Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs: Dharam and Bhoot

SRGMP LC was so good last week, it was downright scary! After being pummeled by some good natured PJs in half the show by a standup who came dressed as Chandamama, SRGMP switched to a spooky theme - the kids had to come out and sing something from a scary movie.

And you know what tickled me the most? Time and again while a kid would be singing, a woman, dressed in white with loose black hair, would walk wordlessly across the stage holding a candle in her hand. This was a brilliant send up of classic Bollywood spookiness, second only to hearing a ghungroo in the night.

Several spooky songs were sung - reminding me of times when I sat cowering in my seat cursing myself for watching a rerun knowing fully well what the movie was about. Such were the pressures of having to prove your manhood in those days.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's talk about the rishi-muni segment, shall we?

Earlier on Friday, even though Head amiably tried to spin the show as one showcasing Religious Integration, the theme was as saffron as they come. I'm not trying to nitpick here - religion is an important sociological construct and the one you pick scarcely matters to me, but scattering a bunch of extras on stage as nodding rishis in bad wigs kind of sends out a one-track signal, don't you think?

In that episode, poor Vasundhara got the long kiss goodnight. Much tear-shedding ensued. Even Wadkar sat around glumly with red eyes. This tightens the noose around the neck of the wonderful Anamika - who despite being the strongest singer among the bunch has to battle against her gender in terms of securing votes.

And speaking of Anamika, a terrific touch of drama was added by the appearance of her father - you know, the one who Anamika quit over because of a heart-attack scare.

I couldn't help but entertain myself with the possibility of some spontaneous drama were the dangerously wobbly arrow of doom to ignore Anamika's head entirely. Happily, no such thing happened. Dad went home smiling having gamely croaked a song to boot.

Four contestants are left now - of which Aamir Hafiz took the most battering from the judges. In fact, at one point Sonu Nigam put him through the grinder for ignoring the judges while they were speaking. A black and white sankat moment ensued which Aamir hurriedly negotiated.

Will the wobbly arrow favor him next week? Or will it ignore him and send him packing. Honestly, I couldn't care less. All I want is another theme that provokes over-the-top sets and guests.

Also:

• Sidekick on why LC's new lows were new highs



• Here's why anu g didn't enjoy the show at all this week



• Megan thinks Anamika is so overrated



• Spruha would have liked Vasundhara to stay longer



• One joke in the show is all Pratik liked about it



• Looks play a part in all of this says girlie girl



• anu g remembers one special chand



• What's with so many North Eastern types on the show, asks Mind Rush



• Could be the diet, offers anu g



• seamstress doesn't think Aamir deserved the Sonuwrath