“Today people recognize us even abroad”- Rakesh Maini

Indian Idol does change people’s life. Beginners are nurtured and turned professionals on this stage. Common men are turned famous on this stage.

Rakesh Maini, Season 5 contestant, spoke about how his life changed after Indian Idol.

“I used to stay in a small colony in Agra before Indian Idol happened to me. People did not even now that I existed in the colony. But today it is not just Agra, but wherever I go, be it abroad, people recognize me. We are doing shows throughout the country, and we are still doing shows in different cities. We still have to do more shows and we are doing playback as well. Life has become really nice because of Indian Idol. Because of the show, we have got a lot of opportunities.”
 
Life is all set to change for our Top 3 contestants as it is the Finale week of the show.

Watch the life changing moment this week on Indian Idol 6.

Ritika Raj eliminated

When Ritika Raj reached the Top 5 in Indian Idol 6, she became the youngest contender, the stage ever had. She was lovingly called the Golu of the show. It was shocking when her name was announced as the next evict from the show last night.

Ritika Raj was shown doors last night on Indian Idol 6.

After the elimination, Ritika spoke, “I am happy that I am leaving at this point of the show. I am extremely happy that I reached the top 5. I had the best time on the show and meeting Lata Mangeshkar Ji is the most memorable moment that I have from here. My mom has been the greatest support throughout because, she was the one inspired me to take part in Indian Idol. Now that I am leaving, I will finish my studies and will come back to Mumbai for higher studies and music.”
 

“I wish and I hope either Vipul bhaiyya or Devendra wins the show”, she added.

With Ritika’s exit we are left with Top 4 contestants on Indian Idol; Vipul Mehta, Amit Kumar, Devendra Pal and Poorvi Koutish.

Do not forget to watch the upcoming episodes of Indian Idol 6 to know the much awaited Top 3 names only on Sony Entertainment Television.

“Mini’s comeback and Ashaji are major changes this season”- Hussain

Hussain joined the Indian Idol family from season 3. It has been nearly five years that he has been attached to the show.

In a candid chat, Hussain shared about the main changes he has seen on Season 6 when compared to Season 3.

Hussain spoke, “One of the main differences this season is that Mini is back. Another significant difference is the presence of Asha Ji on the show. It really feels good listening to her. I think the experience that she has in music is so tremendous that hardly anyone has that today. Only a few people from our industry have such experience. This season the viewers will get to see some valuable suggestions from Asha Ji and will get to know her approach to songs and singers. It is absolutely fabulous to have her on the show.”
 
As rightly said by Hussain, Indian Idol stage, this season, is graced by Asha Ji’s lively appearance . Do not forget to watch her every week on Indian Idol 6 only on Sony Entertainment Television.

“The contestants have come into the zone of sur”- Anand Sharma

Being on Indian Idol is not really a cake walk. The contestants are taken through regular practice and hectic rehearsals so that they come out of their comfort zone and prepare themselves for the battle of playback singing.

Anand Sharma shared with us about the training sessions of the contestants. He shared, “Initially, when we had started training, we had made the habit of morning riyaaz. Everyone used to get up early and by 7, we are ready for practice with the tanpura. After regular practice, the contestants have come into the zone of sur and they have got streamlined. Later they started picking up songs; the fine points of the songs and its expressions, and the language of the composition. Just like we have a full stop or a comma in our language, tunes also have its features which the music directors use when they compose their songs. It is very important to pick up those fine aspects of the songs. Along the line, they are taught all these points. Apart from this, they are also taught to work on their strong and weak points so that they can overcome the situations and pick up songs in less amount of time. These are some of the aspects we try to guide them through.”

Vocal trainers, Anand sir and Raju sir, work day and night with the contestants to create them for flawless performances on stage.

Watch the Top 5 contestants on Indian Idol 6 this week on Sony Entertainment Television.

Slam Book of Mini Mathur

                            

What annoys me the most: Incompetence.

I get complimented most about: My ability to connect with people.

I get turned on by: Good music, good food, good lighting, great intelligence and fantastic humour.

A word or phrase I often use: ‘No Way’!

A bad habit: I am really very impatient and I get angry very fast and I don’t think about what I say.

A secret of mine: Are you crazy. I am not going to tell that. I am a great secret keeper and that’s why I have friends.

The year I faced the camera: My very first ad for a Ray Ban in 1995.

Interests: I am interested in Politics, Science Fiction.

If not an entertainer, I would be: Many years back, I would have been a doctor because I had got into a medical college actually. But then I decided to study literature. But otherwise, I would have been in advertising.

A scar I have from childhood: I do have a scar on my forehead which happened because of my brother. We were playing catch-catch with stones and it hit my head. I have two scars which have become a part of my life now.

My most prized possession: My kids.

Brand conscious or pick the one I see first: It is a mix of both. I like brands for what they do for me, but I do not like brands because they are brands.

