MUMBAI: Well, apart from jumping the charts, Sony's Indian Idol has proven highly lucrative for one of the eleven finalists. Last week's episode of the Idol result round (7 January) saw a highly dramatic climax with Rahul Saxena being voted out of the show.

Farah Khan shed tears, Sonu Nigam was left holding his head between his hands and Anu exhibited a disdainful exclamation, all pointers to how much emotons the show managed to stir up.

But then again the nation decides and Indian Idol abides. In a sudden turn of events, Farah Khan who was extremely emotional, made a spur of the moment decision and offered Saxena a chance to play back in her upcoming film Happy New Year, which is slated to release next year.

Saxena has always been a favourite - with contestants as well as judges. When the last three contestants were left - Abhijeet Sawant, Ravinder Ravi and Rahul Saxena - the judges were asked what they feel and Farah Khan had mentioned that if it was Saxena who was voted out, she would definitely cry.

When Saxena did get voted out, contestants and judges were both taken aback. One of the eleven contestants, Aditi Paul, cried uncontrollably and so did Amit Sana.

Saxena also received a standing ovation for his goodbye song rendered in tears.

Speaking about the offer to Saxena Khan says, "Rahul is a very good singer and my favourite contestant. What were people thinking? He should have been in the top three. I was so taken aback that I made a spontaneous decision of offering him the chance to be one of the singers for my next film Happy New Year. People should think before they vote. It seems that the sympathy vote has worked against true talent."

This particular episode garnered 1.8 million votes.

Sony's business head Tarun Katial says, "Rahul Saxena has been the best singer in the top 11. We were all sad and shocked when we saw his exit but that is how interactive and reality TV works. I'm glad Farah has recognised his talent and this is one of the successes of Idol."

This was possibly the most emotional episode of Indian Idol till date, also the one that threw up the most unexpected results.

With Farah Khan announcing that Rahul Saxena will be a playback singer for her film, despite being voted out Saxena seems to have emerged as a winner.

Idol sure seems to have got all heated up with the flow of emotions and drama. The fizz seems to be getting stronger every week.