Big Star

Serampore is a small town in eastern India. It is situated on the banks of river Hubble. There is only one degree college in this town. Anit Dana lives in Serampore and is pursuing a commerce degree in Serampore College. He is a bright student and wishes to become a chartered accountant ultimately. Presently, he is in the second year of his course. He is now enjoying his winter vacation after a long period of examination. He got up quite late today morning. As he was leafing through the newspaper something caught his eye. It was an advertisement for a singing competition which was called 'Big Star'. Applications were being invited from boys and girls within the age of twenty-five. The winner would be given a hundred thousand pounds, a swanky car and a house. He would also be launched as a singer by means of an album. It was the opportunity of a life-time. The competition would be held in Calcutta. After speaking to his parents Anit decided to send his application. He had learnt music since the age of five. But singing had been nothing more than a hobby. Now, a golden opportunity was knocking at Anit's door and he wanted to grab it with both hands. Seven days later Anit received a call from the organizers of 'Big Star'.
Anit was asked to record ten songs and send it to the organizers. He was overjoyed when he learnt that he had been selected among the final ten. The next Sunday he bid a tearful goodbye to his parents to participate in 'Big Star'. He travelled to Calcutta where he stayed with an uncle. The competition was to be held in two parts, the semi-final and the final. Both parts would be telecast live on national television. There were three judges for both the semis and finals. Film Composer Anam was one of the judges, singer Sonny was another while the third judge was choreographer Ferro. All three were extremely busy people. Naturally the participants were completely in awe of them. The semi-finals were held at New Technicians' studio. Anit had never seen a studio before. When he stepped on to the stage that had been created for the competition he found himself to be very nervous. When all the shooting lights were switched on Anit felt that he was going blind. But he gradually got used to the brightness. Very soon the singing began. Each participant tried hard. But the judges appeared to be very rude. No matter how hard the boys and girls tried they never had a word of praise for them. The singer who performed before Anit appeared to be quite talented. But Judge Anam dismissed him by saying "You should consider sweeping floors. Anit sang his favourite song. All the while Judge Ferro seemed to look him directly in the eye. After he had finished she said, "How much will you pay me if I put you in the finals? Before he could utter a word Ferro winked and said, "Just joking kid. Anit was relieved when he learnt that he was indeed in the finals with four others.
The finals were held ten days later in Arok studio. The stage this time was larger. There was an anchorperson for the whole show. He was the famous actor Rit. Amit admired Rit greatly and his presence added to the pressure which was already considerable. After a draw of lots it was determined that Anit would be the last person to sing. Viewers were allowed to vote through SMS. Anit's parents were in the studio audience and they felt proud that their son had come this far. The competition began at six thirty in the evening. The judges were particularly harsh this time. The first competitor was told "You are useless. The second was told "The music world doesn't need you at all. The third singer began crying when she was told "Your voice is as bad as your looks. Nothing was said to the fourth contestant. When Anit's name was announced he felt confident. All his life he had worked hard for this day. This was the time to show the world what he was truly worth. Suddenly, he was shaken out of his reverie by Rit, "Any more delay and you are disqualified. Hurriedly Anit began his song. While he sang he could feel that everyone was quite imprsessed. The applause was deafening. Judge Sonny was quick to say, "With your voice you will become anything but a singer. But Anit knew that his performance had been good. In fifteen minutes the results were ready. Anit Dana of Serampore became the first 'Big Star'.