International
Nepal celebrates Prashant's victory in Indian Idol show

Kathmandu, Sept. 24 (PTI): Darjeeling boy Prashant Tamang's triumph in Indian Idol music talent hunt sparked wild celebrations here, with jubilant fans of the young singer terming his win a "matter of pride for all Nepalese people".

Some 1,500 enthusiastic girls and boys gathered before a large screen in Kathmandu's Basantapur Durbarsqure last night to watch the grand finale of the over two-month long talent show, being telecast by Sony television channel.

As the West Bengal Police constable beat rival Amit Paul to wear the crown, youths cheered and opened champaign bottles to celebrate the triumph of the 24-year-old.

"Prashant's victory is a matter of pride for all Nepalese people," one of the fans said.

People took out victory rallies in Kathmandu, while Nepal's major dailies like the Kathmandu Post, the Himalayan Times and the Rising Nepal published front-page banner headlined news items.

In Kathmandu and towns bordering India, people had collected donation to help campaign for Prashant, while some even went to India to cast votes for him through SMS.

International

---

---