Slam Book of Hussain Kuwajerwala…

My first job and first pay: In a departmental store where I was paid Rs 900 a month.

What annoys me the most: When you deserve something and when you need it badly, pyaar mohabbat se koi sunta hi nahi hain. It is then, when you feel ‘why’???  Why do you have to repeatedly ask and that too in a manner which you do not like?

I get complimented most about: Currently, I get complimented most about my show, Zangoora, and also about my abs.

I get turned on by: Simplicity

A word or phrase I often use: I wish I could say you that…

A secret of mine: After being in the industry for so long, I do not think there are any secrets left in my life. Years back there was a hush-hush about who my girl friend was, but that is also cleared.  I am an open book now.

The year I faced the camera: I am not sure, I think it was 1998.

Interests: Most of my interests and hobbies have become a part and parcel of my profession. In fact, I can give you a list of what does not interest me, like Real Estate and Politics. I am very bad in social networking and I do not even have a Facebook account.

If not an actor/host I would be: Thank God I am one, because, I really do not know what I would have been if not an actor. In fact, even today I tell my mother, aapka beta actor nahin banta toh pata nahi kya karta.

A scar I have from childhood: No yaar! I was never mischievous. I was a very seedha saadha guy, who used to go to school with his school bag with no complaints. I was very boring as a child and not notorious at all.

My most prized possession: The state of happiness and stability that I am in today.

Brand conscious or pick the one you see first: I am not at all brand conscious. I do not wear brands at all and I do not believe in brands. Even when I wear a watch, ultimately woh time hi dikhata hain. But if I can afford a brand and if it’s not easily available anywhere else, I would like to buy it. If you have maintained yourself, then trust me, anything will look good on you.

“Pritam supported me a lot”- Monali Thakur

Monali Thakur is one such example who proved that getting eliminated from Indian Idol cannot stop you from becoming a playback singer. After Indian Idol, Monali’s voice became a sensation after the success of the popular song Zara Zara Touch Me composed by Pritam Chakraborty.

In a small chat, Monali spoke about her experience working with the popular music composer of Bollywood.

“Pritam was the first person whom I met after I came to Mumbai after Indian Idol. He supported me so nicely and I got to experience Bollywood recording for the first time. I remember, Sunidhi was recording for Pritam when I had gone to his studio. That’s when I saw a Bollywood song being recorded inside a studio because I had no idea how recording happened in Mumbai. Pritam has been really an amazing person to me and it has been amazing working with him“, Monali shared.
Whose fortune is going to change next?

Do not forget to watch all the upcoming episodes of Indian Idol 6 only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Anu Malik on his two popular shows on Sony Entertainment Television…

  

Composer-judge Anu Malik has been part of two popular shows of Sony Entertainment Television, since its start; Indian Idol and Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega.  

When asked about his role in both of the shows, Anu Malik shared, “Indian Idol is a search for singing talents and I am a completely different person on the show who looks into sur and taal. But on Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Farah and I lose our minds completely wherein we are total entertainers.  I think the public wait for both the shows because; they have Anu Malik in them.”
 
Catch Anu Malik along with Salim and Sunidhi on Indian Idol 6 this week.

Raju Singh shares his views about Amit Kumar

Amit Kumar has always surprised the judges and the viewers with his loud and dhamaakedar performances. His voice has always stood out for its power packed quality. Vocal trainer Raju Singh shared his views about training Amit.

“Amit comes from Punjab and he has trained himself in that kind of a singing. He has that chak de fatte waali baat. But at the same time, he has to understand that every song cannot be sung that way. So the moment we give him a different song, he is under a test”, shared Raju Ji.

With competition getting more fierce contestants are in the run to show their versatility.

Do not forget to watch Amit on Indian Idol 6 every week only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Slam Book of Hussain Kuwajerwala…

My Birthday : 12 October 1977
My Sun Sign: Libra
My Nickname: My friends call me Hassi, which was actually kept by my father-in-law.
My hobbies: Working out was, once upon a time, a hobby for me, but today it has become a part of my profession. Apart from that, I have the very cliched hobbies like playing badminton, listening to music and watching films. All my hobbies are related to my profession now; including dance.
Favourite movies: Life is Beautiful and all the other classics like Sholay.
Favourite outfit: Anything which is comfortable, like denim and T-shirts.
Favourite holiday destination: New Zealand, because my wife and I had the best of our days there and especially because it was our honeymoon.
Favourite actors: I think every actor will refer to Mr Bachchan, and I am nothing different.
My heart dances with joy at the thought of: Whenever I am happy, I feel like dancing. Be it a new project or a good film, or anything that makes me happy.
I look back to the day when: I started my career, and it gets me the feeling ‘Oh God! 12 years. Too long.’
A song I can’t resist to groove on: I cannot name just one. I like all the old numbers of Mr Bachchan like apni toh jaise taise.
Menu I would binge on if I give diet a miss: Ice Creams of Butter Pecan flavor.
One thing I would like to change about myself: Mr Bachchan had once said that ‘zindagi mein aage badhne ke liye aapko ‘na’ bolna padtha hain’, and that’s exactly what I cannot do. It is very difficult for me to say ‘no’ to anyone for anything. Also, I would like to start reading a lot and play more sports.
Any Phobia: I just want to see my family happy, and the very thought of losing them, scares me a lot.
I miss: My dad.

