Batting for the local boy

CHALLENGE 2005 is in its last leg and city lad Vinit Singh, who is among the top five challengers, has become the talk of the town. His family and friends are leaving no stone unturned to gather support for him. So are his supporters and fans who want him to win the final of Zee TV’s SaReGaMaPa.

To boost his morale his mother (Bindu Singh) left for Mumbai on Friday. His father Tej Narain Singh and brother Vivek will proceed on January 13.

When HT Lucknow Live called at his Tikait-Rai-ka-Talab residence, his sister Kanchan said, “I know Vinit is the best and he will win, but he needs votes as this is a public voting round. It’s just 11:30 am now and I have already sent 97 SMS for him. Me with two sisters (Neelam and Poonam) together send around 2,500 to 3,000 votes a day for him.”

The fervour in his colony is such that on Thursdays and Fridays when episodes of SaReGaMaPa are telecast, it is dead silence as all are glued to their TV sets.

“Our phone is ringing throughout the day. We are receiving so many calls from family members and friends. When the episode is telecast, people come to watch TV together,” she quipped.

So what are his brothers doing in this support drive? “We have got handbills printed. Me, bother Vivek and friends go out to distribute pamphlets in various localities to garner support for him. We are also sticking his posters at prominent places and the best thing is people are supporting us.”

Diehard fan Swati, a student, said, “I want a Lucknowite to win. Earlier, I used to vote for Twinkle and Vinit but now only Vinit is left so I want him to win the Challenge.”

Twinkle Bajpai who was voted out in the eighth round is confident for Vinit but wants him to focus more. “As the competition has become tougher, he should forget love and concentrate more on the competition. I expect Nihira, Hem and Vinit to be top three but one never knows as it’s a SMS round and how public judges him! As I tied rakhi to Vinit, his sister wishes him victory but he should watch out for Hem who is singing very well.”

Who wins the final Challenge will be decided on February 10 but Lucknowites seem certain about the local boy.

‘I know UP is behind me’

What are the final preparations?

I’m doing lots of riyaz and throughout the day  it’s just practice. Himeshji without fail gives me at least two hours from his busy routine, be it at my place, studio, his home or on the sets. Mom is also joining me, which is a big boost.

What about the shows? Do they affect performance?
I will be performing in Kolkata soon, where the PM is also expected to come. We are doing shows throughout the country. Shows are certainly very tiresome for us but they help in generating votes as we perform live.

How about the support you are getting?
I have got maximum votes three times. I know my Lucknow and UP people are voting for me and want them to keep faith in me and vote maximum if they want to see me win.

Who do you think will be top two in the end?
I expect Himani and me to fight for the final spot and let’s hope it happens.
Your filmi assignments!

I have already recorded for Rocky and the launch film for Mithun Chakraborty’s son and recently for Anil Sharma’s film and in all the three flicks Himeshji is giving music. I also have an offer from musicians of Dhoom.

And what about your much-hyped love?
I can’t talk about it now. Himeshji has made it public but I will tell it certainly after I win the competition.