Transformed almost overnight from an obscure policeman to the latest icon of the Nepali-speaking diaspora, thanks to Sony TV's reality singing contest, 'Indian Idol' finalist Prashant Tamang now has offers of playback singing pouring in from Nepal.
The young man from Darjeeling, who won the hearts of the Nepali diaspora by making it to the final round of the popular show despite no formal training in music, could make his playback singing debut in a Hindi film to be made by a Nepali director trying to find a foothold in Bollywood.
Narayan Puri, who begins shooting in Goa's Alibag island in November for his debut Hindi film 'Gum', will have Prashant lending his voice for the male lead, to be played by 'Nache Baliye' host Sabbir - provided Prashant's contract with Sony doesn't come in the way.
The link between Puri and Prashant was forged by Indian Assistant Commissioner of Police Lalit Dutraj who, like Prashant, is of Nepali origin.
In July, Puri was invited to screen his latest Nepali film, made on the Maoist movement, in Mumbai at a programme organised by Dutraj, the director told IANS.
'Two of Prashant's band members, who were campaigning for him, also attended the screening of my film 'Alpo Biram' and I was introduced to them. That's when I had the idea of asking Prashant to sing in my film.'
'Gum', which has overtones of the Madonna-starrer 'Swept Away', will have two songs for Prashant, with Kolkata-based musician Vishal doing the score.
However, Puri is keeping his fingers crossed. 'I have made my offer and Prashant has agreed,' he told IANS. 'It now depends on Sony.'
If Prashant goes on to win the contest, Sony will sign him up for a Rs.10 million contract. In that case, it remains to be seen if he can sing for others.
Also keeping his fingers crossed is Nepali music director Alokshree.
The music director, who likes to work with Indian talents, chose the first 'Indian Idol', Abhijit Sawant, to sing in the Nepali film 'Himmat'.
Now that the sequel of the movie is being made, the director wants Prashant for 'Himmat 2'.
Alokshree is also reportedly planning a Prashant Tamang concert in Kathmandu, from where best wishes as well as funds to send SMS votes for the singer, went to strengthen his chances in the contest.
However, Kathmandu will have to wait till the grand finale of the show since till then, Prashant can't leave Mumbai.
Yet another offer, made during the 'Indian Idol' show, came from one of the four judges, Bollywood's star singer Udit Narayan, who made it to India's film capital from a border town in Nepal.
Udit, who has made films in Bhojpuri, is ready to work on his new project, 'Darjeeling ki Cheli, Kathmandu ko Jwain', and said his wife Deepa, has chosen Prashant to sing in the film.
The way offers and adulation are pouring in, even if Prashant doesn't win 'Indian Idol', he's going to be a winner.
Puri says Prashant told him a fortnight ago that he had indeed won the contest.
'If you go by popularity, I have won,' he told Puri. 'If you go by talent and Amit wins, I would still think I've won because I love him like a brother.'
Source:
http://www.indiaenews.com/nepal/20070910/69435.htm
