Bollywood hits win hearts at CWG closure

Was the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games better than the opener? Opinions differed. But everyone agreed that the popular Bollywood numbers sung here Thursday were the greatest hit.

As some of the country's best singers belted out some of the most popular chartbusters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the crowd was on its feet and dancing to its heart's content. And it were not just the Indians. The foreign athletes and officils too joined them.

The reactions from the stands were varied.

Vishal Das, student: "Frankly, I loved the beginning of the closing ceremony but got a little bored in the middle. But the last segment more than made up for it. I danced all the time the singers were up there."

Saswati Sharma: "It was a perfect end to the show. Bollywood actors were missing but not Bollywood, thanks to all the songs. And I am glad, because that's an integral part of who we are."

Julia Hoyle, photographer, Press Association, said the closing ceremony was more spectacular than the Oct 3 opener. "I really enoyed the Glasgow segment and when the singers belted out popular numbers."

Sahil Khan, business executive: "What a fantastic show! I loved the way the ceremony began. The martial arts segment was the best. It was powerful and elegant at the same time."

Khan's wife, however, said she liked the Vande Mataram bit. "To begin with I love Vande Mataram. Today when the children performed, I had goosebumps! It was beautiful, soulful, the best!"

Rajesh Jain, chartered accountant: "I spent Rs.4,000 on the ticket and this show was worth so much more. Excellent show!"

Rakesh Jain, journalist: "I liked the opening ceremony better. It was more powerful and showcased what India is all about."

Jyoti Malhotra: "The opening ceremony was stunning, awesome. It just shut all the negative publicity. It showed India's wealth of heritage and culture. I loved that more. I liked the closing bit of today's event too."