BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, December 16, 2025: Atlanta Indian Idol has steadily grown into one of the most anticipated events on the India American Cultural Association’s annual calendar—an evening that brings together singers from Georgia and neighboring states to celebrate the enduring appeal of Bollywood music and the emergence of remarkable vocal talent within our community.
The Grand Finale, held on November 8, 2025, from 3 PM to 7 PM at South Forsyth High School, marked the culmination of several qualifying rounds conducted through October and November. From a strong field of 83 singers, 10 contestants in the Adult category and 8 contestants in the Junior category advanced to the championship round, earning their place through discipline, dedication, and musical excellence.
The program unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of sound and movement, charged with energy and melody. Adding visual dynamism to the evening were high-octane dance performances by acclaimed dance academies from across the Atlanta area, offering rhythmic interludes that heightened the celebratory atmosphere.
The distinguished panel of judges—Dr. Kakali Bandyopadhyay, Dr. Sujatha Rayburn, and Asawari Gadre-Joshi—guided the championship with insight and encouragement. Following each performance, judges shared thoughtful feedback, creating an environment that balanced artistic rigor with mentorship.
Contestants were evaluated on multiple facets of performance, including rhythm, diction, tonal quality, pitch accuracy, emotional expression, and overall mastery of style, ensuring a comprehensive and fair assessment.
An especially engaging feature of the evening was the onsite SMS polling system powered by TextByChoice, which invited the audience to become active participants in the celebration. With a simple text of the first four letters of a singer’s name, the auditorium transformed into a shared chorus of support—where appreciation extended beyond applause and into the collective voice of the audience, honoring performances that resonated most deeply.
The smooth execution of the competition was supported by Statistician Neeta Shenvi and Scorer Shireesha Mantri, whose meticulous coordination ensured accuracy and transparency throughout the event.
Program Director Dr. Raktim Sen reflected on the level of artistry on display: “The competition was exceptionally intense, offering our audience a true musical feast. Every performer left a lasting impression, making the judges’ task of ranking them especially challenging. Each year, the talent level continues to rise, and it is truly gratifying to witness such remarkable performances from singers in our own community.”
Chand Akkineni, Board of Director, IACA, and the visionary behind Atlanta Indian Idol, added: “The growing popularity of Atlanta Indian Idol continues to attract new and young singers with incredible potential, fulfilling our objectives of nurturing talent and celebrating our community’s rich musical heritage.”
IACA President Dhananjay Gupta noted: “Atlanta Indian Idol exemplifies how cultural platforms can bring our community together while encouraging artistic excellence across generations.”
In the Adult Category, Champion Vaibhavi Mathapati delivered a compelling and emotionally resonant rendition of “Laaga Chunri Mein Daag” from Dil To Hai (1963). Her poised interpretation honored Sahir Ludhianvi’s evocative lyrics and Roshan’s timeless composition, blending classical restraint with expressive depth. Her performance also earned strong audience appreciation through SMS polling.
First Runner-up Lavanya Muni impressed with “Phero Na Najariya” from Qala (2007), offering a nuanced and introspective performance that highlighted the haunting elegance of Kausar Munir’s lyrics set to Amit Trivedi’s music.
Second Runner-up Samira Tamma chose the classical favorite “Sanware Sanware Kahe Mose” from Anuradha (1960), delivering it with grace and controlled emotion, paying tribute to the song’s timeless legacy.
Director’s Choice Awards (Adult Category) were presented to Sonam Shah, Nihal Singh, and Kriti Ghosh. Sonam Shah’s serene rendition of “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” reflected spiritual depth and composure. Nihal Singh’s “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin” from Agneepath (2011) stood out for its emotional restraint, while Kriti Ghosh energized the hall with a confident and dramatic performance of “Mere Dholna” from Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007).
In the Junior Category, Champion Swara Kapilavai won hearts with her expressive and confident rendition of “Nachidi Phira” from Secret Superstar (2017), showcasing musical maturity beyond her years.
First Runner-up Paavani Rao delivered a refined interpretation of “Mohe Rang Do Laal” from Bajirao Mastani (2015), while Second Runner-up Sharvari Bhusari brought warmth and innocence to “Bol Re Papihara” from Guddi (1971), charming the audience with gentle sincerity.
The Junior Popular Choice recognition, shaped by audience participation through SMS polling, reflected the deep engagement and enthusiasm of the evening.
Director’s Choice Awards (Junior Category) were presented to Rithvika Tabjul, Aditri Thakur, and Aneesh Gosangari, each recognized for performances that demonstrated poise, promise, and artistic individuality.
The event was generously sponsored by Kris Gadde (Silver), Rita & Kamalesh Dwivedi (Bronze & Special Prize), Dr. Paddy & Chandler Sharma (Bronze), whose encouragement sustains this platform for artistic growth.
As the final notes faded and applause echoed through the auditorium, Atlanta Indian Idol once again affirmed its role as more than a competition—it remains a nurturing ground for discipline, creativity, and cultural connection. With each edition, the platform continues to evolve, inspiring voices young and seasoned alike, and reaffirming music’s timeless ability to unite and uplift.
The event was supported by a dedicated team, with live video by Kamalaksha Das (Kamal), photography by Dipanjan Banerjee, and videography by Bishan Chandra. Event Director Chand Akkineni and Program Director Dr. Raktim Sen led the production, with guidance from IACA President Dhananjay Gupta and Board Chair Kaushal Tripathi. Event coordination & backstage management by Chaitali De, Arindam Chowdhury and Alashlina Sayed, with media direction and audience polling administration by Jyothsna Hegde. Production design was overseen by Dr. Raktim Sen, supported by Rutuparna Joshi, while TextByChoice, coordinated by Nizar Bhojani, enabled audience SMS polling.