“Hussain does not bring ego-hassles”- Mini Mathur

Hussain and Mini bring in a different charm altogether on the stage of Indian Idol 6. They crack jokes on each other and have their moment of gala time.

Mini, in a small chat, shared about her experiences hosting with Hussain and her rapport with him.

 

“Hussain is very easy and very charming, and he is one of those ‘no hassle’ kind of people to work with. He always thinks for the betterment of the show wherein he does not bring in any ego hassles between us, which I really love. We both know that we are working together to make the show better and we do not run behind our individual lines. He is always very easy and, he is the first co-host with whom I sit and have lunch every single day of the shoot. Otherwise I used to take time to chill out and cool off. But here, Hussain and I really look forward for our lunch break because, that is the time when we sit and chat about different things like, films and about funny people. I like Hussain. Also, he has this peculiar laugh that he gives whenever he does not feel like laughing. That’s a very funny laugh and when he does that I always understand that he is faking it”, shared Mini.

Do not miss all the fun moments with Hussain and Mini only on Indian Idol 6 this week.

Rapid Fire with Hussain Kuwajerwala…

Catch the impromptu rapid fire with  Hussain Kuwajerwala…

Acting or Hosting: Acting.

Reality or Fiction: Reality

As a co-host; Mini or Chang: Abhijeet Sawant

Delhi or Mumbai: Mumbai

Indian Idol 3 or Indian Idol 6: Indian Idol Season 3

Weirdest rumour you have heard about yourself:  Years back, when I could not take Tina out to public because of family problems, people thought that I was a gay. They knew that I had a girl friend but they never saw me with a girl.

Latest obsession: The six packs

The best part of being Indian Idol host: We get to hear live singing and you feel like you are a part of a concert. You have happy days fun while shooting. Also, I get to wear very good clothes designed by my wife. I feel honoured to be part of a great show like Indian idol.

A good host should be: like Mr Amitabh bachchan.

Kumkum or Indian Idol: Kumkum

One person who makes Anu Malik awestruck

Anu Malik is, without doubt, a star composer in Bollywood. He has worked with numerous high profile actors and singers in the Hindi film industry and his songs were even used in Hollywood. The versatile composer never gets star struck at any point of time seeing any of the popular celebrities. But there is one person who makes an exception. Wondering who? Hear it from Anu Ji himself.

“I am never over awed by anyone so easily, but the one person who makes me go awestruck is Asha Ji. She is such a complete charmer, and it is absolute fun shooting with her. There are times when I keep staring at her thinking that she is the one who has sung masterpiece like Oh..haseena zulfon waali. In fact she sang for my very first song when I stepped in the industry and when I was struggling to get a singer to sing my song“, shared Anu Ji.

Watch the Ashaji and Anu Malik along with Salim and Sunidhi in the musical fest of Indian Idol 6 only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Stage set for the Piano Round

From 86 to 36 and then finally to 16; it was one of the toughest task for the judges to screen out the contestants from the Theatre Round. However, they finally found their 16 finest singers after the tedious brain racking session.

Now it is time for the singers to put in their best. This is their ultimate chance to impress the four judges to place themselves in the much awaited Gala Round. Their fortune lies in the hands of the judges as they have the final say on their singing. The voting lines are not yet open, and hence their only best way to remain in the show is to perform their best and receive the best of comments.

Out of the 16, who will finally make way to the top contestants of the Gala Round?

Catch all the fun filled and the dramatic Piano Round of Indian Idol 6 tonight at 8:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

“Indian Idol is special to me”- Mini Mathur

After a hiatus, Indian Idol fans saw the comeback of the popular host Mini Mathur. Mini has been attached to the show since its launch, but had to take a break in between because of personal reasons. Now that she is back on Indian Idol, Mini shared about what keeps her attached to the show.

 

“There was no pure reality show on television when Indian Idol was launched, and we weren’t even aware of what it was all about. But we all went along with full spirit and finally the show happened. The show is very special to me because I love music; also, I had spent four to five years in a music channel. I felt that this show would combine the best of what I like to do and what I can do. Apart from that, the show is the journey of a normal man from his unpopular life to the time he becomes a star. And I am there watching every bit of his struggle throughout. We have a very emotional content wherein we have never shown anything that is not genuine and I have felt every emotion that was shown”, shared Mini.

