I was watching Hannity and Colmes on Fox News recently. Sean Hannity, in that episode, alluded that if some foreigner says bad about the Bush administration, then it is attack to the entire Americans. I wasn’t really comfortable with his remarks. After few days, I got the same kind of perceptions on ‘sajha’ regarding the Prashant Tamang and Indian idol. I got the feeling that we are trying to promote a person (a foreign national) in the name of nationalism. It is tough for me to discern the statement like, “If you don’t like Prashant, then you are not a Nepali.” Agreed, that he is a good singer; but the fact is that he is in a competition, in his country, in his country’s national language. I also agree that he has cultural roots tied with Nepal, so what? Isn’t that a musical game show?? You may support any candidate that you like, but the attached tag of “nationalism” with it is beyond my comprehension.
The irony is that in the middle and upper class of nepali populace, we are not accepting the people of our own very country and own very sentiments( the bigotry starts with saying katta or tapare bahun or jyapu, or bhote or jaad khane jaat or achut or madhisey ). But we are supporting, in a name of nationalism, a person whose uncountable numbers of ancestors lived in a foreign land. I clearly remember “Hrithik kanda” in the name of false nationalism.

So,I just wonder why?? I picked the upper middle and middle class, just with presumption that lower class Nepalese don’t have access to internet.


Btw. He is in the next round. Good luck to him!

Btw, I certainly do not want to pass my judgment out here regarding any contestants. I just had a simple question in my mind when I started this blog, that, aren't we just over-hyped and over whelmed for some foreigner and making it a national pride issue???

BUT SINCE ITS LEFT TO PEOPLE TO CHOOSE THEIR BEST AND IF THEIR HEART THINKS THAT PRASHANT IS THE BEST (EITHER BE IT A REGIONAL BIOSNESS OR SINGING TALENT, OR PERSONS ATTITUDE) PRASHANT WILL GET GOOD VOTES AND WINS

I thought this was a singing competition, and people vote for the singers who sing and perform well in the gala. If you are voting blindly, then whats the point in holding this event every week in which singers try to get better and do better so that they can win people's hearts. If you are simply casting your votes based on other matters, I don't think you need to watch the show even. Just vote for prashant without even watching the show.

krishnaram bro,
I loved when you said,"just vote, don't watch".
Seems like that is the mantra.
Keep writing bro

Maverick:
From your last post, if i havent understood you wrong, what you meant was that it is justifiable and fair enough to support had he were a Nepali.But Simple logic you are forgetting or rather ignoring. Prashant is nepali.In this case, he is a nepal's flag carrier and I honestly believe that support from nepali community obviously goes to Prashant( keeping the fact in mind that he is equally strong contestant).Amit is better..thats entirely your perception and others might not feel the same way or else he wouldnt have been standing on top four.I guess you should better watch his previous videos where he had cleared he is a NEPALI.Isnt that enough to get nepalese support(please dont forget, he sings no less than other participants).You probably argue that he was born in india so he is an indian.Just stepping in the world for the first time at some foreign land doesnt make him/her the nationality of that nation.HE HAD DECLARED HE IS A NEPALI. I suggest you to watch those videos at the first place. So,the logic is: Prashant, a nepali, participating in indian music contest is naturally getting support from nepalese community.

Please dont misunderstand me here that I am trying to claim him a nepali or I am arguing to bring him along nepal's side after all these popularity he gained.I am simply trying to put my idea across saying he himself said he is a NEPALI.And there is no reasons not to believe him.In this scenario, isnt he a nepali flag carrier?

Well your question was pretty easy to answer.My bad,I forgot to answer earlier. I would support Darjeeling. Do you want to know why?

Maverick,
"aren't we just over-hyped"
Don't you think it's a reaction to the fact that we haven't have this kind of moment for a long long long long time. All these years of being no one, now we've a remotely related pride, we're just drunk and crazy. Can you think of anything of this scale where our nationalism came together? I really dont' care of the Indian Idol and have seen few clips of Prasant. But it's really powerful how it's brought us all together, good or bad depends upon you.If I'm not wrong, you're implying how freakle are we that out nationalism is questioned by a foreigner?
My question is what have we left to loose? Pride?

