Alka, Aadesh tiff causing problems for 'Voice of India' show

There is more to the current crisis on popular television music talent show "Voice Of India" than what meets the eye. Alka Yagnik's decision to quit the show has a far more specific motivation than the general confusion that she evasively refers to.

The problem is more one-to-one, between Alka and co-judge Aadesh Shrivastava, who have been crossing swords for some time. But the flashpoint was reached last week when Aadesh objected to the show's producer-director Gajendra Singh referring to Alka as the "Melody Queen".

Alka did not take this intervention lightly and decided to walk out in a huff.

Aadesh says: "It's true I objected to Alka being called a Melody Queen. As far as I'm concerned there's only one Melody Queen, and that's Lataji. No other singer has the right to be called a Melody Queen."

Programme producer Gajendra Singh is now caught in a fix.

"Alkaji is upset. And, yes, it's because of the incident you're referring to. Very frankly I think addressing her as a 'Melody Queen' is fair. Look at how long and how successful her innings has been. If I can call Aadeshji the 'Nayaa Naghmon Ka Nawab' on the show, why can't I call Alkaji 'Melody Queen'?"

He added: "Alkaji isn't reachable at the moment. But she's under contract with us and is professional enough to know she can't walk away so suddenly."

However, on being questioned about the issue, Alka replied: "There's nothing wrong with me being called a melody queen because a melody queen is mortal. But Lata Didi is immortal.

"She's the Melody Goddess, far superior to all other singers. I'm her biggest bhakt, and she knows it. And by the way what's Aadesh Shrivastava's problem?"

Alka adds that her decision to quit the show has nothing to with Aadesh's behaviour.

"I've decided to quit because I felt there was a lot of misbehaviour and uncalled-for chillum-chilli (screaming and shouting). I feel the judges will lose the respect of the public with this kind of conduct," she said.

"I would never do anything at the cost of my dignity. I've decided to quit the show, but gracefully."

Indo-Asian News Service