'My world has changed overnight' --- Prashant Tamang

He's tired and excited simultaneously. He's extremely eager to go back home and meet his friends and family. The 24-year-old is yet to come out of the dream run that has just ended a few days ago.

Are you relieved?

Quite. I can't believe that from a nobody I‘ve suddenly become note worthy. My world has changed overnight. I am stunned to see that so many people gathered outside the airport to see me.

Aren't you a star now?

If I am, I owe it to all those who voted for me. I can't stop thanking them. There are quite a few people in Darjeeling and Kolkata who are special to me. I would like to meet and thank them.

You mean your colleagues in the Kolkata police department?

Yes. I know how aggressively they have campaigned for me. My seniors too who have given me so much love.

What about the celebrations back home in Darjeeling?

I heard that a holiday has been declared there and people burst crackers all night. I'm happy that I could make their dream come true.

Weren't you under pressure till you were declared the winner? Who wouldn't have been under pressure?

I would be lying between my teeth if I said I wasn't. But more than myself, I
was concerned about my mother. I could see her tense face in the crowd and knew that if I didn't win her dreams of seeing me as a singer would be shattered. Fortunately, nothing went wrong.

Didn't the announcement shatter Amit Paul's dreams?

That upsets me. I would have been equally happy if he had won. We have both got a platform. It will help us in the future. Everyone likes to win. Amit and I had become very close friends. We will continue to be.. the show's result will not affect us.

Any plans to become a professional singer now?

Definitely. So far the votes have done miracles for me. But now it's up to me and I won't let the chance slip away. I would love to sing in films too apart from the album.

What about your job with the Kolkata police?

I haven't decided yet. I have won only a few days ago. The euphoria is still there. But I am confident that my superiors will help and support me in making my dreams come true.. just the way they have been helpful so far.

Will you quit your job?

I have left that to fate.

When will you go back to Kolkata?

I want to come right now.. but I can't say when will I be able to make it.