Hero’s welcome for reality show winner in Agra

AGRA - The crowd went into raptures and accorded a hero’s welcome to local boy Sparsh Srivastav as he returned to this Taj Mahal city Friday after winning the children’s dance reality show “Chak Dhoom Dhoom” on Colors channel.

As Sparsh alighted from the Shatabdi Express, he was welcomed with the beating of drums and nagadas (kettle drums). His admirers also arranged a big procession that meandered its way through the main streets of the city.

Sparsh took the opportunity to appeal for the victory of singer Rakesh Maini, another Agra resident, in “Indian Idol 5″. Rakesh is one of the final four contestants.

Eleven-year-old Sparsh, who specialises in folk, kathak and Bollywood dance forms, was declared the winner July 24. This is the first time an Agra resident has won a TV reality show.

Surendra Sharma of the Braj Mandal heritage conservation society, said of Sparsh’s victory: “Its a different kind of patriotic fervour, an upsurge in local nationalism to secure the pride of this historical city.”