RATO BHALEY If I answered in the wrong thread, I apologize, but I would like to pursue this sentiment of yours as Prashant is NOT from Nepal and since people living in Nepal WHO HAVE NEVER TRAVELLED/LIVED abroad have no idea of why sentiments regarding Prashant run so deep. No, actually I take that back...people living in NEpal DO KNOW what it is to be a second class citizen in their own country!! Class and Creed being on the top of the list of Nepali haru ko identity. Maybe those Nepalese from Nepal are travelling to Darjeeling, Pashupati and Siliguri and voting. Yes those downtrodden ones who do not have the fortune of coming from Kathmandu and not a very prestigious last name!! "I was wondering why Prashant speaks in Nepali knowing very well that most Nepali speaking people understand hindi. He knows very well too that most people who understand hindi do not understand Nepali." Ratobhaley he better speak in Nepali when he addresses the crowds in Darjeeling or those of Nepali origin be they from Nepal or elsewhere - or else he is doomed. We (those Nepalese of Darjeelingey origin) are miffed that his mother had to speak in Hindi for the most part! Such is the sentiment of those outside of Nepal!!! You should be proud that he made an effort to speak in Nepalese. I know I am! As for the benefit part..my brother, cousins, aunts, uncles and numerous other relatives will gain NOTHING from voting for him. Desh ko k faida bhanera ta kurai chadum! Abo rayo political kuro..umm I am a lost cause there. I just know that he is a Nepali who has tremendous talent and needs the support of the Nepalese people. And then..your suggestion that he is a shrewd artist and taps into the ego and tradition of nepali misplaced nationalism, that couldn't be farther from the truth. The people of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the rest of the world (excluding Nepal) KNOW what it is to be a second class citizen and have put tremendous pressure on this one boy to - YES - prove to others that we are not just darwans, didis and waiters. YES those of you who work for Indian restos know what I am referring to!!! IF Prashant wins, will he go anywhere for concerts? I guess the answer would be YES....ANYWHERE where he is given the respect he deserves as a Nepali and an artist!! Will he acknowledge our support?? Has he not?? by speaking in Nepali on Indian TV?? Will he bask in the glory of his win because of his talent?? I surely he does!! Will he think he won because of his talent and not because of his Nepali origin?? Ratobahley jiu...sewa gara..sewa ko phal ko asha k!! and then comes the downtrodden mentality of us Nepalese - mailey garda ta bhako ni phalana dhiskana ko yo tyo!! UPLIFT yourselves people!!! JAI GORKHA!!!!!1