Indian Idol Runner-up Amit Paul wows Raleigh crowd in India Fest, 2008

The residents of Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, waited with much anticipation since February to see their favourite Indian Idol star, the heartthrob of millions, Amit Paul perform live during the India Fest on March 8th and 9th. India Fest is a program sponsored by NavYug, a non-profit organization with a mission to promote awareness of Indian Cultural Arts. Since 2003 they have been hosting India Fest - Your Gateway to India (Details Here) showcasing multi-lingual, rich and diverse cultural arts from the region. Amit Paul and a Bombay band were the star attractions of this year's event.

Due to bad weather conditions, Amit's flight to Raleigh was delayed and he was not able to perform with the band on Saturday, March 8, as scheduled. However, on his arrival after an arduous fourteen hour wait at JFK, NY airport, Amit Paul was in high spirits and said he was ready to entertain Raleigh! (For more details Click here)

True to his word, on Sunday, March 9th, he gave a brilliant performance making the whole community there dance to his tunes. According to one of the eyewitnesses who also happens to be an India-Forum's member, he supposedly had the crowd completely mesmerized with his performance. Not only that, he went an extra length and took many requests and at times even sang without any music. The crowd stood in lines to get his autograph and shake his hand. He had them all hypnotized. The organizers were very happy with the success of the show. Amit really wowed the audience of Raleigh and treated them to a feast which they will remember for a while.

While the Raleigh crowd was left totally satiated, there has been some disappointment back home as he hasn't been seen on the show for over two weeks, K for Kishore where he is a participant. He is supposed to be recuperating from a severe throat ailment, a condition which made his doctors advise him complete bed rest.

While Raleigh enjoyed the melody of his voice, K for Kishore hasn't been able to hear his voice for the last two weeks in a row. Is there a connection somewhere? We leave that for the readers to make a guess!!!