Popular Indian Idol contestants Arunita Kanjilal and Pawandeep Rajan, along with the timeless Sreeradha Bandyopadhyay, headlined the cultural fare at Salt Lake Maitri Sangha’s Kali puja this year, held near the BF Block swimming pool.

Posters around the township had announced performances by the reality show stars days in advance, but CE Block resident Sreeradha’s appearance came as a surprise. “I was waiting for Pawandeep and Arunita since they were my favourites on Indian Idol 12. Had I known Sreeradha was coming too, I would have brought my mother along, as she loves her voice,” said Puja Basak from HA Block, amidst the crowd.

This year, the stage was on the lane opposite Sharma Tea. Last year it was near Manorama Studio although, in the past, it has been anchored inside the massive BF Park too. Many people gathered on the sides, inside the park, or in front of nearby shops to get a better view of the stage.

Manju Goyal was standing in a corner, sipping tea, when she found herself humming along to Sreeradha’s renditions of Ek pyar ka nagma hai and Tere bina zindagi se koi. “These are such evergreen songs that I can’t help singing along whenever I hear them. I was returning from my evening walk and stopped for a cuppa when I heard her singing these classics. I joined in for a few songs, and although some people were staring at me, I still enjoyed myself,” smiled the CG Block resident.

Priya Sanyal and her friends had positioned themselves beside the stage for a better view of the singers. “We were visiting a friend’s house at BF Block when they mentioned a musical featuring the popular Indian Idol singers. We decided to come and see them live as we’ve only watched them on TV. But it’s nearly 8.45 and they are yet to take the stage, so we’re leaving as we have to get back,” said Priya.

Others dropped by as Maitri Sangha is known to host gala events. “In the past, we’ve watched shows here when they were on a larger scale and many famous artists performed. Sonu Nigam’s show was unforgettable! I wasn’t as interested tonight since I don’t follow the TV show and don’t know much about these singers, but I came along with my friends,” added Rohan Goyal, a resident of New Town CD Block.

Arunita took the stage around 9.15pm and performed for an hour, singing hits like Agar tum saath ho, Jo bheji thi dua, Khamoshiyaan, Sunn raha hai, and Mon re krishi kaaj jano na among others. Pawandeep followed with Jo tum na ho, Aaj mausam bada, Channa mereya, Kaise hua, and more, captivating the audience.

Purnima Ghosh, a Pawandeep fan who had followed the singers on TV, was thrilled to see him live, though her parents wished Sreeradha had performed longer. “I’ve been a fan of Pawandeep from the start, and Arunita looks so sweet! They’re both wonderful singers. I’m enjoying seeing them live, although my parents think she could have included a few more Bengali songs in her set,” said Purnima, an AG Block resident.

“These are new singers, and youths love them as they sing popular covers, but they don’t yet have original songs. Sreeradha, on the other hand, resonates more with our age group. I enjoy her songs, and my daughter prefers Bollywood singers,” added her mother, Monali Ghosh.