Fame in first person
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As the men and women behind the Sony TV's ongoing show "Fame Gurukul", a talent hunt for singers, it has been an interesting experience for the judges as well contestants.
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PHOTO: K. BHAGYA PRAKASH.
SHARING DREAMS Ila Arun reveals it all exclusively for The Hindu.
When I was approached with the concept of the show "Fame Gurukul" on Sony TV, I knew instantly that this is going to be an experience to remember. People have always asked me, "Why don't you open a music workshop and start training students professionally?"
It has always been my dream to have a music school of my own where one could train fresh talent to become professional singers and performers. Our country has immense talent but lack of opportunities and the right guidance that the youth need to develop their skills and talents into careers. The channel's talent hunt for young singers, "Fame Gurukul" aired from Monday through Friday, is not only going to give some of the nation its biggest singing sensations but will also bring a lot of knowledge and guidance to those who wish to pursue a career in music, be it writing, composing or singing.
I believe true talent can be honed with the right kind of training and immense discipline. If someone aspires to be an artist, it is most important that they are true to themselves and understand their strengths and weaknesses.
One should not shy away from their dream because it seems difficult or impossible but at the same time someone who is not talented should not have false notions about themselves.
On contestants
During the auditions I met some very talented contestants but this one girl named Kasturi has made an everlasting impression on me. She was from Kolkata, daughter of a very good tabla player.
She did not know Hindi and sang in Bengali. I understood her singing, as I know Bengali very well. This girl was extremely talented but had some inhibitions and was not very confidant. We even selected her for the show but unfortunately she could not stay and had to opt out, due to her tonsils. I really wanted to reach out and help her and I still believe that she has the potential to be a very good singer.
Even though I am expected to be a very strict `headmistress' in the show, I am emotionally attached to all my students but when it comes to discipline, none of them will be spared. "Fame Gurukul" is going to teach these students many other values like respect for peers, team spirit... they will learn how to win humbly and to lose gracefully.
The school is going to make better human beings of all these students. One can be a great artist but without the other attributes, his or her talent is in vain. I wish an opportunity of this nature existed during our time. These students are indeed very fortunate to have this great opportunity to be trained to become professional singers. "Fame Gurukul" is about passion, dedication, a lot of hard work and strict discipline. I want these students to learn from my experiences and I will help them in every way to achieve their dreams and goals.
The journey in selecting the 14 contestants who will train at the "Fame Gurukul" has been one of my most memorable. I have handpicked the most talented and deserving contestants to be a part of this on-camera music academy.
The action now begins as students begin their training at the academy. My esteemed faculty and myself are going to ensure that we give this nation exceptional talent that they can vote for. I strongly feel that "Fame Gurukul" will change the life of each of these contestants and TV viewers will experience their transformations through their struggle to stay and succeed. We are the teachers who will polish their raw talent but it is the people of this country who will decide the fate of these 14 contestants.
ILA ARUN
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