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Stars-in-the-making: (Clockwise from top left) Najim Arshad, Arun Gopan, Hisham Abdul Wahab, Amrutha Suresh, Durga Viswanath and Thushar M.K.

Music shows like Idea Star Singer are about to wind up, but not before familiarising viewers with the intricacies of classical and light music. Idea Star singer 2007 began nine months ago.

First, the gaffes and funny situations filled the screen and there was more entertainment than music. As the first and second rounds gave way to the really serious singers, music took over. The show spilled over to 2008, and on its last leg, the finalists must all be happy, for the promised flat is not the only plum reward. Many have sung in the playback field, recorded albums and the critical review of their songs by the permanent panel of judges has improved their singing, done much to their personality.

Najim Arshad, whose demeanour has charmed many, says his friends visit colleges and work hard at getting SMS votes. One vote costs Rs 6 but they don’t mind, he points out. He is looking forward to the finals on April 18. Right now, he is doing his examination for his post-graduate music course.

“When I met A.R. Rahman Sir, through Didi (Usha Uthup) and sang for my voice test, I was very confident. It was 1.30 am, yet, my voice did not falter. Nine months ago, if I had met him for such a session, my knees would have knocked together and my voice would have broken,” says Hisham Abdul Wahab, one of the lucky six, who were selected from more than 7,000 contestants. His aim is to work as his idol’s assistant.

His technique? He listens to a song at least hundred times and then sings along with the song. Then, he sings into the mobile, listens to it and corrects the mistakes. And then he practises for some time. “So, I don’t strain my voice,” says the Plus Two student, who wants to do sound engineering. He does not go out much or eat cold things or even answer the phone to protect his voice!

Amrutha Suresh looks after her voice even better: no ice cream, chocolates, milk, curd and plantains. Already, she has sung with M.G. Sreekumar, one of the judges, for a movie, under the baton of Sarat, another judge of the contest.

Offers have come from Telugu and Kannada film music industry too. Amrutha is learning both Carnatic and Hindustani music.

For Thushar M.K., an MCA who has been into Carnatic music for as long as he can remember, everything to do with music is his cup of tea. He has given Carnatic concerts all over the State but has ‘no difficulty’ changing to light music from Carnatic.

“The only difference is that while you are the captain for a Carnatic concert, in light music, you have to follow the orchestra,” explains Thushar who wants to do fusion music, music therapy, teach music in a university, and also get into film music.

Arun Gopan, a student of Ayurveda and a dancer, on the other hand wants to be a singer and a doctor. He too has sung a song ‘Neelambaram…’ for Sarat. Durga Viswanath, whose frail frame belies her strong and clear voice also moves effortlessly from light to classical.

Reality shows seems here to stay.

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