FAME X-2ND WEEK

The recap baton has been passed onto me this week! So chill and enjoy the second gala of Fame X – Chal Udiye, which means “Let’s Fly”. (If they say so!) Moving on… I am still not sure if I am sold on the theme song, but I can live with it, so no big deal! Unlike last time, I think many heaved a sigh of relief this time knowing that Sophie Choudhary AKA Fame Kudi did not perform. Perhaps Usha Uthup sent her a memo? Who knows! All I know is one person did the jig knowing that she did not sing! You know who you are! Anyway, Sophie informs us that the two judges were with them – (Like DUH!) Daler Mehndi and Ganesh Hedge. And she introduced to faculty as people that students couldn’t live without! (Calling Trupti, “Are you still alive?” Answer is, “Yes, Sophie!”) Well, so we meet Dr. Palash Sen, the dean and Sowmya Raoh, the vice principal. Err, Sowmya, what’s with that top? Too much bling! Sophie then gives a shout-out to remaining 15 Fame-X-ians! They desperately need a good stylist. I heard Nicole Ritchie fired her, can’t they call her? Anyway, Sophie informs us that the guest judge not only has X Factor, he has B Factor. B for Bakra. Ok, I love this guy, but I still don’t know if he is a judge material for this kind of show, because I really don’t know when he is serious or when he is joking. As far as wit goes, I don’t think anyone uses word play more brilliantly than him. Who am I talking about? Cyrus Broacha! Funny, funny man! Thankfully after a short banter the gala began. First up, Neethi Nair from Mumbai She decided to go for Nautanki hit, “UP – Bihar Lootne” – after a shaky start, she rocked. She was in tune, voice worked and she moved gracefully. She looked nice too. All in all, I would give her 8 out of 10 for the performance. Daler loved her performance but he also pointed out that she was out of tune when she started. I love it when I am right! Smug smile! Cyrus asked her what was UP’s capitol, oh please! His advice, she should go and be the cricket captain in South Africa. And one wonders why India loses! But you have to love him, his silly stuff works. Ganesh had gone gaga over her last week and this week too he was all praises. Prompting me to think that of all judges, only Daler had a clue as to what he is talking about. The dean was happy too, but then he is always happy till they land in the academy. Next up, DQ Diva Rohit Raj Sinha from Allahabad Oy! This guy has a face that I want to use as a punching bag. I don’t really know why he irks me so, but he does and I cannot help myself. He has a good voice, but there is an element that is missing and if I knew what that was - I would be Simon Cowell. He tackled “Tere Bin Nahi Jeena” and for strange reasons, his beginning seemed a lot forced and for lack of better term - boring. He recovered well though, but by that time the performance had gone to the dogs. He has a good voice, I just wish he can utilize it and literally wow people, because he can. I would rate him as 6 out of 10. Sue me! Daler told him that he would not tolerate Rohit singing out of tune. Ganesh asked him why he was so angry when he performed and why he did not enjoy himself on the stage. Palash nailed it when he said that Rohit screwed up in the beginning and then he recovered. He added only Rohit could attempt this song. Also Palash added that Rohit thought everyone was against him. Gee, I wonder why! Then came, Banjo AKA Priyadarshi Banerjee from Kolkata – Ok, I have to say this – he has such a beautiful name and he is reduced to something that people are ashamed to admit that they play. Why Priyadarshi, why? Ok, if you like getting played, who am I to stop you. Banjo started what I call A R Rahman night by singing “Humma Humma”. Ok, this is a very tough song; I mean it needs a prowess that would make maestros shake. Banjo’s attempt was brave and good, I won’t say great though. He almost went breathless when he returned to the words “Humma Humma” so they were rather shaky. His dance moves were endearing because they were not really good. But it was a sweet performance. 