Atlanta Indian Idol 2013: Finalists

Seniors

Ajay Madwesh
Anand Mehta
Bhishma Oza
Deepa Basvaraju
John Macdonal
Namita Jain
Raj Bharatapur
Samir Siddique
Sandeep Kowtha
Shyam Gupta
Swati Mishra
Trisula Siripurapu

JUNIORS

Akshaya Gandapodi
Anu Romesh
Kuheli Mitra
Navya
Sanjana Rao
Sridha Abayanathan

Atlanta Indian Idol 2013: Postscript

Atlanta Indian Idol 2013: A Rip-Roaring Success

Indian American Cultural Association (IACA), Atlanta treated Hindi music lovers across town to Atlanta Indian Idol Contest 2013, at the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts, GA Tech on April 27 2013. First of its kind for IACA, the singing completion embraced the essence of Bollywood – music, dance, talent and glamour in one show. Emceed by popular personalities, Suchita Vadlmani and Ash Chandler, there was never a dull moment for audience of over 900 that gathered around to cheer the singers.  SMS Polling for contestants on site was an added attraction.

The evening began National Anthems of the USA and India rendered by Dr. Aarti Pandya. The program had several dance schools across Atlanta performing at regular intervals with opening dance by Shiv’s Institute of Dance to “Ga Ga Ga Ganpati”. Planet U Performing Arts presented a medley of different songs, Nritya Natya Kala Bharti performed “Sheila Ki Jawani” in Lavani Style, Aparna’s Dance Academy presented Medley of classical songs, Geet Rung School of Dance and Music performed “Katto gilheri chammak challo rani” and Prem’s Dance Studio concluded with “Bezubaan/Party on my mind.

The qualifying round was held on March 24th and 31st.  66 talented singers participated of which 12 qualified from the SENIOR category and 6 from the JUNIOR Category to compete in the FINALS. At the show, 5 out of the 12 singers in SENIOR category qualified for the Finals. Winners who took home the trophy were Bhishma Oza rendering “Tu Hi Re” from Bombay in SENIOR Category and Anu Romesh singing “Jiya Re” from Jab Tak Hain Jaan in JUNIOR Category. John Macdonal (“Abhi mujh mein kahi” from Agneepath)was 1^st Runner up and Namita Jain (O Paalan hare from Lagaan)2nd Runner up in SENIOR Category. Navya Nuthivana (Aisa Jaadu from Khakee)  was 1^st Runner up and Kuheli Mitra (O Sajana from Parakh) 2^nd Runner up in the JUNIOR Category.  Judging Panel included Dr. Aarti Pandya, Dr. Kakali Bandyopadhyay, Sujatha Rayburn, Prithwiraj Bhattacharjee, and Anand Srinivasan and Dr. Raktim Sen. Mentors included Dr. Lakshmi Rao, Pankaj Bhargava, and Supriya Shridharan. Classic numbers “O Duniya Ke” from Baiju Bawara by Ajay Madwesh , “Dil Ki Arma” by Swati Mishra, “Dil to Hain Dil” from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar by Deepa Basavaraju set a nostalgic note. Popular contemporary notes Bolna Halke Halke from Jhoom Barabar Jhoom by Raj Bharatpur, Jaane Jaan Dhoondta Phir Raha from Jawani Deewani by Samir Siddiqui, Kwaboh Kwaboh from Force by Sandeep Kowtha and Tumko Paaya hai to from Om Shanti Om by Trisula Siripurapu added delightful flavor to the night. Shyam Gupta kicked it up a notch with an attire and attitude to match the retro number, Om Shaanti Om from Karz.

Emcees invited the creator of the entire program Chand Akkineni on stage to recognize sponsors and organizing committee headed by Dr. Raktim Sen as Program Director. Chand recognized Title sponsor “Paramount Software Solutions“, Silver Sponsors, Sharma Law Offices & Duggal Insurance Associates, Bronze Sponsors, India Super Travels & IT Job Café, Donor, Mr. Girish Modi, Technology Partner, Nizar Bhojani and Media sponsors, Saavn, WowNow.com, DesiWebShow.com & TV Asia with a plaque.  Mr.Rajinder Singh – Consul (Political)/Head of Chancery from The Indian Consulate in Atlanta was also present at the event. Chand thanked all supporters, organizers and volunteers for their tireless work.

“Atlanta Indian Idol” was born out of an overwhelming sentiment to provide a viable platform for Indian singers to showcase their talent which otherwise would’ve been relegated to obscurity” said IACA President Kaushal Tripathi and Vice President Rina Gupta. “What started a few months back as a concept culminated into one of the finest hours of musical programming in Atlanta. We can certainly declare the First Atlanta Indian Idol Contest as a rip-roaring success! It was indeed my privilege and a blessing to be part of the Inaugural Atlanta Indian Idol organizing team. Thanks to Chand for his confidence in all of us. Thanks to Paddy, Kaushal and the entire IACA team for their help, support and encouragement. “said Dr. Raktim Sen.

Kaushal Tripathi also encouraged everyone to be part of upcoming IACA events, including a Beauty Pageant in July of 2013, supported by Stand Up To Cancer.

The enthralling evening ended on high note with winners walking away with their trophies and the audience cheering the winners.