 2007

Alisha Chinai and Udit Narayan
Indian Idol 3 will not only have new hosts but a new set of judges as well. After Sonu Niigaam and Farah Khan declined from judging the reality show this year, Sony has finally zeroed in on two new names — Alisha Chinai and Udit Narayan — to select the next Indian Idol. Anu Malik will continue on as the third judge.

Leading the pack

Confirming this development, Sony’s creative head Sandiip Sikcand says, “We are excited to have Udit and Alisha on our show.

The reason we chose them is because of their mastery in music and the extensive work they have done over the years.

With these three names, we cover the entire spectrum of the music world.” Talking about the judges, Sandiip says, “Alisha has proven her versatility as a singer time and again, so we thought she would be terrific for the show.

Similarly, Udit has a string of hits to his name and is looked up as one of the leading playback singers in India. And finally, with Anu, we have an established music director on the panel.”

When asked how different the new season will be from the previous two, he says, “The tag line this year is Indian Idol — Bharat Ki Shaan. We are looking at a singer who can demonstrate variety and sing any kind of a song.

He or she should be able to sing a Lata Mangeshkar number as well the latest chartbuster from Sunidhi Chauhan. This time, we are stressing more on the voice and the depth the singer can show.”

Big promises

Calling this the biggest Idol season the channel has produced, Sikcand says, “Indian Idol 3 is going to be huge, not just in terms of infrastructure and setting, but also in the wide audience reach.

We are going to 12 cities this year, which is the maximum we have ever been.”

When asked if the X-factor will still be a big criteria for choosing the winner, he adds, “The focus will be on the voice. We already have Fame X that takes care of the X factor.” Indian Idol 3 is expected to go on air in the first week of June

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anuj sharma chand sifarish

Our first display of chand sifarish was a better rendition. That one was by Karunya:

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Indian Idol Songs:

GROUP:
Tu Aashiqui Hai | Kaal Kaal | Sapnay Mein Milti Hain | You are my Sonya | Salaam Namaste | Bhumro Bhumro | Kaho Na Pyar Hai | Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna | Tauba Tauba | Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna | Oh Haseena | Dhoom Machale | The Indian Idol song | Bheege hont tere | Woh pehli baar | Sabse Aage Honge Hindustani


AMEY DATE
Holi ke Din | Satrangi Re | Satrangi Re | Kal Ho Na Ho | Mahi Ve | Thadap Thadap | Rang de Basanti 1 | Rang De Basanti | Suno Na... | Tum mil gaye ho 1 | Laaga Chunri Mein Daag | Juda ho ke bhi | Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho


ANUJ SHARMA
Mujhse Shaadi Karoge? | Ishq Mita | Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani | Yeh Dil | Pretty Woman | Bheege Honth Tere | Adaa | Rang Barse | Chaiyya Chaiyya | Dil Lagi Kudi | Saajanji Ghar Aaya | Solah Baras Ki | Dil Lagi Kudi | Dil Kya Kare | Bachna Aye Haseeno

N.C. KARUNYA:
Dhadak Dhadak | Tumse milke | Shava Shava | Dil Se | Hamma Hamma | Jaa Re Haat Natkhat | Ramtha Jogi | Woh Lamhe | Kambakth Ishq | Koi Jaane | Lagan Lagi | Lagan Lagi1 | Piya Re | Hum Tum | Ae Mere Zohra Jabeen1 | Ae Mere Zohra Jabeen | Kavah Kavah | Chak de

SANDEEP ARCHARYA:
Kaho Na Pyar Hai | Jhalak Dhiklaja | Dil De Diya Hai | Holi khele Raghubira | Rut Aagayi Re | Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din | Mehndi Lagaa Ke | Mein Nikla Gaddi Leke | Sun Mithwa | Tere Naam | Kaun hai jo sapnon mein aaya | Papa kehta hain | Main Yahaan Hoon

THESE WERE THE MAIN CONTESTANTS: THE FINALS WERE SUCH OF A HIGH STANDARDS, THAT THE JUDGES WERE STUNNED AS TO WHO WERE THE WINNERS:
THERE WAS A VOTING SYSTEM IN PLACE AND KARUNYA WAS NOT DECLARED THE WINNER OF IDOL 2: SANDEEP WAS

Will try to get a few more video of the proceedings:

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: asj,

Sandeep Acharya:

The Runner up of Idol 2: NC Karunya:


Name: NC Karunya

Date of Birth: March 1, 1986

Place of Birth: Hyderabad

Currently Residing in: Hyderabad

Education: B-Tech (Third Year) in Electronics & Communications

Family: Father, Mother & Younger Sister

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: asj,

asj

can you get the show in the US?

quote:

Originally posted by raymond:
asj

can you get the show in the US?

Ray, If you have Dish Network you could have seen the shows on Indian TV Network. I think Sony featured it sometime ago:

Now for a live show, I guess that will be a good idea, but very costly.