7 out of 10, I am being generous here because of the song. Daler liked the performance but added that Banjo went out of tune – as do most instruments (come on, that was too easy) and said to make sure he is in tune. Ganesh asked for a high five, which sounded like two kindergarten gals trying to clap. Ganesh told him that he did not enjoy on the stage and that he could not express himself. Cyrus cracked me up by saying there is a word in English that was heterosexual and he was that as he loved gals but he fell in love with Banjo. If it were anyone else, I would have found this statement extremely homophobic but Cyrus is mad, so it is funny. When asked the faculty about Banjo’s performance, Sowmya started what would be the first argument between the judges and faculty, by stating that Banjo expressed on the song as a whole rather than word for word. Frankly, if he would have performed as Ganesh had mentioned, it would have looked like a mujra, at least that’s what I think. So I am siding Sowmya on this. Palash was really happy. Priyanka Purohit from Jaipur came next Priyanka went for “Zara Zara” a slow ballad and she went out of tune numerous times, I think she had pitch problems maybe because she was singing in a wrong key, who knows, but at the same time it wasn’t as if she gave a hopeless performance, but it could have been thousand times better. She looked nice though, very sensual and classy. My rating – 6 ½ out of 10. Daler told her she was out of tune and that was unacceptable. Added she looked great on the stage. Ganesh reassured her by bragging that he has done thousand plus shows and many seasoned singers fell flat, so she need not worry. And she would be great in a recording studio. Palash complimented her on her look, which I agree was good. Time for Anandroopa Bagchi from Jamshedpur Anandroopa carried Rahman forward with “Tanha Tanha”. Ok, I am sorry but didn’t that top remind people of a muumuu? Ok, getting back to the performance, I thought she did well, I mean she was in tune; her voice had this youthful zest needed for the performance. I liked it. I give her 7 out of 10. Daler told her she had a lovely voice, which had a great quality and if extra attention was given to her by the faculty, they’d find a good artiste in the academy. Ganesh told her that she expressed really well, but that she initially was nervous and hence was holding back. Cyrus was like I have questions for the academy – in fact he had 34 pages and from page no. 32, he asks who snores the most! Oy! Anandroopa gave Arunima’s name! This was not funny! Palash complimented Anandroopa (long name) that her performance exhibited her maturity and he hoped that it continued growing. Samrat Raajdeep AKA Sammy from Gurdaaspur took the stage next Rahman again came to play when Sammy sang “Dil Se”. Really nice! I love this song. It is a beautiful ballad. I just wished that he did to scream as much. He could have toned down the screams, other than that he was amazing. I give him 7 ½ out of 10. I would have given him 8, but his screams were too distracting. Ganesh told him that he was rocking although he went out of tune few times. Daler confessed that he didn’t think Sammy could do justice to the song, but he sang the song beautifully and his performance was laden with emotions. Cyrus asked who didn’t flush after doing their business in the loo. Ew! Sammy answered Rakesh! Double Ew! TMI is you ask me! Daler is like the academy should provide him with two bricks. Ganesh on the other hand had no problem with this – EW! I can’t believe I am recapping this! Sowmya said she was glad that she gave him this song as he did full justice and before he can sit again. Sophie asked for a Sammy Special – Apparently that’s “HOA!” I am not paid nearly enough! Sigh! From Patna presenting Alok Chaubey Hey, did they hear what Uttam had to say? Is it me or was his hair short? Rahman revisited, this time with “Kisna”. Frankly, this song is very difficult because though it seems simple enough, the transitions in the song are not that simple. Alok actually did a swell job. I have learnt ‘swell job’ from another reality show judge but that’s another story. I thought Alok did good justice and I rate his performance 7 out of 10. Ganesh wondered why Alok was so tense, he actually did a good job and despite what others say he was a good singer. Cyrus said that he liked people who are themselves and Alok was being true to himself and that was his X Factor. Daler thought that Alok lost his way during the performance but it was great nonetheless. Palash thought that Alok did an awesome job and that he was in tune. Daler interjected and said that Palash should not commend his students if they were out of tune. This started an ugly argument, which frankly deserves a skip. Next came the performance that makes me cringe, introducing Vidhhan Pandey from UP Poor thing showed promise when he started “Mitwa” – again a Rahman tune, but alas that was not meant to be. He went out of tune, lost the track and to be really honest, it was an atrocious performance – ever! Palash almost looked embarrassed. 