MUMBAI: Farah Khan, one of the three judges on Indian Idol 2, seems rel-ieved after Anuj Sharma’s eli-mination and says NC Ka-r-unya is the probable winner.

“Technically, Karunya is unbeatable. In fact, I was so scared of Karunya being eliminated that I sent him at least a hundred SMS votes,” Farah said. “But I must say I have also warmed up to Sandeep’s (Acharya) voice. Over the weeks he has become a fully likeable personality and performer. So it’s a tough decision now.”

In a photo finish finale, Anuj, one of the three finalists on Indian Idol 2, was voted out of the contest, leaving the coast clear for a two-pronged battle between Karunya and Sandeep.

Commenting upon Anuj’s elimination, Farah said: “I guess Anuj had to go. It was unimaginable to me and the other judges (Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik) that either Karunya or Sandeep could be eliminated. In fact, I am surprised how Anuj survived so long and so far. I guess he was very lucky to have made it into the top three even after being eliminated in the piano round. Though we were sad to see him go, I guess there was no choice.”

Farah laments the lack of women contestants in the finals. “I guess it’s because girls vote in this country. The guys, therefore, get priority. Sadly, very deserving female contestants have got left behind this time... I feel we need to change the trend on Indian Idol.”