After lots of drama and dollops of acrimony as the Amul Star Voice of India reaches the finale this evening, host Shaan says the two finalists Harshit and Ishmeet are the best voices on the show. “I can’t say they are the most trained or talented, but they are definitely the best voices on show.” Shaan agrees though that regionalism is affecting reality talent shows. “We already know that Uttar Pradesh is rooting for Harshit and Ishmeet is getting all the support from Punjab. Now the final result depends on how the rest of the country votes.”

On the voting system, Shaan avers the producers tried to be as foolproof as possible. “We limited the number of sms votes from one mobile number and only ten per cent of Internet votes are being taken into consideration.” Like chief guest Lata Mangeshkar, Shaan hopes the finalists will get to sing some original compositions at the finale.

After the show, Shaan wants to take a break from hosting and concentrate on his playback singing. “I am missing my riyaaz and find my voice strained because of long shoots. There is a kind of monotony setting in.”

Recently heard in Om Shaanti Om and Saawariya, Shaan says his diary is full but can’t name what’s going to be his next release. One is Tare Zameen Par for sure, where after Fanaa he has lent his voice for Aamir Khan. “The days of monopoly are over. One singer can’t become the voice of a star. People say my voice suits Abhishek but so many singers are singing for him. Recently Ranbir Kapoor has been launched with four-five singers singing for him.”

As for the challenge from unique voices, which rule the charts for novelty factor, Shaan says different voices work for a small time. “In the long run it is the versatility that keeps you going in the industry.”

On the lack of classically-trained singers in the talent hunts – and when one turned up she was shown the door early in the series – Shaan feels those who are classically trained look down upon light singing or film music. “Her voice was not supple and adept to sing film songs. Basically it’s all about mindset. They don’t want to mould themselves to suit the light music. It is very difficult to find a Manna Dey today who can sing the classical and popular with equal ease.”

Unlike the West, the country is yet to discover a performer who can sing and entertain the crowd at the same time. We are still dependent on Sunidhi, Sonu and Shaan to an extent who started as pure singers. “We have been trying to persuade the participants to dance and sing at the same time. Personally, I don’t think it is difficult to maintain the sur when you are jiving, but again it is a matter of mindset.”

ANUJ KUMAR

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