Have you ever felt depressed
-     Bored ?
-     Neglected ?

Ever felt that life was unfair ?

That you were not getting

back what you were putting in ?

Have you ever cried tears of disappointment that other people were getting ahead with little talent and much tact – while you, the one with looks, beauty, wits and brains were left far behind ?

Have you ever dreamt of fame and adulation ?

Ever imagined crowds of cheering, adulating masses swaying before your every word, every command ? Cheers and applause of fans ?

Have you ever wished and prayed that someday, somewhere your talent and your hard work will be recognized ?

Do you believe that one day the sun’s rays will descend from their chariot to YOU – will take your hand and say You have done enough, waited enough. No more of silent tears. Come, today is your day

What woke these thoughts in me ? A TV show called “Indian Idol”. I watched it for the first time yesterday.


What is it ?
Indian Idol is a show on Sony entertainment. This is a search that extends all over India – picking out the most talented singers, and more importantly, entertainers par excellence. Youngsters, and even the not very young, are handpicked and put on a stage before millions of live and TV audiences. They not only need to sing, but also to vibe with the judges and the public to win over their hearts – and more importantly, votes. For, votes are what decide their musical fate. In every round, a few are eliminated and winners are picked by popular choice.

The Judges
The Judges consist of a select panel of Farah Khan, Anu Malik and Sonu Nigam. While Farah is a (mostly) sympathetic judge, not being from this profession. I get the impression Anu Mallik is trying hard to be soft (pun intended), almost sweet-talking the participants and putting forth the praise/ brickbats sarcastically. Sonu Nigam concentrates on the technicalities of singing, evaluating, appraising and still tries to take the path of gentle criticism. The judges only give their professional opinions It is the public who decides.
My mother, who is a regular watcher tells me that thousands of votes are received by phone and sms.

The Anchors
Aman Verma and Mini Mathur – lesser said, the better it is.

The competition
Even watching one show, I can tell that the competition is fierce. As each singer mounts the dais and begins to croon to an elaborate orchestra, their charisma and energy sweeps over the crowd.
Why, this is as seasoned a performance as an industry professional !
Making it from one round to the other is tough. You are very much dependent on the mood swings of the Junta Janardan.

The Prize
The winner, to be crowned in February, will be awarded 1 Crore. Add to that a one year contract with Sony Entertainment. The stakes are high !


My Conclusion

In the age of entertainment, this kind of a show is bound to be successful.
Watch one episode, if you can.
Then think…..

We are not entertainers, you and I.
But there is a chance, an opportunity waiting somewhere for each of us.
-     A chance to make a reality of our dreams.
-     A chance to make a difference to millions of people.
-     A chance to shine.
-     A chance to grab success by its collars and make it yours.
That chance may be a challenge, a project, a problem to be solved, a presentation to be made or a deal to be struck. Go out and find it.


To end with, a quote
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New Year’s Day is special only as a symbol of a new beginning. The realty is that every day is a new beginning, a new chance to create the life that we desire.

Here’s wishing you success in your endeavors in the New Year.