FREMONT, CA: The much awaited Fog Idol competition is coming up soon, for which singers in various age groups are getting auditioned. The Fog volunteers are working very hard to ensure they can find best talent in the Bay Area and promote them through this endeavor!
This was the second auditions conducted in the Fremont Hindu Temple. What better place than such an auspicious temple where spirituality flows and makes the singers perform at their best. The judges who graced the event were Alka Bhatnagar, the renowned Bay Area Nightingale and Varun Tiwari.
Later they were joined by Meenakshi Sawhney. The judges gauged the singers for their voice quality, capability to hold the tune and rhythm and the versatility of their singing range.
Anita Karwal, the main FOG volunteer, ensured that all infrastructure is made available to the singers and judges to carry out these auditions without any issues. She was very friendly with the contestants and made sure they all felt at home.
The auditions started with Bhawna Saxena for the 18+ age category. She mesmerized the judges with her beautiful rendition of the song – “Mohmoh ke Dhage” from the movie “Dum lagake haisha’. The judges asked her to sing something more and then she sang Gulzar’s beautiful composition – ‘Mera kuch saaman”. Next came Khushali Dhomse (12-18 age group). She impressed the judges with flawless singing of the melodious song – “Sun raha hai” from the movie Aashiqui 2.
The judges appreciated her singing and asked her to sing one more song. While her father held the mike to ensure that shruti is audible to Khushali, she went on to sing another melodious song – “Main tenu samjhava” from Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania. Both her songs were very beautifully sung.
Right at this time, a cute and bubbly 9 year old Aneesha Chugh walked in. The judges were glad to see her confidence while she sang the cute song –
“Pal pal kaise katega” from the movie Lage Raho Munna Bhai. Upon request to sing a second song, she sang her beautiful Bhajan “Achyutam Keshavam”.
She was followed by another little but confident champ Mishti Bhatia. She boldly sang “Rag Bilawal”. It’s always a proud feeling to see young girls in America learning Hindustani classical music and taking it to the next level. She also went ahead to sing the beautiful bhajan “Achyutam Keshavam”.
It was a beautiful afternoon immersed in Bollywood and Classical singing. We encourage more and more people to come and sing for the Fog Idol auditions on the 23rd and 24th June as well. The winner will receive a trophy and will get an opportunity to sing in the presence on huge audience and celebrities on the Fog India Day on August 13th. Fog India Parade is expected to engage global participation this year.
The FOG organization is doing a commendable job.
Bhawna Saxena Bharadwaj
