by Subhash K Jha

The Himani-Vinit friendship which started during the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge contest now threatens to become a globally known phenomenon.

What transpired at the Lyrics Theatre, the Hong Kong Academy Of Performing Arts on Saturday April 29 where Himani and Vinit had accompanied Sunidhi for her concerts, could be scenes from a clumsily written romantic comedy.

Apparently the duo had fought before the concert and refused to sing duets together. The indulgent organizers agreed to let them sing solo numbers. But the audience clamoured to have them sing together.

Laughs Himani, "We fight all the time. Sometimes we don't talk to one another for days and weeks. Our fight this time started in Mumbai and continued all the way to Hong Kong. I was so sure that I wouldn't sing with Vinit that I had deliberately worn high heels.

When I sing with Vinit I take them off on stage to match his height. But when the audience asked for us we reluctantly agreed to sing one duet Just chill."

In the middle of the rendering Himani kicked off her shoes to let the audience know they were no longer at loggerheads.

"The audience roared in delight," recalls Himani. "It was almost as though they were acknowledging and celebrating our friendship."

Says Sa Re Ga Ma's Gajendra Singh, "The Himani-Vinit jodi has become a rage among Indians all over the world. In fact we're planning to invite them as special guests on Ek Main Aur Ek Tu."

Himani and Vinit have just rendered a song together for Subhash Ghai's Good Boy Bad Boy.

"That's Himeshji's love for Vinit being extended to me. He's Vinit's mentor. But he treats me as if I'm his own child," says the grateful Himani.