Rumour rescues Pak trio in Sa Re Ga....

We promised you exclusive dope from the sets of Sa Ra Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007. So, here goes. Remember the rumour last week that invoked the wrath of Indian viewers and nearly put paid to the Pakistani contestants chances to win. For the uninitiated, prior to last Saturday's special Indo-Pak Independence Day episode, it was rumoured that the Pakistani contestants had refused to sing Indian patriotic songs. Expectedly, this hurt the Indian viewers and they expressed their disappointment by giving them the least number of votes. However, after hearing out the contestants, judges and the audience, the channel decided not to eliminate either of them. Our reporter Mayur Lookhar actually went on the sets of the show to find out more about the controversy. Ironically, that rumour has now saved the day for the Pakistani trio - Amanat Ali, Junaid Sheikh and Mussarat Abbas. . When the trio assembled for their fate, Guru Ismail Darbar unflinchingly asked them "Which one of you had refused to sing Indian patriotic songs? (Judge Vishal jumped to his protégé's (Junaid) defence claiming that he had sung a song from the Indian film Border) Needless to say these gentlemen rubbished all such stories. But this is what the trio had this to say in their defence:- Amanat Ali: Before every show our song selection team gets together and it was us (Pakistanis) who recommended that both countries should celebrate their Independence Day together and I even sang a few Indian patriotic songs. However, the channel told us to stick to Pakistani songs only. Junaid Ali: I hold no grudge against those who've spread this rumour. It must have hurt their patriotic sentiments; However, I'd like to say that before anyone spreads such venom, he/she should investigate the truth. Even though we haven't said anything, I'd like to apologise to our Indian viewers who felt hurt as a result of this controversy. I sang a song from the Indian film, Border and my friends and family in Pakistan all appreciated it. Mussarat Abbas: We thought that this is a wonderful opportunity to spread the message of love and peace by celebrating our Independence Day together. I've been hurt by this instance. We've been in India for over four months and it's for the first time that I've felt that we are away from home. After listening to their side of the story, the audience was of the view that none of the three should be eliminated today. Well, as they say 'the voice of the people is the voice of the God'. So, the mortal officials at Zee TV had to take a bow.