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Traditional Trumps Trendy for Indian 'Idol'

In boost for fading custom, Sikh winner sports turban

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 14, 2007 6:58 PM CST

(Newser) – The winner of "Voice of India," the country's equivalent of "American Idol," is an icon of both music and style, but he prefers tradition to trends. Ishmeet Singh, 18, has gained national recognition as a keshdari Sikh, or one who wears a turban, in an era when the head covering is disappearing among young Sikhs, Time reports.

Singh’s triumph is a welcome one to Sikh elders searching for good examples. "He has shown other Sikh boys that they don't need a trendy hairstyle to attain stardom," his father says. In parts of Punjab, where most Indian Sikhs live, some 80% have relinquished the turban, becoming part of a group that has grown dramatically over the past two decades.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Some Sikh worshipers in traditional turban and headdress. ((c) sikhphotos.org)

In a period where more and more young men are relinquishing the turban, traditionally seen as a core compoment of Sikh identity, Ishmeet Singh is being lauded as a role model for Sikhs seeking stardom. ((c) arvindgrover)

Ishmeet Singh sings to become the Voice of India in this YouTube still. (sibal52 (YouTube))

Ishmeet Singh is the turban-sporting Sikh who became the "Voice of India" as seen in this fansite screencapture. (starvoi.com)

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SVOI -Ishmeet Singh - Ye Hawayen Zulfon Mein Teri (sibal52 (YouTube))

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Traditional Trumps Trendy for Indian 'Idol'