"I am thankful to all for the love and support I received from Nepal. It feels like a dream to become the Indian Idol, and this would have been impossible without you all."

"Dare to dream and work hard for it. Believe in god and in yourself, nothing is impossible"

Kathmandu:

The wait is finally over for his fans this side of the border (his fans back home are still waiting to give him a hero’s welcome).

Yes, folks Nepal’s heart throb and Indian Idol 3 Prashant Tamang is in town. And the media turnout for the press meet held at Soaltee Crowne was proof of how popular this shy guy from Darjeeling has become. He is in Nepal to perform live at two concerts in Kathmandu and Pokhara on September 29-30 respectively.

The photographers went into a frenzy as soon as Prashant entered the hall. Flashes went off simultaneously everywhere almost blinding everyone. Yet Prashant’s humility shone through the press meet.

“I am thankful to all for the love and support I received from Nepal. It feels like a dream to become the Indian Idol, and this would have been impossible without you all,” said Prashant thanking all Nepalis for their support in his Idol journey.

And we all know that his journey was not an easy one. He was the not the judges’ favourite, and every other round he was pulled up by them, though his supporters made sure he was safe — always.

“I know that the judges were not satisfied with my performance most of the time. I am not a trained singer but I gave my best shot in every song. I never took their comments in a negative way. I always looked for some positive reason behind every harsh word. In a way, I think their comments helped me to fight back,” he said.

And yes Anu Malik was his favourite judge as “he was never biased”.

When asked how he got involved in music though he is a prahari (police), Prashant looked confused and asked if it meant police. Then with a wide smile he answered, “I was always interested in music and singing. Even as a policeman I got involved in the orchestra and lived my passion.”

Of his participation in the Idol contest, he said he was supported by a lot of friends.

“There are so many other singers like me that I thought that perhaps it was not meant for me. But today I am happy I listened to them.”

So, would he be bringing out any Nepali album?

“I grew up listening to Nepali songs. If you all support me, I will definitely come out with an Nepali album,” he answered.

Not at all sure whether he would make it, Prashant said that as contestants started getting eliminated, his hopes of making it to the top two got stronger and stronger. He was greatly surprised by so many people loving him.

Describing the moments before the announcement of the winner of the contest, he said that all he was thinking of was the thousands of his supporters who had brought him so far in this journey.

And when he got got to know that the people of Nepal were rooting for him, some even crossing over to vote for him, Prashant said, “Aang nai jiringa bhayo (I got goosebumps) to know that so many were hopeful for me.”

His message for the youth, “Dare to dream and work hard for it. Believe in god and in yourself, nothing is impossible.”

When asked if he has a girlfriend, one of the most eligible bachelors left with a wide grin.

Indian Idol contestants Ankita Mishra and Deepali Kishor, who will be performing along with Prashant, were also present at the press meet along with our star Nima Rumba.

“I guess the concert will be bigger and better than last time as Prashant is performing,” said Ankita.

When asked why they had not brought Amit Paul with Prashant, one of the organisers said, “We have to keep something for the future too.”

The event is organised by Spring Wood, men’s clothing brand from Surya Nepal, managed by Party Nepal, with Soaltee Crowne Plaza as the official host.