By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, March 15 (IANS) It isn’t often that we see celebrities stand up for each other in public but international R&B singer Akon did exactly that when he helped composer Aadesh Shrivastava out of a rather embarrassing situation recently.

At deejay Aqeel’s club Hype Wednesday night Akon waved to the crowds. A rather ugly situation came up when the personnel at the club tried to stop Aadesh from accompanying Akon to the podium.

Akon had to intervene and remind the club’s staff that Aadesh was like his brother.

Says Aadesh: “Yes, there was a rather embarrassing situation. I’d have lost my temper if it wasn’t for Akon. Akon did persuade me to come on stage with him. He has treated me like a brother from the time I got to know him five years ago.”

Akon also sang a song composed by Aadesh in Punjabi.

“When the idea of a Punjabi track came to me I was hesitant to put it forward to Akon, considering his packed schedule in Mumbai. But he immediately agreed.”

The Punjabi recording with Akon Thursday was a riot with the singer savouring the words to the fullest.

Says Aadesh: “I wrote the lyrics myself. Akon sang the track like a true Punjabi munda. I had given him a rhythm section consisting of violins, the daff, a matka, dholak and table. Akon freaked out.”

The singer left Mumbai Thursday night.

“Akon singing in any language is phenomenal. You’ve to judge how popular Akon is among youngsters in Mumbai by the crowds that gather for him.”

–Indo-Asian News service

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