Shillong mourns over Amit's defeat

Shillong's hysteria over a music show is proof of Bollywood's appeal but their hero's departure has taught the fans that there's more to performance in a reality show.

A phenomenal carnival kind of atmosphere has been going on in the sleepy hill town of Shillong for weeks now because a certain reality music show on a television channel has evoked mass hysteria.

Even a decade ago it was unthinkable for people of Shillong to stay awake at night or people from all communities to come together for the sake of Bollywood music but at the end of the day it was less of a contest between one musician and another rather more of a contest of SMSes.

Meghalaya was almost sure Amit Paul would win the contest. Celebrations were underway across the state.

People gathered at street corners watching the programme on giant television screens. The mood was electrifying.

"He has not only got Shillong alive, he has brought togetherness, made us feel Indian. That's what he's done for us," said Antonio, Fan of Amit Paul

Tuned in more to western music Meghalaya was suddenly catching up with Bollywood and perhaps finding their place on the national stage.

But as news of the leads started coming in, a pall of gloom descended, anxious fans still waiting for the final results. Amit lost the contest to another hill town Darjeeling's Prashant Tamang.

"He'll do it again, not in Indian Idol its over and done with but in the music world. In our hearts he is the winner. We'll always be with him, Amit three cheers," said Amit Paul's friends

The contest is over; weeks of frenzied campaigning have come to an end. But one hopes that the disappointment now wouldn't drive a wedge through communities.

Source: www.ndtvmusic.com