Indian idols march ahead
Kshama Rao
Mumbai, November 25, 2005
The second edition of Indian Idol has begun. What awaits the participants once they have made it to the final round? The career graph of the ones who finished in the top five last year might give a clue.
We present an overview of these five — from the albums they have launched to the number of public appearances they make, their shows and concerts, the films they have sung for, their earnings and their take on Indian Idol 2.
Abhijeet Sawant
Album: Aapka Abhijeet Sawant, a solo album, and Yaaron, which featured all the 11 finalists. Has also recorded a devotional album.
Shows at home: Does about 20 shows or appearances or concerts in a month. Shows abroad: Has toured the UK and almost all of Europe. Will leave for the US soon.
Bollywood calling: Has sung for Subhash Ghai's 36 China Town and Deepak Tijori's next film.
Moneybags: Rs 3 lakh per show.
On Indian Idol 2: "It's only going to get bigger and better, and I hope this year the Idol would attain more popularity and success than I did."
Amit Sana
Album: Chal Diye.
Shows at home: Eight to nine shows on an average per month.
Shows abroad: Has performed in Mauritius, Thailand and South Africa. "All the songs I sung for the contest are extremely popular. Bijuriya, Channa ve, Mohabbatein lutaoonga and, of course, the Kisna title track."
Bollywood calling: Has sung for Mahesh Bhatt's Kalyug and producer Salim Akhtar's Sun Zara with music director Sandesh Shandilya. "I will also record songs for Farah Khan's next film."
Moneybags: Rs 2 to 2.5 lakh per show.
On Indian Idol 2: "It has come too soon. Now the attention would be divided between us and them. But yes, I was looking forward to it ever since its promos saying 'Coming soon' started on the channel. We can relive our moments watching it."
Rahul Vaidya
Album: Tera intezaar, a solo album of romantic songs.
Shows at home: About 10-12 public appearances and shows in a month. "We recently performed at the MTV Summit, which was a great experience." Shows abroad: Besides touring in and around India, he has performed at the Maldives and Egypt.
Bollywood calling: Has sung for the recently released Shaadi No. 1 and also Jigyasa, Kisko Pyaar Karun, Hot Money and a couple of Bhojpuri and Marathi films.
Moneybags: "I wouldn't want to divulge it. All I'll say is that I am free to quote my price."
On Indian Idol 2: "I was desperately waiting for it to begin. It would be interesting to see the participants go through everything that we went through last year. I will cheer for everybody."
Prajakta Shukre
Album: "Should be out by January. It was supposed to be out next month, but certain things needed to be finalised. We haven't yet decided whether the album will show me as a tomboy or one with a bholi bhali image, but it's going to be exciting."
Shows at home: About four to five shows per month. "It varies from month to month. Just after the Idol, there were a lot of commitments." Shows abroad: The Maldives, Thailand and Bangladesh. "The channel is planning something in March, maybe a US tour."
Bollywood calling: Has sung for Shaadi No. 1, "though I keep getting acting offers from Hindi and Marathi film producers. I even got a couple of serial offers from Sony. I want to concentrate on my singing, though I don't mind doing endorsements."
Moneybags: "Between Rs 1.50 lakh and Rs 1.75 lakh per show. During November-December, the fee doubles as those are the busy months in terms of shows and concerts. Once my album is out, I'm told my fee could go up." Indian Idol 2: "It is nostalgia time for us as we see the contestants trying to impress the three judges."
Cricket
Anupamaa
