Retrospective Naga Idol 2006 Arenla Lemtur

Mokokchung, a nondescript town, where time used to almost come to a halt, for once became (in the words of Oprah Winfrey) “The Buzz”. Suddenly, all eyes and ears were on Mokokchung, thanks to MDACC and its Naga Idol Show which propelled the winner Moanungsang into instant celebrity status in Nagaland and the same could be said for the rest of the 16 finalists who went on to become household names.

As an anchor for the first season of Naga Idol, I had the opportunity of spending a considerable amount of time with the finalists all throughout the season. After 5 months which included 3 recordings, 5 roadshows, 2 eliminations and the Grand Finale, the idol finalists and I had almost become like an extended family which gave me unlimited access into the lives of each finalist.

Despite the exhaustion and fatigue, the roadshows which took us from Mokokchung to Dimapur covering Zunheboto, Wokha and Kohima were some of the memorable ones to take along. The life out of a suitcase and in between hotels and buses which we hear about, came close enough to experience even for the rest of us. To be on the road for 4-5 hours, rest for an hour or so and perform in front of a live audience, sometimes used to take its toll on us. The one hour rush just before the shows, that is, if one gets to describe the ladies room, is total chaos with clothes, bags, shoes, cosmetics and make-up playing flying saucers among the hyper-tensive and nervous girls. The men were more organised, which is very obvious, the only hitch was their punctuality. A sheer case of being too laid-back!

The road shows not only gave some of us a chance to be in places like Zunheboto and Wokha for the first time, we even got to experience the best of these two town's hospitality. We loved every bit of these towns, its people and their warmth and generosity, the landscape and its breathtaking scenic beauty.

The Naga Idol finalists were also a group of diversified personalities, each unique and special yet equally terrific people. From Purkumzuk the resident comedian who kept us going with his jokes and mimics, to Moanungsang who would always make sure we had group time minutes before the show. Shilubenla, the baby of the family went on to impress the Governor with her rendition of a Mizo song at the Raj Bhavan and so did Purkumzuk with his rendition of Kal Ho Na Ho. How can I forget Rongsenyangla who would always crack up us with her humour. We had resident rockers with Leochum and Emilo, with crooners like Imliakum, Rukuse and Imkongyanger.

The experience was wonderful. These are the stuff that memories are made of. Seven months after the first Naga Idol was chosen, we are to embark on yet another fantastic journey with Naga Idol 2.07. I had an amazing summer last year, met new people, made new friends which makes me look forward to another batch of talented young men and women who are setting out to reach their goals, trying to get a step closer to what they have set out for. I only have this to say to the ones joining the Naga Idol family this year. I promise you, there'll be exhaustion and fatigue. I promise you there'll be disappointments and tears. I promise you there'll be times when you would want to simply drop everything and to go back home.

But I also promise you good times filled with fun, excitement, laughter and an experience of a lifetime all packed together. And when you finally look back, you will realise that the Naga Idol journey will be one of the most significant events of your life.

The Naga Idol 2006 Journey