Ila Arun judges Chhote Ustaad folk special

'Amul Star Voice of India Chhote Ustaad' is going from strength to strength. Never has a 'Chhote Ustaad' episode had as much fun as the one coming up on February 1, 2008.

Great singing matched by scintillating performances, arguing judges, a soulful performance by Ila Arun and then a grand climax in the true Indian style with more songs, dances, fun and laughter with Bhojpuri superstar Manoj Tiwari singing 'Holi' songs like 'Rang Bars'e and 'Ang Se Ang Lagana' on the onset of 'Faagun'.

For the first time in 'Chhote Ustaad', contestants sang songs based on folk music from various regions. If the boys sang brilliantly then the girls outdid them with ease.

Anvesha set the mood for the evening with 'Morni Baga Mein Naache' from 'Lamhe', which brought back cherished memories of Ila Arun and Lata di singing this track for Sridevi. Vyom Kapoor looked every bit his own on screen counterpart when he sang the 'Ghana Na Ghan' from 'Lagaan'. Sonia gave a dumdaar performance with 'Dumadum Mast Kalandar'.

When Aishwarya, looking like a million bucks, sang 'Nimbooda Nimbooda' that Ila Arun aptly described it in Hindi as "baat nimbu ki khattas ki lekin gaane mein bahut mithaas thi". Prakriti's rendition of 'Dayya Re Dayya Re..Bichuwa' had the audiences groove in excitement; while the usually perfect Areeb Khan failed to mesmerize the judges. What will be his fate? Will he stand a chance in 'Chhote Ustaad' against tough competitors like Aishwarya, Anvesha, Sonia, Vyom and Prakriti? Will he or wont he make the cut?

The verdict will be out Friday, February 1 at 10.00 pm on 'Chhote Ustaad' only on Star Plus.