Watch all the gripping emotions on Indian Idol 6 every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

“I love Sunidhi and Salim”-Anu Malik

Indian Idol has been seeing changes ever since its launch, be it contestants, obviously, the judges or host. But the one person, who has been an invariable part of all the six seasons, is none other than the versatile composer, Anu Malik. 

This season, Anu Malik is joined by Sunidhi and Salim in the judging panel for the second time, and in a small chat Anu Ji shared his experience working with them.

“It has been great fun. Sunidhi brings on her charm and her talent on the table. She encourages the contestants a lot who sing her songs. Whenever she wants to laugh out loud, she just completely falls on my shoulders. Salim has his own charm as a composer and I love it. All the girls fall for him and almost every time, half of the girls are looking at him.  I used to say ‘arre mere par bhi dekho yaar.’ It’s a great combo of talent in the panel wherein we understand each other. They react positively for all my jokes and comments. We have our fights, but we know that those differences have always been to get the best singers”, Anu Malik spoke.

Catch all the nokjhok and masti with Anu ji, Sunidhi and Salim only on Indian Idol 6.

“I would like to see Parleen back on stage”- Hussain

A lot of contestants come and go. Some make their mark and leave, and some stay till the end. Indian Idol is just about talent, performance and also more importantly, luck.

Hussain Kuwajerwala speaks about the contestant he would like to seeback on stage this season, “There are a lot of contestants whom I would like to see on stage. Particularly, if I have to name one, I would like to take Parleen’s name. I remember, when he was eliminated, everybody felt really bad. There were tears in everyone’s eyes when he got out of the show. He was really talented and if possible, I would like to see him on stage again this time.”

 

Let us wait and watch if any of the previous idols will give a surprise visit this season.

Do not forget to watch Indian Idol 6 this week, only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Salim on Anu Malik and Sunidhi Chauhan

Anu Malik, Sunidhi Chauhan and Salim Merchant; they are the ‘Three Musketeers’ of Indian Idol 6. They make the awesome threesome that judge the contestants, grill them and love them.

Salim Merchant shares his experience being a part of the judging panel with Anu ji and Sunidhi Chauhan.

Salim speaks, “I have done a lot of songs as a Programmer for Anu Ji in the beginning of my career, and I share a good rapport with him. I know people have respect as well as many different feelings for him, but, I think he is incredible and he is the jaan of the show. He is very versatile, simple and very entertaining. He has done a lot of songs of different genres and he has worked a lot in the industry. With respect to sheer experience, he has done great works for the industry. I am really happy that we have come together on the show and today, we have a synergy that really works well for the show.”

“I have done a lot of work with Sunidhi and she is a fabulous singer. She has sung a lot of our songs. I am really happy to be a part of the judging panel with her. She is very talented and very much liked by the people. I am really happy that we three are together in the judging panel”, Salim adds

Do not forget to catch Salim Merchant along with Sunidhi Chauhan and Anu Malik in the Theatre Round of Indian Idol 6 this week only on Sony Entertainment Television.

“I was always scared of Anu ji and Sunidhi ma’am”- Sreeram

Indian Idol 5 winner Sreeram is undoubtedly a great singer. But he always had a fear in his mind about his performance and also the comments from the judges.

Sreeram spoke, “I was really scared of Anu Ji and Sunidhi ji. Anu ji was always very straightforward. Whenever he liked a performance, he praised the contestant so much that he felt elated. But if anything went wrong, he actually scolded the contestants like a strict teacher. Whenever it was my turn, I was always worried about getting bad comments from Anuji and hence made sure that I gave a good performance.”

 

“I was also scared of Sunidhi Chauhan. She always hugged the contestants who sang very well. But unfortunately I never got that jadoo ki jhappi from her”, closed Sreeram.

Well, let us wait and watch who is lucky enough to get praised by Anu Malik and the lucky one to receive jadoo ki jhappi from Sunidhi Chauhan this season.

Watch Indian Idol 6 every Friday and Saturday, 8:30 pm, only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Aye dil hain mushkil jeena yahaan, zara hatke zara bachke ye hain Mumbai meri jaan…..

After  a tedious trip to the cities around India and after racking their brains over great and not-so-great singers, it is finally time for the judges to come back home. Yes, Indian Idol Mumbai auditions will flag off tonight.

Great hopes and high expectations were set from the Tehzeeb Ke Sheher, Lucknow. The contestants who entered with elation and excitement, exited with rage and bitter tongue. But amidst the disappointment, the judges indeed found some great singers from the Nawabi sheher.

Now it is time for Mumbai to show what they have got. Will the city of dreams and hopes finally make the judges happy? Will they find what they want from their land?

Do not forget to catch the Mumbai auditions of Indian Idol 6 tonight at 8:30pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.