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Javed Akhtar on 'Indian Idol 2'
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 17 (IANS) While the stage is set for the grand finale of "Indian Idol 2", lyricist Javed Akhtar has been invited to appear on the penultimate episode.

He had squabbled with Ila Arun on Sony's "Fame Gurukul" and now at this critical juncture, Akhtar has been asked to pitch in for his insider's knowledge of the music world on the show Monday.

"We wanted someone who is entertaining, informative and well-informed, Javed saab proved to be all of that," a Sony source told IANS. 

The two finalists, N.C. Karunya and Sandeep Acharya, will compete against each other in the final round. 

Some media watchers say Sony Entertainment seems to be focusing almost single-mindedly on promoting Karunya as the Indian Idol, leaving the other finalist Sandeep looking like a loser even before the grand finale.

"That isn't true," said the source. "Sandeep and Karunya are seen as equally worthy of securing the title. 

"It is just that Sandeep has tremendous support in the audience poll from his home in Rajasthan while Karunya just can't seem to generate the same interest in Hyderabad and the rest of Andhra Pradesh. We at Sony don't want Karunya to lag behind because of lack of votes."

But Sandeep, who visited his hometown Bikaner last week and was greeted like a true hero, disagreed. 

"I don't think Karunya is lagging behind for lack of votes. I think we both get support not just from our homes but also from the rest of the country," said Sandeep. 

"Everywhere we are both greeted with equal enthusiasm. It isn't as if I get votes from Rajasthan alone, or that Karunya doesn't get votes from Andhra. He is a hot favourite."

Sandeep is ecstatic about his visit to his hometown. 

"I was in Bikaner for just one day. And I was stunned by the enthusiasm of the crowds. They tore my shirt and the stage shook when I was on it...so many people got on it."

Sandeep is optimistic about winning the Indian Idol crown. 

"There's very little time left now. I hope people vote from everywhere. Let's see who wins. I am ready for either of us to win. Regardless of the results, we are friends. We have both left it to god to decide for us."