'Indian Idol'- The day after

Indians have finally got their Indian Idol. But are the Indian Idol and his parents breathing easy? Sapana Patil meets the parents Shridhar and Manisha Sawant to find out.

Abhijeet's poster welcomes all to Shahu Nagar

The lanes of Shahu Nagar, are marked by posters and boards, congratulating Abhijeet and offering him best wishes from the residents. It may be recalled that Abhijeet, in all his interviews has acknowledged the help and support of his friends and neighbours. "I owe it to them," he says.

The Idol's building, which will soon have a different look

This is the building that has been witness to Abhijeet's journey to fame. Thanks to him the building will soon sport a fresh look as he has promised to paint the building after he wins the title. It will be remembered in history as the building that housed the first Indian Idol!

Abhijeet's wellwishers express their love with bouquets

Fans from far away come to greet and congratulate, knowing they wouldn't meet Abhijeet but hoping they would. The collection of bouquets at Sawant's residence, reminded me that I had not brought one!

One and all, guests come to congratulate the proud parents

Neighbours and friends, from old times and new start dropping in. They want to wish Abhijeet and his parents a wonderful future. One of the visitors even offers Abhijeet the role of a hero in his play. Abhijeet's mother coyly refuses, eminding him of the contract with Sony. Winning the contest was not an easy thing for this Maharashtrian lad. He had to struggle a lot to realise his dream of becoming a singer in this cut-throat industry. Friends tell us tales of Abhijeet's struggles to establish himself as a singer.

An old time friend: Abhijeet's guitar

Abhijeet's guitar comforted him many in times of despair.
The flat that the Sawant's live in is small. As friends and relatives drop by, the tiny hall starts getting packed and soon the family moves outside in the compound to entertain their guests. But no one
wants to leave the Indian Idol's house.

The view from Abhijeet's balcony

While the neighbours got busy, I catch a view from Abhijeet's balcony. The one thing that made Abhijeet a darling of the masses is perhaps his humble nature. His ordinary beginnings, and his extraordinary feat is what makes him truly an Idol.

The hand that rocked the cradle: Abhijeet's mother

Abhijeet's mother finds time to cook as she is worried about her dear son's kidney stone problem. She gives instructions to the neighbours about Abhijeet's home coming ceremony. She also speaks about her interaction with Amit Sana. "He is like a son to me. I want to call the Sana family for lunch some day," says Manisha eagerly.

Buddies of the Idol

His friends join to celebrate Abhijeet's victory. All of them are happy that finally Abhijeet's hard work has paid off --- and they laughingly add, "the habit of sending Smses has finally paid off!"

We tried to catch up with the newly crowned idol, but he was busy celebrating his newfound fame with the who's who of television industry --- Kunal Dasgupta, Tarun Katial, NP Singh, Monisha Singh, and Nikhil Alva.

Life, for Abhijeet will be very different from now on, and his friends only hope that name and fame does not change him.

Abhijeet Sawant --- A simple man...A simple lifestyle...humble beginnings...meteoric rise! That's our Indian Idol.