Sony Entertainment Television Asia's flagship show Indian Idol 2 will be coming to its natural end next weekend and its going to be an episode witnessed by all.

The two finalists that are competing are Sandeep Acharya and the judges’ favourite N C Karunya. So after six gruelling months, the stage is set, the crown is out and the battle between north and south India (Acharya is from Bikaner while Karunya is from Hyderabad) is all set to begin.

Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty will be seen as the celebrity guest. The audience, too, is geared with slogans, pictures of their idol, loud cheers, and dhol beats for the denouement of this musical reality show.

So is competition giving them sleepless nights? ‘‘No, it’s healthy and only encourages me to give my best,’’ says Acharya. Karunya is all praise for his competition. ‘‘Sandeep has a charming smile and a sweet voice,’’ he says.

Karunya also has Andhra Pradesh bigwigs backing him. ‘‘We went to Hyderabad recently and the response was overwhelming. I met the chief minister, the mayor and actor Nagarjuna, and they all helped me in voting pleas.’’

The show has had its share of controversies and criticism. ‘‘Although it can be said that I am the judges’ favourite, I have constantly been among the bottom three in garnering votes. So, even if we say that favouritism does exist, I don’t think it affects the competition,’’ states Karunya.

But Abhijeet Sawant has been idle after becoming the first Indian Idol. Does that deter their drive? ‘‘Good talent will always be rewarded and Abhijit will do great,’’ says Acharya. Karunya is oblivious. ‘‘I was down south and really didn’t keep a tab on such things.’’

The Indian Idol 2 Finale will be shown on Sony Entertainment Television Asia UK on Saturday 22nd April at 20:00.

By Namrata Sharma for Pune NewsLine