MUMBAI: Popular music reality show, Dil Hai Hindustan 2 flagged off on 7 July 2018 on Star Plus. Connecting the world through Indian music and songs, the show had some awe-inspiring performances by contestants, hailing from both India and abroad.

Singer Sunidhi Chauhan, who is one of the judges of the show, opened the singing reality podium by crooning Maa Tujhe Salaam as a token of appreciation to the global popularity of Indian songs. She was joined by her co-judge and Bollywood music composer Pritam, who hummed new lyrics to the popular song while playing the guitar. The third judge, Badshah made the audience go gaga with his kick-ass rap, an addition to the song that has always promoted the feeling of patriotism. The performance also had brief introductions of contestants, played in between the opening act.

The very first singer Auyku Gul, from Turkey, set the bar with her fabulous performance. In spite of being an NRI, who got introduced to Bollywood after watching Aamir Khan’s Lagaan, Gul crooned the song like any other Indian artist and was selected by the judges. Other noteworthy performances on the first episode were by singers, who performed solo, duet and as a band. Having come from across the globe, these artists put up an outstanding musical extravaganza. One band that had singers from different parts of the country caught our attention as they hummed the Indian tunes.

But, the first episode was high on girl power as many female contestants stole the show, besides winning hearts of both judges and the audience. To start with, Shaazi Ahmed, a Jabalpur teenager, grabbed eyeballs as she sang bhajan in spite of being a Muslim. Her story of going against those criticisers, who call singing ‘Haraam’ and embarking on her singing journey, was noteworthy. She was supported by her parents, especially her father, who stood like a rock beside her. This added to the emotional quotient of the episode and it was obvious that Shaazi would make it to the next round. But what came as unexpected was Badshah’s ‘swag’ ka salute.

Further adding to the female swag, Desi Divas impressed judges by their outstanding performance. Sunidhi, who was smitten by their singing, fulfilled their dream as she crooned Kamli for them. But, it was Kareena Shomkhova, who captivated Badshah’s heart and the naughty rapper didn’t leave a chance to flirt with her.

The emotion and energy of the first episode were carried forward to the second with some more outstanding performances by contestants. The second day commenced with youngster Soumya, who called Pritam a cute teddy bear and panda post singing in complete ‘sur’. It was one of the cutest moments of the show.

Going further, there were international singers, who crooned in Hindi as if it was their mother tongue. An example of this was a Nigerian singer, who sang a Bhojpuri song like a pro. Further, Michael Rudas, from Poland, who crooned Jai Ho, stole anchor Mukti Mohan’s heart. Also, Pritam fed Michael his favourite Indian sweets.

But, it was India’s Moutain Souls featuring Gordeep, who actually beatboxed their way to the hearts of both the audiences and judges. The group left everyone spellbound with their fabulous performance. They also further set the show on fire as Sunidhi joined them to sing Kaisi Paheli Zindagani. Chauhan also gave a note to them as a token of appreciation for their best performance. Sunidhi also made an announcement that every time someone will give such a fantabulous performance; she will give a hand-written note to them.

The emotional quotient to the show, on day two, was added by Sharmita Dutta and Eliz. While Sharmita’s story of her father-in-law supporting her singing career, gave a message to all those fathers-in-law of the country, to support their bahu’s, Eliz’s devotion towards Lord Shiva was remarkable. Eliz, who donned Om Namah Shivay tattoo, told about finding a father in the Indian lord, post losing her father at the age of 12. She also revealed how he helped her get over her depression phase.

When it comes to the fun meter, both episodes had some humour punches by one of the anchors of the show, dancer-actor, Raghav Juyal, who was joined by judge Badshah. Mukti Mohan, who is also hosting the show, added to the jokes that kept the mood of the show light at regular intervals.

Lastly, the fashion showcase for both episodes of Dil Hai Hindustani 2 was exuberant. The judges donned some stylish ensembles with elegance. While Badshah wore a black jacket, with red-coloured work on the shoulders, Sunidhi’s embroidered black overcoat was outstanding. Lastly, Pritam seemed a total gentleman as he flaunted a suit and his funky pink shirt grabbed our attention.

With unbelievable singing, fun, style and emotion, the second season of Dil Hai Hindustani has an outstanding line-up of global musicians that have one thing in common, love towards ‘India’ and its ‘music’.

Meanwhile, Dil Hai Hindustani 2 will be aired every weekend at 8 pm on Star Plus.