MUMBAI: It is the 8th Gala Round on Indian Idol. The contestants are now gearing up for the final lap. They are working hard on their songs and the result is showing. To commend their efforts and to encourage them to do their best was present actor?“producer Anil Kapoor who made a grand surprise entry. His film as producer Gandhi My Father is perfectly timed to the Independence Day celebrations just around the corner. Anil was in great spirits. After all it is not every day that a film gets such heart-warming response from the media and box-office too!

The surprise guest on the show inspired the contestants too. With Independence Day round the corner the contestants are all set to rock the nation with their patrioticism. Deepali gave a great start to the gala round dedicated to patriotic songs with Dhol bajne laga which had Annu Malek pronouncing her a worthy contender to the title. Anil Kapoor confessed he got gooseflesh with Amit Paul`s rendition of Yeh jo des hai mera from Swades. Chang, who has been nicknamed Chingu Mingu by Alisha, won her heart with Baar baar haan ¦ from Lagaan. Incidentally, Chang had an opportunity to visit an NGO and teach the little inmates the importance of dental care how to brush their teeth right! Emon once again rocked the show with his flawless performance. He sang Yehi rasta hai tera from Lakshya making it very clear to his competition that he means business .Annu Malek pronounced it as a hallmark of a great singer. Anil Kapoor gave full marks to Ankita for her rendition of the title track of Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani . Not happy with that she had him on stage shaking a leg too. But the surprise packet of the evening was Prashant whose Zindagi maut na ban jaaye came straight from the heart and had Annu Malek doffing his hat to the best performer of the day.

Carried away by all the singing Anil Kapoor displayed his singing prowess too by singing Dil diya hai jaan bhi denge from his film Karma. Surprises never ceased on this show. Yet another guest descended on stage in the midst of all the singing and dancing. Ajay Jadeja came, saw, danced and left after some sound piece of advice to all the contestants.

There`s more on Indian Idol this week than you bargained for. Do not miss this fun-filled episode Of Indian Idol on Friday 10 August, 2007 at 9 p m only on Sony Entertainment Television.