Interview of Salim

He with brother Sulaiman has composed many a hit song in the recent past – from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi to Fashion and Kurbaan. But as with most people working behind the camera, little was known of Salim-Sulaiman. It was only after Salim Merchant appeared on television as a judge for Indian Idol Season 5 did people start knowing more about the soft-spoken, mild-mannered music director.

TellyChakkar spoke to Salim at the event introducing the 17 shortlisted singers in Indian Idol 5.

How was the audition phase for Indian Idol?
It was mind blowing. The variety of talent we have in our country is truly amazing. Our sole aim is to find a good singer, irrespective of whether he is a policeman, soldier or tailor. Our tagline this time is Desh Ki Awaj – and for me voice and versatility are the two most important factors.

What were the reasons that prompted you to accept the Indian Idol?
My brother and I are successful, busy composers and I am doing this for the sake of our music industry. I am also doing this for the world because I believe that the whole world is watching India today. Today people from the western countries are playing sitar. So with this show we should come up with a singer who will make the whole world listen to him/her.

Do you think that reality show winners have a bright future?
I don't know why people are negative about reality show contestants. Today, a number of reality show participants are doing playback for big films and all songs do not go to established singers. I have recently recorded a song with Himani Kapoor who was in Sa Re Ga Ma. Reality shows gave us singers like Sunidhi Chauhan (Meri Awaz Suno) and Shreya Ghosal (Sa Re Ga Ma). It's just that we have not yet found too many such talented singers from the recent reality shows. But I think this will happen very soon.

This year's Indian Idol has many reality show veterans like Yashraj Kapil (Sitaron Ko Choona Hain), Manisha (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Bangla), Vishwas (Sa Re Ga Ma). Doesn't this defeat the objective of finding new talent from across the country?
Do you think these singers are not worthy of a second chance? Plus, we have scanned the length and breadth of the country to find good talent. Many former Indian Idol participants like Parleen, Abhijeet, Chang, Emon went across the country to find the right talent. We heard all of them and rejected those who were not capable of becoming good singers.

All three of us were present during Manisha's audition and she came sang, and stole our heart. She is a good singer. Just because she has participated in another reality show, we say 'No' to her? They were all eliminated from other reality shows because of votes. There have also been few examples of singers who were there in the top 17 list of Indian Idol last year but could not make it this year. We refused them because of their talent, not any other reason.

In all reality shows, judges seem to fight amongst themselves…
So you feel all we do is fight on the sets! (Smiles) These are all creative differences. When we scored the music for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Anu ji called to congratulate me for the title song. I have also worked with Sunidhi a lot. We have immense respect for each other. We are in perfect synch with each other.

Your favourite five this season…
This is unfair, but I will still tell you -- Yash Raj Kapil, Shashi Suman, Manisha Karmakar, Arpita Khan and Vishwas.

You are a heartthrob amongst the girls…
I have never thought of that! I am basically a studio guy who does not come out often. Now people know my face also... I must admit I enjoy this attention.

Are you missing your brother Sulaiman on the show?
Certainly! But it would not be fair to have two brothers and a female singer as judges. But since we have very similar thoughts, our judgment would not be very different. But you will see Sulaiman as a mentor for few episodes.

My brother is my idol. I have learnt a lot from him. Salim is not just Salim, he is a part of Salim-Sulaiman. People do come to me with their composition and ask me to sing. Only after consulting with Sulaiman do I agree. I do not want to create my own identity separately. It will always be Salim-Sulaiman. Soon you will see him in Idol for a couple of episodes.