Omar Ali is Bangladesh’s unlikely new music star – he’s a white-bearded rickshaw puller from an impoverished village a day’s drive from the capital, Dhaka.
But his voice is golden and millions of viewers voted for him to win a television “Pop Idol”-style talent show, which has just reached its climax.
Magic Tin Chakar Taroka, or Three Wheel Star, was only open to the riders and drivers of Bangladesh’s one million-plus three-wheelers – its cycle- and auto-rickshaws.
Their work is badly-paid and back-breaking and they seldom have anything to cheer about.
But Omar Ali’s final performance of the Bengali folk song Lovers Never Drown was so powerful it had the audience, which included many of Bangladesh’s leading pop stars who have backed the show and coached the rickshaw-men, dancing in their seats.
Pingback: Global Voices Online » Bangladesh: Rickshawpuller as pop idol
I can’t believe 10 million text messages later they only got $300-$2000 each!
This is the first time I comment here and I must say you share us genuine, and quality information for other bloggers! Good job.
p.s. You have an awesome template for your blog. Where have you got it from?
Thanks for your comment Mr Floor Jacks (that’s an interesting name!)
The template is jst one of these Word Press ones. I think they are all pretty good. I took the photo last winter down at Saderghat.
Mark
i genuinely enjoy all your writing way, very useful,
don’t give up and also keep penning because it simply just well worth to look through it,
excited to browse far more of your own posts, have a good day