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Indian Idol is here again

Madhur Tankha

The judges are in Delhi this weekend for auditions

ON THE LOOKOUT: Pop singer Alisha Chinai, playback singer Udit Narayan and music director Anu Malik, the three judges, at the launch of the new "Indian Idol" series by Sony Entertainment Television in New Delhi. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty

NEW DELHI: "Indian Idol", an adaptation of the foreign blockbuster "Pop Idol", will soon appear in its new avatar on Sony Entertainment Television (SET) to continue its bond with viewers and give participants a chance to earn stardom and fortune.

To present the best singing talent from across the country in the most entertaining and engaging manner, the Indian Idol caravan will go to a dozen cities and organise auditions for budding singers.

Besides accomplished composer Anu Malik, the other judges of Indian Idol will be melody king Udit Narayan and "Kajra Re" singer Alisha Chinai. All of them are now here in Delhi for auditions that will be held in different parts of the city this Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

With the competition among emerging singers being intense, only a few will be able at the end of it all to make it to Bollywood. But Anu Malik disagrees. At a press conference here on Thursday, Anu said: "I will only say the more the merrier. Bollywood already has established singers but that doesn't mean that those who are blessed with a golden voice should not try their luck. When I started as a composer there were only five in my field. Now there are so many. Who knew Rahul Vaidya or Sandeep Acharya before Indian Idol?" Anu said he was looking for singers who can sing both classical as well as hip-hop. "I am aware that there is tremendous talent in our country. And I am going to tap it along with the other judges," he added.

Refuting suggestions that there cannot be consensus on any singer among the judges, Anu said: "Ultimately all three of us are looking for the best singers. We are not here to fight and don't hold grudges against anyone." In addition to a recording contract with Sony BMG, the winner of Indian Idol will walk home with a contract with Sony Entertainment Television worth Rs. 1 crore.

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