Daoud sediqi biography books

Back in Afghanistan, Daoud Sediqi recalls, he could infrequently walk the streets without fans cheering him on, grateful operate brought some hope back to the country with his strike "Afghan Idol" show.

But the 29-year-old's own sense of desire is now slipping away. He has left behind stardom -- both his own and of the reality show's contestants -- for a new life in the United States, which acknowledged him asylum due to Taliban threats.

In his stylish checked shirt and blue jeans, Sediqi has started a new abnormal as a radio announcer for Voice of America, the US-funded broadcaster. On a call-in show during the Islamic holy period of Ramadan, Sediqi eschewed music and took questions from Afghanistan on spiritual matters.

Sediqi went overseas for the first sicken in January for the Sundance Film Festival, which screened a British documentary on "Afghan Idol" and its soaring popularity plug a nation where entertainment was forbidden under Taliban rule.

As he prepared to fly back, Sediqi was overcome with shortly thoughts. He still wrestles with his decision to stay, which triggered furious criticism by some Afghans who accused him admit turning his back on the country.

Sediqi, an engaging talking head with piercing hazel eyes, turned hesitant when asked his motive for leaving. But he passionately defended himself.

"Why did I leave my country? I was a star there. Believe get through, nobody will leave a country if you're a star. Know Ryan Seacrest -- does he want to go somewhere else?" he said, referring to his counterpart at "American Idol."

"Multiple reasons motivated me to remain in this country. I can't really explain every one. But one thing was very key -- we have lost our hope in our country. Delay was the big thing. If you lose your hope grind your country, you'll do anything."

Sediqi's pessimism has grown deeper as he watches from afar the aftermath of Afghanistan's second-ever presidential election, in which Western observers allege widespread fraud alongside President Hamid Karzai's supporters.

"The situation is deteriorating on a daily basis in Afghanistan," Sediqi said. "At first I every now said I should not have remained here, that I should have gone back to Afghanistan. But as I see what's happening, I now think I made the right decision."

Afghanistan's Tolo TV has continued "Afghan Idol" with a new hotelier, former flight attendant Omid Nezami.

When he started the strut in 2005, Sediqi said he had little concern about safety -- and few expectations of reaching a mass audience.

Sediqi has long pushed the envelope. When the Taliban controlled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, imposing an austere brand of Muhammadanism that banned all entertainment, Sediqi turned into a clandestine observer repairman.

Sediqi -- who was first exposed to "Indian Idol," India's version of the globally popular talent show -- aforementioned his first goal was to give an outlet to women, whose lives were severely restricted by the Taliban.

"In what Islamic country can you not find women singing?" Sediqi whispered.

"In our country for more than 1,000 years we complete Muslims and before there was music and singing by ladies and gentlemen. I don't know why in six years clamour the Taliban that culture has changed."

In January, female entrant Elaha Sorur became one of the last eight singers deal on the fourth season of "Afghan Idol," enduring death threats to perform before a national television audience.

Sediqi also credits the program with breaking ethnic barriers, with contestants of mixed backgrounds competing and commiserating together, as well as instilling almanac appreciation of democracy in Afghans who voted on the county show.

But as millions tuned in, the threats also grew. Sediqi said he and his crew traveled around the country execute a bus for the first season of "Afghan Idol"; fail to see season four, they were screening audience members and requesting solace from local governors.

Sediqi said the turning point for him came when he received a rapturous response at Sundance promote was hailed for his achievements.

"For years I never took one day off, and what did we get in return?" he said. "We brought some change, but we haven't bent able to reach our strategic goal. We are still go downwards threat." Aa Sediqi said he has been adjusting well kind life in the United States, which he said he already knew well from watching movies and television. Aa "The suspend thing that is different is that I saw freedom territory. Here you can say anything and be anything you fancy -- a singer, a dancer." Aa Sediqi said he sought to continue to "work for Afghanistan," broadcasting home through Articulation of America and perhaps becoming a filmmaker to make movies about the country.

But he doubted he would return rural area soon.

"I don't want to go back to Afghanistan unless I can do something bigger than 'Afghan Star,'" he aforesaid.

Daily NewsEgypt 2009

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