'TV talent shows aren't finding new voices'
HONG KONG: A reflective Shaan, who hosts Voice of India on Star Plus, tells DNA of the limitations of TV talent shows, and why 'chequebook charity' isn't good enough.
On being a TV show host: It's the most difficult of all the things I do. For one, my Hindi is a little faulty. I may want to say something, but it comes out as something else. And then you have to cut and reshoot: all this in front of an audience.
Also, in TV shows, someone else is singing and I'm screaming like a mad man: "Taaliyan bajaiye… Aap ka swagat hai" and all that. At that moment it's exciting, but my voice goes for a toss for two-three days after.
On the new talent that's coming out: I've been hosting shows for 5-1/2 years now, and we always boast of the talent that comes out, but the success ratio hasn't been that hot: we're still talking of Sunidhi, who happened about 10 years ago. I wonder if it's all heading the right way.
There are a lot of new artists, but somehow, the youngsters coming from talent shows haven't been able to make a mark.
And with every passing year, the hope of being able to introduce new voices through the show is dying out. The shows are, of course, hugely popular, but in terms of being able to come in as premier artists — be it pop or film — that's not happening. That's what worries me. If it goes on like that, I'll quit (laughs).
On his career plans: I'm not much of a planner: for now, I am ready for whatever doors open. But in the long term, I'm telling myself I'll get socially involved. I want to make a contribution at some level.
There are many issues demanding attention in India, and we don't have much time, so we can't just live in our castles and selfishly live our lives. It's easy to blame the system or government or corruption, but you have to realise you're in a lucky zone. And it's not enough to just give money to charity.
Whatever cause you take up, you have to do it yourself, physically offer yourself. When more of us start going down to the grassroots level, we'll understand that doing things in isolation isn't enough.
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