4 out of 10, I am really sorry! Now, here’s where I think he lost his way – Daler actually accused him in the Café round by saying that he did not believe that Vidhhan stammers and that it was all an act. Frankly, if you say that to a person who stammers it does nothing positive. Ganesh started his critique by stating he choreographed the song, but added that he didn’t feel the song at all. Daler said that the contestants were not insulting themselves by such performances, they were insulting the academy and hence they have to be in tune. Cyrus tried to console him by saying he has faced a lot of rejections in his life, so Vidhhan should not be discouraged. Vidhhan confessed that his stammering was an issue, to which Cyrus told him that even SRK stammers when he delivers his dialogue! Amen to that! Palash told him that he would make a comeback next week. Last week, Aditya Jassi from Delhi almost went home after what I considered the worst performance and then he was saved… This week Aditya sang an Udit Narayan song. Now thanks to certain someone, Udit Narayan is totally ruined for me. So when Aditya started the over done “Papa Kehte Hain”, I lost interest right there. Anyway, Aditya performed with a guitar. I don’t know but Aditya has this habit of stretching words, which eventually should be taken care of. I think that the song is rather simple and hence I was not really impressed, but good to know that he can sing. 6 out of 10! Better Luck next time, this time I am not sold. Oh yeah, he should think of getting his eyebrows done – that unibrow thingy is very distracting. Ganesh was impressed. Daler did his job in pointing out that he went out of tune at many junctures but liked the performance on the whole. Cyrus pulled his leg creating a tense situation – it was really awkward situation for a second. Sowmya told him that his guitar was X factor as well. Oh well. Palash cautioned him not to depend on his guitar. Next up was Jyotika Sharma from Mumbai This gal is cute; there is no doubt about that. She went into cabaret mode with “Aap Jaisa Koi” and I thought she did a great job. There is nothing more to add, because I loved her performance, apparently I missed something, but I give her 7 out of 10. Daler told her she was out of tune, out of sync as far as the beats were concerned and so on and I shared the same puzzled look as Sowmya. Cyrus commented on his dress… Seriously, is this guy for real? Ganesh stated that she won’t go in the danger zone – forecasting I tells you! But added she should perform even better! Huh? Faculty liked her performance. Rehaan Khan from Mumbai is my favourite contestant because he has an amazing voice; I just wish he gets rid of that stupid head bandana thingy. Rehaan decided to go for “Don”. Here’s the thing, I don’t like the song. Rehaan was good as usual, but I thought that the song was all wrong for him. He needs a song which has more vocals than attitude. Don is full of attitude and he presented the attitude nicely, but I was under-whelmed, not by Rehaan, but the song. I rate him 7 out of 10. Daler loved his confidence but his advice was to sing songs in his own voice rather than imitate others because he tends to get out of tune. Ganesh reminded Rehaan that he was a powerful singer but the performance was not up to the mark. Cyrus told him that he had a complete package. Sowmya disagreed with the judges and stated that she thought Rehaan did a great job – again prompting an argument. You know it is getting irritating now. Palash asked Daler if Rehaan sang better than Shaan – Oh Please! Daler diplomatically stated that Shaan sang in studio and Rehaan Live so Rehaan sang better! With me now – PLEASE! Arunima Bhattacharya from Kolkata came on stage subsequently Arunima has the look; there is no question about it. She has the attitude, but the voice – that’s a different story. Arunima took on “Chupke Se” and though the performance was visibly very pleasing – fog and all, her vocals were not at par. I don’t know what the problem is but I think she sings in a wrong key, thus making her performances pitchy. I am sorry but she deserves 5 out of 10. Ganesh