Rainbow Choir, Nagaland came into existence with the motive and vision to be instrumental in bridging the gap between the North-East and the rest of India, through showcasing of North-Eastern cultural attires, patriotic lyrics and of course the universal language of music. As stated by our spokesperson during our Mega Audition performance, ours’ is not an aim to compete but rather to identify ourselves as Indians albeit differences in appearance and culture.
Thankfully our humble steps were attended by success as we made our way through the Mini Audition at Swabhumi Heritage Plaza, Kolkota on September 26, 2013 and Mega Audition at India’s Got Talent Studio Mumbai on November 29th, 2013. The competition especially at the Mega Auditions was exhilarating as far as our experience goes, because we received extremely favourable comments from the esteemed panel of judges. While none made any negative comment, Kirron Kher expressed her joy at our motive and participation; Karan Johar said, “Rainbow Choir, why did you stop singing, I want to hear you for the next fifteen minutes”; Malaika appreciated our art and costumes. What was most exciting was that we were assured pass into the semi-finale. Elated, we returned home on December 2nd, 2013 amidst euphoria to await dates for the next trip to Mumbai-India’s city of dreams.
Wasting no time, we started preparing songs and costumes once again for the next round. The atmosphere was urgent, warm and euphoric as we practised early morning after late night; the repeated mails we received from the organisers confirming our entry into the semis only fuelled our enthusiasm.
Nonetheless, confusion and doubt started creeping in as friends and fans started asking why our performance was never once telecast. Unwillingly, we had to note that something was amiss especially as our calls and emails went unanswered. Meanwhile pressure has been mounting as we ask ourselves if our performance as scrapped, we would answer our many benefactors who’ve been helping us in cash and kind. And till today, were preparing and waiting and asking and expecting while India’s Got Talent has gone on to announce the list of semi-finalists while our name has been unceremoniously dropped.
A dozen questions cross our disturbed minds. Have we unwittingly become victims of discrimination like many of our North-Easterner friends? Is our wish to showcase the Indianness of Northeast too silly for India’s Got Talent platform? Why have we been suddenly hung in the balance without any information?
We are left askance and there are no answers. However, we refuse to be beaten. Rainbow Choir will bravely and proudly strive forward and explore avenues and platforms which respect our cause and art. And with the blessings of many kind friends and well-wishers in our home state and beyond, Rainbow Choir keeps striving.
Rainbow Choir
Nagaland
