Outsourced Episode 1.11 A Sitar Is Born

Gupta is walking down the streets of Mumbai on his way to work at Mid America Novelties when Todd confronts him, telling him he's late. Gupta explains that within a year he's going to be a major Bollywood star. He launches into a full-scale Bollywood production number on the street - and it's all a spectacular fantasy. In reality, Gupta is at his desk daydreaming, with an irate Todd urging him to focus on his work. Gupta pops up, ready to reprise the dance number in his head. His co-workers couldn't be less amused.

Jerry calls the call center to talk to Todd, who's out drinking coffee. Rajiv fields the call and puts Jerry on hold for 10 minutes. When Todd finally returns to his desk, Jerry's flummoxed: the phone system's Indian "hold" music has driven him nuts. He orders Todd to change it right away. Todd and Rajiv examine the telephone switchbox and discover it's a jumble of wires. Rajiv says he'll call a repairman.

In the breakroom, Todd overhears the sound of a beautiful singing voice coming from the restroom. Intrigued, he moves closer to the door. Asha walks in, filled with surprise and shock at seeing her boss seemingly eavesdropping on an employee using the toilet. Todd explains he mesmerized by the beautiful sounds coming from behind the door. Moments later, Madhuri emerges from the restroom.

Over lunch, Todd shares his discovery with Asha, Manmeet, and Charlie. Todd's convinced Madhuri could be a professional singer. The group spends a few moments sharing thoughts about their dream jobs. Struck by Madhuri's gift, Todd calls a team meeting to encourage everyone who has singing talent to enter an upcoming contest. Seeking to encourage Madhuri, he offers to pay the entrance fee of anyone who enters, and what's more, will accompany them on guitar. The super-shy Madhuri doesn't take the bait, but Gupta does.

Todd and Rajiv watch as an inspired Gupta continues to dance and sing around the office. Rajiv is embarrassed at Gupta's utter lack of musical skills. Todd approaches Gupta in a kindly attempt to discourage him from entering the contest, but Gupta is oblivious. Todd mentions Madhuri's talent and Gupta seizes on an idea: Todd and Madhuri will be his backup musicians for the talent contest.

The telephone repairman arrives to fix the call center's hold music. But before he'll commence work, the technician expects a small tip. It's Indian custom, Rajiv explains to Todd. Todd refuses, calling it bribery. Charlie agrees and explains he's never paid a bribe the entire time he's been in India; he volunteers to fix it himself.

Todd, Madhuri, and Gupta practice for the big performance. Finally the big night arrives. Gupta's dressed in an all-white stage costume, while Todd and Madhuri wear "Gup-tees" shirts. The resplendent trio takes the stage. Gupta greets the crowd - and promptly freezes with fright, unable to manage even a note.

Todd begins strumming the guitar, motioning for Madhuri to step up to the microphone. She does - and instantly commands the song in a way that Gupta could only have dreamed of. The crowd loves it.

Charlie struggles with the phone box. Finally the real telephone repairman returns to straighten things out - for a small fee. Charlie forks over the "bribe" and Rajiv immediately appears, threatening to expose Charlie as a hypocrite. Charlie spiffs Rajiv a payment as well.

The next day, Todd tells Madhuri she was great and encourages her to enter another talent contest coming up the following month. But Madhuri has no interest. She's happy with her life as it is, and sees no reason to pursue any path that might change things. Conversely, Gupta's depressed about what's happened. Todd consoles him, telling Gupta a sweet lie: that he thought it was very generous of him to feign stage fright so that Madhuri could have her moment in the spotlight.