Transformed from an unassuming policeman to an icon overnight, life has taken a new turn for Indian Idol Prashant Tamang. For his colleagues at Alipore Bodyguard Lines, the Kolkata Police barracks, the wait is proving to be a rather long one. The celebrations have not died down but the cops are now waiting a word from Prashant to go ahead with their plans for a red carpet welcome.

In his hometown in Darjeeling, the hills are reverberating with the sounds of celebration. Last night, people took to the streets with drums and burst crackers. This morning, most schools in Darjeeling declared holidays so that children could participate in the fanfare.

"He deserves a hero's welcome but we are still in the dark about his schedule," they say. The Kolkata police can at last heave a sigh of relief since they launched an SMS blitzkrieg to ensure Prashant's victory. In fact, there was an unofficial whip in place at the Alipore Body Guard Lines where each policeman agreed to send at least 50 votes each day. The Alipore Body Guard Lines alone commands strength of 6,000-strong force. Some senior officials had been reported to have sent SMSes more than Rs 3,000.

And Prashant has not disappointed his brethren-in-arms. "He has made us all proud," said Zulfiquar Hasan, Joint CP (AP), someone who Prashant considered his mentor. Biswajit Roy, Officer-in-Charge at the Kolkata Police Band recalls Prashant as a well-mannered and disciplined person. "He is a fine policeman. He was loved by one and all. And I cannot recall reprimanding him ever," said Roy.