MUMBAI: Tracing back to the golden era of theatre artist and legend, Bal Gandharva, and taking inspiration from him, contestant Nachiket Lele dresses up and performs as a female character, leaving the judges in splits at Indian Idol 2020.

He expressed his interest in acting on the sets of Indian Idol 2020 and being inspired by the legendary Bal Gandharva. Nachiket arrives shortly after on stage, dressed up as a female character. Unaware, the judges ask as to who is this? Upon knowing that this was none other than Nachiket, they were surprised and shocked!

He further elated his character with a breathtaking singing performance on the song “Naath Haa Majha Mohikala - a traditional Marathi natyageet, to which he received a standing ovation from the judges! Judge Vishal Dadlani made no delay and said, “Never has something like this manifested before on Indian Idol. Your act was one of a kind. Each year we have a contestant who sets the benchmark for other aspiring singers or contestants and this year you are of them!” Judges Neha Kakkar and Himesh Reshammiya collectively said, “We’re proud that one of our contestants has performed in this way and extremely happy, way to go! You should be proud of yourself that you brought alive the memories of such a legendary artist like Bal Gandharva Ji” Himesh Reshammiya also ran up on stage to grab a socially distanced selfie with Nachiket and his attire.

An overjoyed Nachiket said, “This was one of my best experiences of performing on stage, I’m extremely happy and overwhelmed. I’m glad I could pull this off and pay tribute to my guru and inspiration, Bal Gandharva Ji.”

Stay tuned and watch the ever musical Indian Idol 2020 – season 12 “Ab Mausam Phir Hoga Awesome” on Sony Entertainment Television, every Saturday and Sunday, 8 pm onwards.

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