Ma pani add garu hai....im one kale and a newcomer in the western hemisphere...learning many things including art of living in the land rigged by interstate highways...and of course im learning the decency thing also, but, unfortunately, its happenning in an area where one would find Caucasians tilling the hills...they call it kentucky for me its kendara...tyasaile ali uncultured nai chu teipani i just cant hold myself when things are on the tip of tongue...so kindly be little enduring

Ok let me come to the point and raise a question before Maverick vis-à-vis this part of his post “ I got the same kind of perceptions on ‘sajha’ regarding the Prashant Tamang and Indian idol. I got the feeling that we are trying to promote a person (a foreign national) in the name of nationalism. It is tough for me to discern the statement like, “If you don’t like Prashant, then you are not a Nepali.” Agreed, that he is a good singer; but the fact is that he is in a competition, in his country, in his country’s national language.”

I think you were talking about the nationality issue, and i got the impression that hey its not our matter or he is not one of us. If so, like Sanjaya, what should I do if a US born nepali finds birth in American idol gala round?

PS: aafno kura kina lekhya hola na bhannuhola brother...we have all the time to talk about it...goodnight

Hey maverick,
Your argument has a good case. And I probably understand your feeling too. First, let me reply to your unanswered question. If there's a match between Janakpur and Darjeeling, Nepalese would definitely support Janakpur. And if someone from Janakpur was competing with Prashant in the Indian idol, I for one would support a Janakpuri unconditionally. But we don't have that scenario at the moment.

It seems that you are misguided by the overwhelming support the Nepalis have provided to Prashant in this forum. But most of the support expressed in here comes as a verbal/moral support. If Prashant is marching ahead, its the people of Darjeeling and rest of India and ethnic Nepalis or non-Nepalis Indians who should be credited for his progress because they are the real voters. No one amongst us will claim a piece of cake for his win if he wins. But what's wrong with a Nepali supporting an ethnic Nepali? I am even voting for him because I like his singing more than anyone else's. I believe he is as good as others in singing and better than others as a human being. And voting for him is my choice. Liking him is my choice. What is there to feel bitter about?

Regarding nationalism, sometimes it stretches beyond the territory. Nationalism is such a wonderful thing. Sometimes it can be defined in terms of ethnicity, in terms of culture, in terms of language , in terms of genealogy. Its the same ethnic, cultural, linguistic and geneological proximity that brings Prashant and Nepali nationalism together. Ask some fourth generation British Indians which team they support when India tours England and you will find the majority of them supporting India. In this case, its the cultural nationalism that dominates the territorial nationalism. Because I am not a politician, I find this absolutely normal.

(sorry for the long speech. I didn't want to be so lengthy at the beginning )

I think we tend to forget sometimes "The World is not Black and White". We are questioning credibility of Prashant Tamang. I have couple of points.

Who would you support if one of your brother/relatives is participating there in the place of Prashant with same level of talent? I know it's very cliche to raise this kind of question. Would you still feel that Amit Paul is better than him. Nepalese are voting because they can related themselves with him.

Let's come out of the matter of family but let’s think that if Prashant is that bad then why those judges brought him there??. I think they believed that he is equally capable candidate like others.

How good judge we are or can be ...what is our basis to like or not like someone? Somewhere we are also biased because we just like somebody. Some may like Prashant due to nationality, some may favor his looks and some may favor his singing style and I also feel that if someone sings my favorite song then I tend to like that person as well.

Lastly, let's not forget this is just a Game Show that let people to vote. The format of the program allows all kinds of people from different area with different educational level to vote. Also, it is not the first time; people are showing favoritism in programs like this. I definitely like to see Prashant winning the title and my basis is just that he is so much raw and he could make it this far. If only he had received the classical training like others. I can see him competing with Amit Paul with same level of confidence. They all come from different background. I don't think we can fairly decide who should win the title. It's just a money making business for Producer. I seriously feel that he is getting lot of support not because of nationalism because he also sings well. It's his time to shine. So if you want to support, go for it. If not then let us enjoy the program.

Just my views

This particular forum is getting interesting and it is actually very commendable that people are exchanging their views without cursing on each other. Very positive. Keep up the good work guys.

If you asked me 2 months back if Prashant would win the contest, I would brush it off with a laughter. But now I am quite optimistic that he might pull it off. Having said that, however, I am not trying to imply that he should. In my opinion, Amit Paul is the best deserved candidate. I know, you might feel otherwise.

I have a lot of respect and liking for Prashant for the person he is but not for his singing. I think he is an average singer and I strongly feel there are other better qualified candidates for the title. As for the nationalism issue, it is clearly being overhyped. For me, Prashant having an ethic tie to our culture has nothing to do with who I choose to support in the competition. As Maverick stated earlier, it is a "game show" and the best in the lot should win. we are being too emotional about it (For the fact that Prashant is a part of it). Not that it is wrong if you do but voting for him for being a second generation Nepali does not make sense to me whatsoever. If you feel that he is the best in the lot, then it is your personal choice to vote for him. But for me, the best candidate should win and that is Amit.

