By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong’s talents, a breath of fresh air in the big national platforms, have managed to capture the hearts of many through their achievements in various reality shows.
After the vibrant performances of the Shillong Chamber Choir in reality show–India’s Got Talent Season 2, Shillong and the North East as a whole is proud to witness another singing star on the rise, Toshanbor Singh Nongbet. Fondly known as ‘Toto’, 21-year-old opera singer is making his way into the semifinal round of India’s Got Talent Season 4.
“I am proud to represent Shillong and the entire North East and now I appeal to everyone to support me in my objective to make my state and the entire North East region proud,” said Toto while interacting with the media here on Tuesday.
Apart from being a great fan of Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, Toshan, the second child of Dr RS Thangkhiew and Dr P Nongbet, had finished his schooling and 10+2 from St Edmund’s School. He joined St Anthony’s College, BA Music (Honours) and had just graduated earlier this year. Toto’s fascination for Opera styled music prompted him to join the
Aroha Choir in 2011 and had received training in this music genre from its conductor Pauline Warjri. “It is a rare opportunity for India to witness Opera singing in the national platform by an Indian”, mentor of Aroha Choir Pauline Warjri, also Toshan’s mentor, told newspersons here on Tuesday.
Terming Toshan as a ‘versatile singer’, Warjri said “Toshan has the ability to switch between the different singing genres. I have coached many singers but Toshan is the one who easily adapts to all kinds of singing.”
It may be reminded that during the auditions, Toshan’s performance has managed to capture the hearts of many including the three judges; Bollywood director Karan Johar, Bollywood actress Kirron Kher and Malaika Arora. Malaika termed his performance as unique and different. The judges had also said that even though they had not understood a word of which he had sung, the music was powerful enough to capture their hearts and minds.
Meanwhile, Karan Johar even commented to the media that “his performance is beyond international standards”. He was making this comment after Toshan qualified to the semifinals of India’s Got Talent by his performance of “Nessun Dorma” an operatic Aria from the Italian composer Puccini’s Opera ‘Turandot’.
He said that he had no formal training till he joined Aroha Choir in 2011 and from then onwards with Warjri’s training he has enhanced his performance in Opera.
The young opera singer is currently in the city to appeal for votes from the people of Meghalaya and also the North Eastern states and has sought support from people for the finals.