Daily News Snippets: Wed 7th September

Judge walks out on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
The war between mentors Aadesh Shrivastava and Ismail Darbar on ZEE?s daily Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge has put the show in a spot. Healthy competition has gone for a toss and the programme?s director Gajendra Singh is caught in the tussle, with pressure mounting from the channel.

Singer Shaan, who hosts the Challenge, opens up about the crisis to Mid-Day paper hitList:

“The entire issue is a little touchy as I?ve sung for all the music directors and know them well. At some point, the channel proposed that we should continue the show with three mentors.

But I don?t think we can do away with Aadesh Shrivastava after 25 episodes already on air with him, keeping in mind that he?s popular on the show. It?s time we resolved the differences and moved on.

The bottom line is that Aadeshji and Ismailji?s gharanas comprise the toughest contenders. The emotional bond between the mentor and his contestants is so strong that they tend to take everything personally.

Initially, these two mentors were the friendliest and I?d never imagined things taking such a turn. They used to get upset but would gradually make up, except this time.” (From Mid-Day)

B4U sponsors Punjabi Festival
B4U Network today announced that it will be sponsoring the Mela Group?s Punjab Festival commencing on 26th of September 2005. The festival will showcase the best of the region?s culture ? including food, dance, music and art ? which will run through until 10th November 2005. The Festival will be held at Mela, Chowki, Soho Spice and 3 Monkeys restaurants in London, and Dilli in Altrincham.

?We at B4U Network are proud to be sponsoring The Punjab Festival which epitomises the gastronomic richness of Indian culture. Over recent years the popularity of both Indian cuisine and Bollywood has been phenomenal and we are happy to be associated with such a special event that is sure attract people from various cultures,? Sunil Rohra, CEO of the B4U Network.