You have seen the contestants very closely during Indian Idol 1. How was your experience with them?
Indian Idol I was one of the most memorable projects I worked on. Dealing with 30 individuals and living with them was a tough job. Since they all were from different backgrounds and culture, so to find a middle ground and level with them was a challenge. When it came down to the final 11, we were like one family and it was very difficult to see one of them leaving every week. But one thing is for sure that Indian Idol changed the lives of all those 11 contestants. Today all of them are stars in their own right, and I feel proud to have been instrumental in their success.
Professional matters aside, how thrilled are you personally about Indian Idol 3?
I am really looking forward to it. I think Indian Idol is a great platform. Unlike what people say that it is a shortcut to fame, I think it is more of an opening to your dreams. India has lot of talent, which often dies without recognition. Indian Idol does not make you a star; it only shows one the way forward by giving the recognition to individuals.
It was being said about KBC 3 that it missed the zing and its TRP rating spiraled down. Do you think that Indian Idol 3 will be as successful as its earlier two series?
I think nothing can be compared with Indian Idol I, because it was one of its kind and moreover for the first time such a talent hunt show was presented before the Indian viewers. So, it had its novelty values and uniqueness. But I cannot compare Indian Idol 3 with KBC. Indian Idol 3 will definitely generate big craze and fan following because unlike KBC, here the audience feel attached with the contestants emotionally. There is a feeling of ‘I voted’ to make him/her win. Besides that one of the anchors is new and the viewers will find new faces in the judges’ panel also, so Indian Idol is coming up with a fresh touch and it would be more entertaining.
Do you personally believe that Indian Idol changed the life of contestants?
Yes, I have personally seen it happening. I myself witnessed the career graph and lifestyle of all 11 finalists moving upward. They all came from simple backgrounds and during the show they learnt many new things, which definitely helped them in their life.
After Indian Idol, not many of them made their mark in Bollywood. Was that the result of inability to handle the shortcut to fame or lack of talent?
I don’t think Indian Idol or any other such program is a shortcut to fame or an entry into Bollywood. Indian Idol opened up a whole new market of live performing artists, which is very huge in itself at international level. The number of concerts across the country definitely soared after such reality shows. As far as Bollywood is concerned, many of the finalists from Indian Idol sang for various movies. But in the changing market scenario where music directors themselves are singing their own composed songs, they might have to wait for being recognized as playback singers.
The most controversial question: SMS-based selection. How do you view this method as a person and as an organizer?
I don’t think we should be alarmed by the controversies around SMS-based selection, because a new idea always has to face criticism. Personally I feel it is a great way to get people involved in the entire selection process, where the janta decides who would be the winner. It is what our country stands for – Of the People – For the People – By the People.
Who was your favorite among Indian Idol 1 contestants and how many sms did you send in his/her favour?
I personally did not have any favorites during Indian Idol I, nor did I sms for anyone; because like I said we were one big family, I remember how the entire crew backstage would hold hands and stand with eyes closed when the results were declared week after week, knowing that we were going to loose a member of our family and could do nothing to stop it from happening.
