| 'I am a positive and confident person'
Meenal Jain, a resident of Andheri (E) who is emerging as one of the strong contenders for the coveted Indian Idol 2 title, confesses that she was sceptical about taking part in the competition initially. Today, however, she thinks it will give her the platform she is looking for.
Originally from Indore, Meenal started her training at the age of six. "One day my father heard me singing and he was surprised to know that I had a good voice. That's when he encouraged me to start training," she recalls. Adding, "At the age of 10, I moved to Mumbai with my mother while my father and sister continued to live in Indore."
The 20-year-old says that it is her participation in singing competitions in school that gave her the confidence to take up music as a career. In her 10-year stint in Mumbai, Meenal has lent her voice to quite a few movies and TV serials. However, it's the contest that holds her attention now.
She says, "I am learning so much —about music, how to face the camera and how to hold the audiences' interest." She adds, "Also, all of us here are great friends. The three judges have also been very helpful with their comments, particularly Farah Khan who has been like my godmother on the show."
Acknowledging the sacrifices made by her family, she says, "My parents are being forced to live apart because of me. Also, my mother encouraged me to go for the auditions and today I am in the top 10. My participation in Indian Idol is a tribute to them."
About her chances of winning the title, she says, "I am a positive and confident person. I am sure I have it in me to win but even if I lose, I will have no regrets as I have made great friends on the show and the overall experience has been very memorable."
'I have a good chance of winning'
Panna Gill, a resident of Seven Bungalows, is certain that he will prove to be tough competition for the other participants. He believes that he is a strong contender for the title because of his popularity with the judges and participants.
Originally from Jamshedpur, Panna has trained under Pt Ashkaran Sharma and Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. He says, "Initially, I drew my inspiration from my father who is a devotional singer. I used to perform with him."
Interestingly, though Panna confesses that despite knowing he had a good voice, he began contemplating a career in music only recently. He says, "I actually started training professionally only five years ago. But once I decided to be a singer, there was no looking back. Today music is my life."
Talking about his musically-inclined family, he says, "My family, despite being into devotional music, has always supported my choice of popular music." He adds, "My family believes that music can be of any kind. Their only crieria is that I should give it my best shot."
Discussing the show, the 23-year-old says, "This is the first time I have participated in a TV competition and I have learnt so much from it. Indian Idol has made me more disciplined. It is not only an opportunity for any newcomer, it is also a good platform to learn."
He adds, "All the participants have become really good friends since we have been living together for so many months. Sadly though, no matter how close we get, on stage we are all competitors."
He concludes, "I think I have a good chance of winning but even if I don't I have some great memories to cherish." |
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