Ek Main Aur Ek Tu

After the mega success of <em>Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005</em> and <em>Ek Main Aur Ek Tu</em>, Zee TV has announced a completely new series - L'il Champs, with twenty-two new young contestants. New judges - Alka Yagnik, Bappi Lahiri and Abhijeet, all established professionals from the music industry, have been roped in to judge the little participants.

As welcome as the showers that lashed Delhi on 16 June were for the capital's denizens, it was a nightmare for the <em>Ek Main Aur Ek Tu</em> team. The top two jodis, Banjyotsana /Sharib and Ujjaini/Aishwarya faced thunderstorms and duststorms (literally) to reach Talkatora Indoor Stadium for their performance in the city.

Joining the Groovy Gurus and the jodis on this Friday episode are Madhur Bhandarkar and Sameer Tondon to promote their forthcoming film <em>Corporate</em>. All along this series of <em>Ek Main Aur Ek Tu</em>, Zee has had a promotional tie up with new film releases. Stars from <em>36 China Town, Phir Hera Pheri</em> and many other films have graced the sets to enjoy the music and promote their film.

After orchestrating a riveting finale for <em>Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005</em>, director Gajendrra Siingh goes on to create history, yet again. It is the first time on Indian television that viewers get a chance to see their favourite two jodis perform with an entire string section of a large symphony orchestra of 60 musicians and a conductor.

If only one was clued into a million homes that vote for the jodi’s in <em>Ek Main Aur Ek Tu</em>, the results that unveiled in today’s elimination episode would not have come as a surprise. But the unexpected is the magic of a reality show and this one has loads of it. Shaan and Ishita break the news of their elimination to Sinchan and Irfan

<em>Ek Main Aur Ek Tu</em> has model and actor Upen Patel as guest judge on the show this Friday. Nervous about his debut film <em>36 China Town</em> release on 5 May, talking to Tellychakkar.com Upen says, “ I have watched some episodes of the <em>Challenge 2005</em> series and am impressed by the young singing talent. I am looking forward to watching them up close and live.”

"Yeh jo public hai, yeh sab jaanti hai!,” said Saptak without knowing what fate had in store for him. When Rajeev/Sanchali get the highest votes from viewers this week on <em>Ek Main Aur Ek Tu</em>, Saptak appealed to viewers to vote in such a manner that the participants feel encouraged to sing. And, it is Saptak from Kolkatta and his Assamese singing partner Joyeeta who have been voted out by the public this week. Though their performances were improving each week, their rankings were slipping.

Last week’s elimination episode of <em>Ek Main Aur Ek Tu</em> had ended with jubilation and suspense. It was jubilation for Sinchan and Irfan for being vetoed back in by the judges after being voted out by the viewers. But, this was also a week of suspense as India voted again, only this time to decide if the judges should have an additional veto power. India has decided on this issue and given the judges their second veto vote, their last on the series.