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quote:

Originally posted by asj:

quote:

Originally posted by raymond:
asj

can you get the show in the US?

Ray, If you have Dish Network you could have seen the shows on Indian TV Network. I think Sony featured it sometime ago:

Now for a live show, I guess that will be a good idea, but very costly.

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I do have DISH Network...I wasn't sure which of the Indian channels had the program or if they carried it...I have to look into subscribing

Sandeep Acharya

Sandeep crowned Indian Idol 2

The boy from Bikaner was first noticed for his smile - and his `Udit Narayan style`. But Sandeep Acharya proved he was not just another clone when he moved out of his favourite `Uditji`s` shadow to experiment with songs of all genres. He silenced his worst critics with his enthusiastic performance of the Kishore Kumar hit Eena Meena Deeka.

Sandeep once remarked on the show that it was Karunya who always hogged the limelight. But on Saturday night, it was he who walked away with the glory - And a Rs 1 crore contract, a car and loads of gifts!

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The Runner up of Idol 2: NC Karunya:


Name: NC Karunya

Date of Birth: March 1, 1986

Place of Birth: Hyderabad

Currently Residing in: Hyderabad

Education: B-Tech (Third Year) in Electronics & Communications

Family: Father, Mother & Younger Sister

He is the only South Indian to have come so far in the Indian Idol Contest. N C Karunya from Hyderabad has made his mark on the show with his `Abhishek Bachchan` looks and his melodious voice.

He`s been singing since he was three and has come so far because of the support he has received from his parents.

`My parents live in my dream world. They have seen me wanting to be a singer and have done all they could to help me attain my goal,` says Karunya.

He idolises musical legends like Kishore Kumar, Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, P Sushila and Ghantasaala and hopes to make his mark in the world like them some day.

Audiences across the country have fallen in love with his voice and the change in his personality and appearance they have seen through the show. He managed to rake in the viewer votes in the first gala, despite a bad throat, proving that he has a strong and loyal fan following!

Name: Sagar Arun Sawarkar

Date of Birth: October 30, 1985

Place of Birth: Nagpur

Currently Residing in: Mumbai

Education: Currently Pursuing Mass Media from Bhavan’s College, Mumbai

Family: Father, Mother, Sister & Brother

For Sagar, music is the beginning and end of life. This 20-year old student from Mumbai has been singing since the age of eight and has been undergoing formal musical training for the last ten years.

It all began when an eight-year-old Sagar sang the famous Mehmood number 'Hum Kale Hain to Kya Hua Dilwale Hain' at a function organised by people in his building. A gentleman who was passing by heard him and approached Sagar's father, seeking permission to become his son's first Guru. It was this guru, Mr Thackeray, who taught Sagar light classical music and helped groom his voice at an early stage.

Thereafter Sagar went on to learn the finer nuances of classical music from various gurus. His first stage performance in a competition came at the age of 10 where he sang the classical-based 'Madhuban Mein Radhika' and won the first prize. Since then, Sagar has been a regular fixture at local-level competitions. He has also represented his school and his college and won numerous accolades.

Driven by his dream of becoming a top playback singer, he filled out the forms for Indian Idol 1 last year. "I was very excited and knew I would at least make it to the top 10. But unfortunately due to my dad's sudden illness, I couldn't make it for the performance where I was amongst the top 50 (sic). This time I have to do something big and make my dad proud".

A complete performer, Sagar loves spending time with his family and his computer. He also loves to read spiritual books and hopes that Indian Idol would give him an opportunity to bring about positive changes in the world around him.

VOTED OUT ON 24/01/06:
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Name: Ravi Tripathi

Date of Birth: February 4, 1976

Place of Birth: Pratapgarh (Uttar Pradesh)

Currently Residing in: Mumbai

Education: Graduate in Social Work from Lucknow University.
Family: Father, Mother, 2 Sisters & a Brother

The eldest and probably the most mature of all, Ravi has come a long way on Indian Idol. He came to Mumbai in search of musical fame and is determined not let go of this golden opportunity that he`s received.

A disciple of the great Suresh Wadkar, Ravi believes in sharing knowledge and is thus teaching young children Indian classical music.

He is involved with children for social causes too, teaching them about our country`s rich heritage and showing them the right path to make a better nation.

His musical inspiration is Indian Idol judge Sonu Nigam himself, whose style in playback singing Ravi tries to emulate. His on-stage persona has improved vastly and even Anu Malik, who had his reservations about Ravi initially, agrees that he is a strong contender for the Agla Idol crown.
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Name: Monali Thakur

Date of Birth: November 3, 1985

Place of Birth: Kolkata

Currently Residing in: Kolkata

Education: Pursuing BA in English Honours from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata

Family: Father, Mother & Elder Sister

Bengali Beauty Monali has music flowing in her bloodstream. Her father Shakti Thakur is a professional singer and actor in Bengali film industry, her sister Mehuli Thakur-Goswami is a playback singer in Bengal and Monali herself has received classical training from Pandit Jagdish Prasad in Kolkata.

