Do you think musical talent hunt shows help contestants to get a foothold in Bollywood playback singing?
I don’t think so. Musical reality shows give you a platform to showcase your talent to the world. But that doesn’t mean that success will come easy to you. Only if you are genuinely talented, you can make it to the top. There are no shortcuts. But then, I hope we will keep on providing platforms to people so that the real talents can come to the limelight. Your co-judge Anu Malik (music composer) has been judging Indian Idol since the first season, while Salim Merchant and you are the new additions… Yes…Anuji keeps telling us that. (Smiles). See, Anu Malik is someone without whom I can’t imagine Indian Idol. He is simply great! As for myself, I still don’t consider myself as a ‘judge’. I can only give my opinion to a contestant’s singing. How can I judge someone when I am still a learner. Did you always want to become a singer or it was Meri Awaaz Suno that decided your career course? Since I was 3-4 year old, I used to sing. That time obviously I didn’t know that I will become a singe