said that she looked great as she had a great height. Daler pounced on her stating he couldn’t understand half of the words she was singing, although added that she looks nice. Cyrus asked her to sing air hostess announcements, which she did. Sowmya agreed with Daler – there’s a first! And Palash thought she did an awesome job. Consequently, Rakesh Sharma from Chattisgarh took the stage Now this dude is a devotee of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khansaheb and it came as a no surprise that he chose to sing “Piyaa Re”. Here’s the thing, I love Karunya, but I was so sick of him singing this song that I went, “Not Again”. But the interesting part was Rakesh sounds a little like Khansaheb – maybe imitation works. Rakesh did an apt job of mimicking the maestro and in that vein, it was a nice performance. 7 out of 10. Daler liked his performance but he criticized that Rakesh went out of tune. Also he wanted to know if he had improvised and added the Sargam or was taught to present it. Rakesh was honest that he was taught and said that Sowmya had told him if he cannot sing it properly, he should not attempt it. This again led to a discussion between Daler and Sowmya. Oh My God! I did not recognize Ritu Pathak in the first gala. I couldn’t place her after Uttam and Deepa expressed their favouritism and then it clicked. Ritu from MP a favourite of curlio.com members came next Ritu sang “Aa Bhi Jaa” and surprisingly it was a good performance, but she did go out of tune few times. I am glad that she made it to this show. She was totally crushed when she was ousted from Indian Idol. For her to survive, she will have to work really hard because she tends to go out of tune. Ritu was placed in the danger zone last week. Daler thought she had improved a lot and Daler told her she was better than most. Ganesh thought Palash had taken the right decision to save her last week. Cyrus the crazy asked her something about cricket stating she was great with the singing – to which she replied that cricket suffered as she was not the captain. Cyrus – don’t poke the crazy, she will bite you! Palash liked his decision and was in agreement with Ganesh. Last but not the least – Ashutosh Jain from Delhi Ashutosh had the guts to perform Daler’s song, “Rang De Basanti” in front of Daler. This song reminds me of Amey Date – remember him? I loved Ashutosh’s performance. He was in tune; he sang it with gusto that is required. I give him 8 out of 10. Ganesh loved the fact that Ashutosh took the challenge and succeeded. Cyrus thought everything was great – fantastic but asked him to flirt with them (judges), which Ashutosh did. Daler was a meanie; he made the poor kid sing in a key that literally shattered his voice. Deepa was right – it was a show-off session. However, Daler said that it was good that he sang in a lower key and did justice. Seriously, I am still wondering, what was the point of him making the poor kid sing in such a key, when he knew that the kid could not sing? Whew! Don’t expect such detailed reports from now on… fifteen contestants are way too much to go into details – Deepa had the right idea. Before the results were declared Sophie asked to sing a few lines from Rang De Basanti! Right then… The Results – The judges divided the fifteen contestants into groups and announced that one group would be in the danger zone. Group A Banjo, Sammy, Priyanka and Alok Group B Arunima, Ritu, Rehaan and Aditya Group C Ashutosh, Neethi and Rakesh And Group D Jyotika, Anandroopa, Rohit and Vidhhan Daler sent Arunima, Ritu, Rehaan and Aditya to the safe zone first. Arunima? Really? Cyrus sent Ashutosh, Neethi and Rakesh to safe zone next. You know what I hate about Indian Reality Shows? The unnecessary tension they create. Come on stop dragging just tell us! I was glad that Ganesh acknowledged Trupti – I agree she didn’t deserve to go. Ganesh sent Banjo, Sammy, Priyanka and Alok to the safe zone. Thereby Jyotika, Anandroopa, Rohit and Vidhhan were left in the Danger Zone. It seemed like Anandroopa and Jyotika might cry a river. Rohit shamelessly was smiling and Vidhhan looked like he was shot. There were questions raised as to why Jyotika and Anandroopa featured in the Danger Zone. The judges blamed it on the combined marks. When it came to saving one – the faculty decided to save Anandroopa! The look on Jyotika’s face was really heartbreaking. Oy Vey! So who did the contestants save?