Luizronaldo, You are absolutely wrong. Amit and Chang have very good Voice. I agree with that. But, when I heard Prashant singing for the very first time, I was amazed...He is a gifted singer...He has reallya beautiful voice...i'd say he has natural voice like chang and amit...But, still I feel he is better than them. Amit makes mistakes many times. He was already Kicked out of the compettition.It was his luck that he came back. Emon has an artifiacial voice. Ankita.....Prashant deserves the Title of Indian Idol, but he may miss the Title very badly(because of natioanlism reason)....

Well. we will vote for prasant whatever way we can. I know there will be fan of Amit Paul as well. May be 10 folds then prasant. But it is commendable that fan of prasant has taken him to their heart. Thats why he deserves to win.

How do you call prasant is just not being Nepali, we saw him once in gorkha clothes, he talked with Udit narayan once in Nepali. He have been potrayed by programme itself being Nepali. Why wouldn't we support him.

And of course, this programme is not only about who sings good but also how many supporters vote them. Prasant winning is so far is perfectly in the law of the game. I want to see prasant singing Nepali songs in future.

Well well, first my question goes to Maverick, Cleo and IMI, have u lived in India as a NEPALI? The scenario is completely different. Its easy to talk from here (US-Euorpe or wherever). If u live there IM SURE u would definetly vote for PRASHANT like anything.

Nepalis (that includes NEPALI speaking people) in India are humiliated as BAHADUR and CHAUKIDAR even though u hold a high position that is the reason many NEPALIS who r in better position feel ashamed to say IM A NEPALI , ive encountered such incidents many a times....Dont u remember what even INDIAN IDOL team made him CHAUKIDAR (I hope u have seen that)

Do u think its a real INDIAN IDOL show?? Hmmm I doubt, there are more than a billion people in India but why there are only 15 lacs (Not even 0.01%) votes? Why???? Can 0.01% People represnt India (Idol)...................!!

Ok let me stop here for the moment, last but not the least, I agree Prashant is not the best but what can you do when he is able to get 50% (7 lacs) votes.

-----------
Just one suggestion- Go and live in INDIA for a year then answer me back :-)

Its not about PRASHANT's singing talent they are voting for, its a BHITRAI BHITRA GUMSIYARA BASEKO Nepaliharu ko FEELINGS n emotions ho...!!!

Prasant is the best. timi haru amit paul bhana emon bhana. Malai ta Prasant nai maan parcha uskai geet best lagcha. that's why I vote. Thats why 7 lacks people vote because they feel same way.

Timiharu lai best lagdaina bhane timi haru ni arulai vote gara.

Being on top 4 among over 1 billion people is not a joke guys. I am 100% sure Prashant will be one of the best singers in Nepali circle in future.It doesn't matter whether he sings from Darjeeling or from Kathmandu. We will all enjoy his songs.

Just saw this comment on
यो target=_blank>http://www.mysansar.com/?p=1840

यो के भइराखेको छ नेपालमा ? देश कुनै जात जातिको, भाषा भाषीको, कुनै धर्म मान्नेको हैन, यो त सबैको हो । देश सबैको हृदयमा हुन्छ, हुनुपर्छ । नेपालीमूलको त्यो जहाँ सुकै वसोवास गरोस् उसको हृदयमा नेपाल हुन्छ चाहे उ अन्यदेशको नागरिक नै किन नहोस् । उसको रगतमा नेपाली संकृतिको एक अंश द‍ौड्डासम्म उ नेपाली हो । नत्र बृटिस र अमेरिकी नागरिकता बोकेर‍ एउटा नेपालीले किन नेपाली भाषा र संकृतिको कक्षा यो गोरेको देशमा चलाउँछ । किन उ पैसा कमाउन छोडेर पेट्रोल खर्च गरेर नेपाली पढन र पढाउन जान्छ । जबकी उसलाई थाहा छ नेपाली भन्दा अंग्रेजी पढनमा नै उसलाई फाईदा छ । किनकी उसको मन नेपाल र नेपालीपनमा रमाउँछ । त्यसैले प्रशान्त तामांङ भारतिय नागरिक भएपनि नेपाली हो उसको जितमा हाम्रो मन रमाउँछ । के तपाईँहरुले बिर्सनु भयो उदितनारायणले उसलाई स्टेजमा नै नेपालीमा शुभकामना दिएको ? किन उदितनारायणले उसलाई नेपालीमा शुभकामना दिए त ?

