by Subhash K Jha

In a photo-finish finale, Anuj one of the three finalists on Sony's Indian Idol was voted out of the contest, leaving the coast clear for a two-pronged battle between Karunya and Sandeep.

Immediately after Anuj's elimination judge Farah Khan seemed convinced about the proceedings on Indian Idol. "I guess Anuj had to go. It was unimaginable to me and the other judges that either Karunya or Sandeep could be eliminated.

In fact I'm surprised how Anuj survived so long and so far. I guess he was very lucky to have made it into the Top 3 even after being eliminated in the piano round. Though we were sad to see him go, I guess there was no choice."

As the competition now hots up between the two finalists Farah is frank and forthright in her opinion on the duo.

"Technically Karunya is unbeatable. In fact I was so scared of Karunya being eliminated that I sent him at least a hundred SMS votes. But I must say I've also warmed up to Sandeep's voice. Over the weeks he has become a fully likeable personality and performer. So it's a tough decision now."

While Farah is thoroughly enjoying her stint as an Idol judge she also laments the lack of female contestants in the finals. "I guess it's because girls vote in this country. The guys therefore get priority.

Sadly very deserving female contestants have got left behind this time. Do you know on American Idol it's the girls who win generally. I feel we need to change the trend on Indian Idol."