Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2007: Back to Basics

There are two things about SRGMP that make it a compelling show to watch. First, there is the great singing. And second, there is a laugh-a-minute circus atmosphere. The last two episodes captured both those elements in their full glory. And the reason for that is in the excellent selection of celebrity judges - whose personalities brought out the best in the show. In the end even Farah Khan obliquely admitted that Indian Idol couldn't possibly compete with the singing on SRGMP.

Pandit Jasraj kicked off the weekend with a rendition that sounded like it was borne from the elements itself. And then came Jagjit Singh. Now perhaps his ability to attract hordes of swooning females is the cause of my Jagjit envy, but I've never warmed up to him. Perhaps its because he reminds me of the other bagalthela types - Javed Akhtar, or perhaps because he kept changing the lyrics and singing the same ghazal all his life. In any case, my inability to appreciate Jagjit Singh is probably my misfortune. But along with Pandit Jasraj, wearing an outfit reminiscent of Rajesh Khanna: the middle-aged version - he made a terrific judge.

And the gravitas lent to the show by these two kept Himesh in check and inspired the contestants to sing superbly. Only Aneek delivered a weakish performance but followed it up with a massive rendition of Manna Dey's "Laaga chunari mein daag".

There was more sobbing around Poonam (even Himesh cried!) and in general, the show wound up tamely. This is all well and good, I told myself, but any more shows like this and in proverbial SRGMP style, I'll impale myself on a toothpick.

Fortunately, normal service was resumed when Farah Khan, Deepika Padukone and Shreyas Talpade showed up to shill for Om Shanti Om. One good looking girl, one favorable comment and Himesh grabbed the mike and was off to the races. Copious chatoing ensued. Farah Khan and Deepika chatoed Himesh right back.

Deepika was thrown on stage multiple times, each time swallowing hard and riding this regularly amusing SRGMP moment with grace. At one point, she even tried to hand out an impromptu waltz lesson to Aneek.

Even more rousing singing took place. Raja, Aneek and Amanat - now down to the last three - ploughed through song after song with verve. Aneek imitated Himesh in fine style. Finding himself next to the lovely Deepika, Shekhar copped a feel. Shahrukh Khan did a previously recorded segment with style and handed out songs to sing.

In between Himesh stepped up to the plate, put himself on the line and entertained the living daylights out of me.

First, he hailed Raja as the best singer on the show. Then in a move that didn't quite come off as he might have intended, he tried to put the momentum back behind Aneek. Later, he stood around awkwardly on stage while everyone else danced. On the show Farah Khan called him the Number One Positive Energy. I'm not sure what it means, but it sounds perfect!

Also:

• Megan switches loyalties to Ranbir and gets the skinny on Poonam from Vishal


• anu g tells us about a report that says TV channels place bets with international bookies to decide the fate of the finalists and reports on the latest with Himesh and Jagjit


• Vaishali's 8-year-old develops an Aneek chant


• Joules has something to say about Deepika's accent and saree


• Kanan is bowled over by Deepika but wonders about SRK's silly ponytail


• Priti is thrilled Vishal Shekhar finally let their hair down


• Manish's captioned take on these episodes via Megan


• Dave has a deep appreciation of Himesh's entertainment value


• Mind Rush contemplates analyzing Shekhar's hand grab of Deepika


• Megan points us to Shekhar cozying up with Himanshu


• minnie tells us Himesh's accusing Vishal-Shekhar of favoritism was in poor taste


• Feelings relives a hilarious moment with Aneek and Shekhar on the show


• dockaul composes tremendous shayari in the yaad of Mussarat


• Sidekick points out that Amanat is not getting his due on the show


• Saritha wants to beat up Himesh


• And girlie girl would like to join her