साथी हो प्रशान्तलाई शुभकामना दिनमा किन कंचुस्याईँ ? के हामी धनले मात्र हैन मनले पनि गरीब छौ त ? बुद्बीले पनि गरिब छौ त ? पक्कै छैनौ ।

bY BYAAS, america

I have never lived in India and I have never been humiliated as Chaukidar or Bahadur in my life. But I am speaking thorough my experience, living in a foreign land is not easy...be it in India or United States or any other country for that matter. You will always miss home and feel alienated. You get racially abused. That is a part of our life if we choose to live outside Nepal and we have to accept it.

Kbhanchayobhai, if you are so blown off by Prashant's voice then vote for him. You have the right to do so and I have no qualms about it whatsoever. I just feel that it is a wrong cause for people to vote for Prashant in the name of nationalism. I also feel Prashant is a fellow Nepali even though he hails from Darjeeling. But Prashant having an ethic tie to Nepal one thing, Indian Idol another. I don't see them interconnected and thus I choose to seek for a better candidate for the idol and unfortunately, it is other than Prashant. However, it may sound ironic but I am pleasantly surprised that he has made it this far and hope he gets what he deserves. I wish him luck.

Luzironaldo . If you think Prasant isnt good as other singers then it is entirely your own decision. I think he is the best.

I believe just we nepalese cannot affect the voting in indian idol. You talk about nationalism of Nepalese, but there must be nationalism of Indians too voting for amit, emon or ankita and by your judgement their fans should be 100 fold greater . The fact is prasant is getting that vote on his own. 100 of thousands of indians like him and vote for him or else ho could have never been in this position.

Sorry for Long hai

CASE 1. Ma auta NRN ra India ko darjeeling ma basne Nepali ma Pharakh dhekdi na...NRN (of others country) ra teni haru equally attached with Nepal..... so that there is sympathy....even you all have seen how a Bhari contestant is getting sympathy from Bhair..getting more votes from Bihar than other state...this is the fact and true about Prashant true... and regarding ability to sign.....He is a good singer and he is singing good too...I agree there is somewhat different between Amit paul and Prashant...Amit might be 10 but don't count Prashant as 4. He is 9..so there is equality of Prashant and Amit in upcoming days...

CASE 2. Now, I would like to come the judges attitude...I don't have much understand about music..but i heard kasto maja hai railai ma...song so much....when prashant sang that song...i was really so exiceted that he sang so well...look at javed..and udit...how they commented....now-comes to the Ankita....Last episode he sang not so good...even he don't deserver to compare with other worst singer...but Javed comment was there..tumahari mistake ki sab gunaha maff...kiyoki tum perform karti ho...So what the hell is this comment....you know, we all have to understand...they are biasing Prashant due to the Nepali Committee.....Yeah I agree that this is the game and Sony is earning so much money due to the Nepali comittee...but also pride is hide for there to all Nepali committee of India...and I want to see my fellows to be proud and i don't want to see them down

CASE 3. You all know how Indian media laud when Silpa Sethi was discriminated in a reality show (in UK)....and how the non-resident of Indian voted her and she won that reality show....so i don't think, if Nepalese are supporting Prashant is bad....

CASE 4. Dear friends Few of you are supporting the best singer to be choose...I also say best singer to be choose...but the people who are voting the contestant are not expert in the field of music....they will vote whom they like...you have also seen the first Indian idol and many more example in your life....even you do same thing some time in your life...so, I think, best singer to be choose is not a logical in this format of competition.

Adarsha badi kura kunai tholo hunna sathi ho...be realistic....if the contestant is your brother, sister or relative.... you never give the vote to deserving contestant..saying my sister..brother or relative is not deserver to get my vote.....bhaneee prashant ko case ma

There is a strong interconnection and a knot.The connection is Prashant Tamang(A nepali) competing in a singing talent show(with a great innate ability like any other participants have) gets an unbounded support from his countrymen, cohorts, and anyone who believes he has dishy voice than other participants. Very Natural and simple.

NATIONLISM thing is being noticed here..its all repercussion of this connection.

Amazing: very good analysis.Superb.

luizronaldo, I totally agree with you.

Although I started watching the show bcoz of Prashant, I'm starting to believe that he is not the most deserving candidate to win the Indian Idol title.

And personally I feel very uncomfortable watching Prashant sitting safe every week while every other candidate has come in bottom 3. Is he that good ??(mind you they are looking for the singing talent of the nation)

If people have the same feeling for Prashant's voice as Kbhanchayobhai has and voting for him on the basis of his singing, then its absolutely fine, but if they are voting for him since he is from so-so ethnical background, it just doesn't feel right to me.