Her performance and look have been polished through the show and have been closely monitored by her supporters, who have voted for her week after week.

She tore down the competition in the galas by singing a male-voice song without a single flaw and is here to stay and fight for the most wanted title on Indian Television!

Songs that she sang:
Piya Tohse Naina Laage
Pyar kar le
Sandeshein Athe Hain
Juda ho ke bhi
Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho
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Name: Yashashree Bhave

Date of Birth: August 5, 1981

Place of Birth: Satara, Maharashtra

Currently Residing in: Nagpur

Education: MA in Sanskrit from Nagpur University

Family: Father, Mother & Elder Sister

Yashashree Bhave's mother is a well-known singer. It was she who initiated Yashashree into the art at the age of four and since then Yashashree has been learning classical music.

The Nagpur-based Yashashree loves to listen to Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle and Kavita Krishnamurthy and also feels that good music and good compositions always survive the test of time. She loves listening to soft romantic numbers and is also fond of songs composed by Pandit Hridayanath Mangeshkar, especially those sung by Lataji.

A regular participant in various social activities, Yashashree feels that every individual needs to do his/her bit for society.

Someone who does not believe in taking shortcuts in life, Yashashree spends a lot of time listening to classical and semi-classical music and is eagerly awaiting the day when she can listen to her own recordings.

Yashashree's favourite songs include: "Mera Kuch Saaman" and "Do Lafzon Ki Hai" by Asha Bhonsle.

Name: Neha Kakkar

Date of Birth: June 6, 1988

Place of Birth: Rishikesh, Uttaranchal

Currently Residing in: Delhi

Education: Currently studying in class XI in New Holy Public School, Delhi

Family: Father, Mother, 2 Brothers & a Sister

Mumbai girl Neha has been singing divine notes of Jagarans since she was very young. Inspired by her elder sister Sonu Kakkar, a well known playback singer, Neha has seen dreams of becoming the Indian Idol since the show began last year.

Though she has received no formal training in music, she sings from her heart, bringing her emotions to her audiences in all her performances. She also appreciates Sufi music and loves the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Also inspired by Sonu Nigams versatility, shes confident that she too will be able to sing diverse kinds of music.

Though Neha missed a couple of weeks of riyaaz, photo shoots and the Idol video shoot due to an illness, she is back with a vengeance and here to stay!

Name: Amey Date

Date of Birth: March 31, 1979.

Place of Birth: Mumbai

Currently Residing in: Mumbai

Education: Undergraduate from Ruperal College, Mumbai

Family: Father & Mother are divorced. Has elder sister

Amey Date has a musical lineage of his own as his grandfather was part of R.D. Burmans orchestra, his sister a trained classical singer. He himself was trained under the tutelage of Suresh Wadkar. He teaches students in his academy and sings on stage with his guru.

Despite the support of the judges, Amey started out in the show with low audience votes. He has been working had on his overall stage presence and choice of songs, which has resulted in a rise in his popularity in the last few weeks.

`I am working on aspects of my performance that dont appeal to the audience and am trying to rectify it. On Indian Idol the ultimate power is with the voter, so I will strive to give my audiences what they want from me,` said Amey, whos all the grit and the voice to make be Indias Agla Idol!

NB This guy is one to watch in the future: love his singing
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Name: Panna Gill

Date of Birth: June 26, 1981

Place of Birth: Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Currently Residing in: Mumbai

Education: Class XII

Family: Father, Mother, Sister & Brother

Though Panna gets his inspiration from his father Lakhbir Singh, who is a renowned devotional singer, hes got no preference for any particular type of music.

`I cannot choose any one type of music. I get influenced by western sounds as much as traditional Indian music. Whenever I sing, I give the song my 100 per cent and fall in love with it, ` said Panna, when asked about his favourite type of music.

He idolises Sonu Nigam, not only for his singing capabilities but also for his stage presence and overall look. He strives to be a `complete package` like Sonuji some day.
With a style of his own and a voice to match, Panna is on his way to the Numero Uno position on Indian Television!

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Name: Meenal Jain

Date of Birth: June 14, 1985

Place of Birth: Indore

Currently Residing in: Mumbai

Education: Graduate from Mithibai College, Mumbai

Family: Father, Mother & elder Sister

Meenal Jain came to Mumbai from the small town of Indore to build a career as a professional singer. From then on, her passion for music has kept her in high spirits and she went on to learn music from various people, including a short stint with Suresh Wadkar.

She learnt music while completing her studies in Mumbai and has been determined to follow her dream to become the next Indian Idol.

Shes been working on her vocals and her stage presence after she received negative feedback from Farah Khan in the galas. She is now set to burn down all the competition and take the competition to a new height with her performances!

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