Prashant’s sister Archana and mother Indira (centre) at the rally. Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha

www.telegraphindia.com

Kalimpong, June 14: A massive rally in support of Indian Idol contestant Prashant Tamang wound its way through the streets of this hill town today with his mother Indira and elder sister Archana in tow.

Braving a light shower, Prashant’s fans, including a huge contingent of students, went around the town shouting slogans in support of the policeman who has become the hero of the hills.

“SMS in favour of Prashant” and “Prashant you march forward, we are with you,” shouted the rallyists as people lining the streets voiced their approval.

A team from Darjeeling, led by his mother and sister, rode in an open jeep escorted by fans on motorcycles and a long queue of students in the rear. “If he is crowned the Indian Idol, it would not be his win alone, but that of the entire hills,” his mother said later at an interactive session with journalists.

Indira recalled how her son used to always have a song on his lips ever since he was five years old. She added that whenever she chided him for focusing too much on singing, Prashant’s stock answer was that he would one day become famous and come on TV.

The rally proved to be an emotional roller-coaster ride for Indira. At one point she could not hold back her tears as the occasion got to her. “Prashant was seven years old when his father died. Only I know how difficult it was to bring up Prashant and his two elder sisters,” said Indira.

Asked whose singing she liked among the rivals of Prashant, she named Richa and Abhishek, but added that all were equally good. “I am, however, hopeful that Prashant will be the next Indian Idol,” she said.

Prashant’s sister Archana, though, shot down talks of her contesting in the next edition of Indian Idol. “Unlike my brother and elder sister, I can’t sing. But I can dance,” she said with a smile. “She will be contesting in Boogie Woogie (a dance contest on television),” joked Tshering Topgay, a resident of Kalimpong and the main man behind today’s rally.

Indira said Prashant once got a week’s break from duty for performing at a police programme in Calcutta. If the massive support the shy constable is enjoying right now is anything to go by, the entire hills would be celebrating for weeks together should he win the coveted crown.