They began with ordinary lives but now two young men are only days away from superstardom, capturing the nation's imagination as they vie for the title of the first ever "Indian Idol".

After many eliminations - some tearful and some downright shocking - a four-month musical battle, inspired by the hugely popular American Idol show, has come down to Abhijeet Sawant from Mumbai and Amit Sana from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh.

In this most entertaining of clashes, to be clinched by the whims of millions of Indians who watch the performances on TV and then dial in to register their vote, each finalist brings his own armory.

The son of a Mumbai civic officer, Abhijeet, 23, used to sing in an orchestra to supplement the family income. The strikingly simple boy with a disarming smile transforms into a sizzling performer onstage.

And Amit, 21, is the son of an engineer, his only ticket to the competition being his unusual voice. He came as a dark horse even after being rejected in the early rounds. But finally, his powerful voice saw him through.

Both have in common some terrifying moments when India voted them to the bottom three in previous rounds.

They were handpicked by the three-member jury comprising choreographer-director Farah Khan, music director Anu Malik and playback singer Sonu Nigam. But now their fates are in the hands of the common Indian.

Abhijeet and Amit are the survivors out of 11 finalists who lived together, sang together, became friends and tough competitors and said goodbyes at Mumbai's Taj President hotel.

"Now its war!" the compere declared rightly on Thursday's gala. On Friday night, the "Indian Idol Mahayudh" (Indian Idol War) have Abhijeet and Amit performing for various audiences.

Even before one of them is declared winner, their stardom has reached inexplicable levels.

Once a crowd of autograph hunters apparently chased the idols instead of the Indian cricket team that was on another floor of the same hotel.

The two idol finalists, completely transformed after their makeover thanks to highlighted hair and smart attire, admit to being completely overwhelmed by their fame.

Their phones never stop ringing. Fans call them to inform they are rooting for them through prayers and fasts. Emotional TV viewers are given to tears, abuses and yells of joy while watching the show.

The eliminations in the earlier rounds infuriated many who said some contestants had stayed on due to sympathy rather than real talent while more deserving candidates were voted out.

The judges tried their best to be objective, but often gave in to their own emotions.

The chosen Indian Idol will be signed up for a three-year contract with Sony Entertainment TV worth Rs.10 million. He will also get to sing an album with a leading music company.

After Thursday's final round of gala performances, the two have a fortnight to campaign for votes till March 5, when the results will be declared live in a two-hour show.

The programme got unprecedented viewership for producers Sony Entertainment Television, young and old.

For fans who have followed the journey of the idol wannabes from their very first hesitant auditions, and also those who were swayed by the idol fever much later, voting lines will be open till March 5.

And on March 4, a day before the big verdict, the duo will sing to an exclusive audience of A-list celebrities.

All 11 finalists will get together for the grand finale of a talent hunt that began in 10 cities in October 2004 with over 21,000 aspirants.