Indi pop, the alternative food for the country's music lovers, revealed yet another of its weaknesses as Channel V showcased some of the stars in a massive stage show on Saturday night, the 3rd of March. Firstly, that this kind of music is strictly only for television viewing. The artists and the music, moulded by record companies, looking for that perfect Indian sound which could be marketed internationally looked lost as they karaoked to recorded tracks. Secondly, playing live is a different ball game. No way can recorded tracks match musicians playing live. But then except for the odd Lucky Ali or Silk Route most of the Indi pop stars are just good lookers with a singing voice. And thirdly, if you can't give the crowd good music, give them good stage effects - These roadshow organisers need to look beyond the usual sound, smoke and lights.

  
But, the stars that outshone the main acts were the Video Jockeys. Though strictly made for Television, these VJ's have carved out celebrity status for themselves. Low IQ's, lots of lip, good looks, dress sense and permanent grins, in that order, are the vital assets necessary. And with salaries and perks that would make a software geek salivate, it has even become a great career option.
 
The show kicked off with local lad DJ Ivan warming up the crowd with the latest dance floor tracks like 'Who let the dogs out', and the old Queen scorcher 'We will rock you'. Bangalore loves to dance, and these tracks

had them grooving in no time, with Ivan muting off the tracks in between to let the crowd stretch their vocal chords for the bigger acts to follow. Though they were on and off the music channels with their hit 'My name is Manjeet', the crowd took a while to sink their support for the rocking Sardar Duo ' Balle Balle Boys'. Even though they were touted as 'Bangalore's very own' The distinct metal sound of the duo with Navdeep's searing guitar riffs and Vineet,s rock tenor spitting out a hash of Hindi, English and Punjabi, failed to go down well in spite of Navdeep's coaxing and cajoling. Maybe they need to do more local shows. Before the other local act, Vasundhara Das came on, the crowd was introduced to the Channel's newest VJ, Kim. Her fresh looks

Canadian drawl and slinky moves stood her out from the rest. Channel V's desperate hunt to outdo MTV's Malaika Aurora is starting to show results. But the Gaurav's and the Yudi's are no match for the indefatigable 'Cyrus the Virus'.
 
Vasundhara Das's songs from her new album failed to impress. But everyone remembered her 'Shakalaka Baby' track for A.R.Rehman that she gladly sang when requested.
 
The next act, had all the women swaying to his every move. Shaan, the soft-spoken professor of 'Lovology' cast his magic with his mooney, romantic tunes and his laid back easy looks. But, it was his ' Roop tera mustana' version  that had the whole crowd on their feet. The oldies too shook their heads as they fondly remembered the original Rajesh Khanna hit. Shaan then ended his set with his soulful hit 'Tanha Dil".