Energetic rendition on stage

MELODIC BATTLE

The three men and three women were all set to battle it out to win the titles of the ultimate male and female singer.

 The place was packed with people hours before the event with most of them eagerly waiting for the performances to begin. Adding more glitz and glamour to the show were the celebrity judges —  music director Anu Malik, actor Shivarajkumar, music director Hamsalekha and singer Rajesh Krishnan.

Having come to Bangalore many a time earlier, Anu Malik greeted the audience and sang his popular composition, Yeh Kali Kali Aankein from Baazigar. “This is a City with the most beautiful and talented people. When I was approached to judge the finals, I immediately agreed because I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed,” he said.

The competition had two rounds. The first round saw each finalist coming up on stage and singing one Kannada and one Hindi song back-to-back. The competition began with Pragya, who sang Kelisade Kallu Kallinali and More Ghar Aaye Saajanva. The judges were impressed with Pragya and showered her with praises. While Shivarajkumar felt music is a universal language, Rajesh Krishnan noted, “Despite not knowing Kannada, she sang very well.”

Up next were Madhu Kashyap and Suchitra, whose renditions of Nooru Janmaku, Ketaki Gulab, Male Baruva Haagide and Saawan Beetho kept the energy going. The competition, that is open to people from different walks of life, also had a dentist, Dr Nitin Acharya, take the stage.

After watching him sing Kan Kanna Salige and Bhor Bhaye, all the judges agreed that he was in the wrong profession. “He has the voice of a hero. His expressions were bang on and that’s what is required for playback singing,” said Anu Malik. Soon, other finalists including Shriraksha and Krishna concluded the first round with Aakaasha Bhoomiyindu, Bheeni Bheeni Bhor, Maayavaagide Manasu and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.

After witnessing all the performances, Hamsalekha expressed his delight and said, “Listening to so many of them sing a commercial song and a classical number, I am very impressed. I am glad that there is a lot of talent among the younger generation.”

The second round saw some electrifying duets. Pragya and Madhu started off with Nach Baliye from Bunty Aur Bubli, which was then followed by Shriraksha and Nitin singing Kay Sera Sera from Pukar. 

The final performance of the night was by Suchitra and Krishna, who sang Chaiyya Chaiyya from Dil Se. After much deliberation, Pragya and Nitin emerged as the winners of the event.