DID WE FORGET ABHIJEEEEET

Indian Idol has reached its second stage and the entire country is waiting anxiously to know who will become India's next idol. However, in all this frenzy we seem to have forgotten the first generation of reality show winners who made a splash with their fresh talent and oodles of enthusiasm. No one seems to be asking what is happening in their lives post this glory. Sony's Indian Idol, Abhijeet Sawant, and Zee's Cinestar Sarvar Ahuja who marked the beginning of a new breed of TV shows, seem to have gone into oblivion.

When contacted, Abhijeet revealed that after Sony helped him cut his first album Aapka Abhijeet in April 2005, he has been on his own. He says, "I am now preparing for my second album as a part of the Sony contract and am also organising several performances abroad. But I take care of all my shows with the help of my manager."

However, Abhijeet says he is happy with the way things have worked out and he has no reason to complain. He says, "People keep asking me, am I feeling insecure because there is a new idol coming up. I don't think there is any threat to the position I enjoy. The organisers have delivered everything they promised. After my contract expires with Sony I will be on my own and will then concentrate on playback singing." While Sawant is juggling between recordings and concerts around the world, Sarvar Ahuja who was the winner of Zee Cine Star Ki Khoj says his journey has been a slow one. But he claims he is happy the way things have been working out.

He says, "Easy fame would have not taught me the hard way of life. Had I been a star by now, I would have been content and happy with what I have. It is only because my project went slow that I had to do a little leg work to bag offers. Hopefully my movie with Zee will release by August this year. I also have three other offers which will keep me busy thereafter."

Though viewers don't get to see or hear much about the stars they vote for, organisers insist that they are doing their bit. Says Ashish Kaul, Vice-president, Corporate Affairs, Zee Telefilms, "Delays are a part of any project. We are a talent hunt and not a marketing driven show. Think of the big names in the field of playback singing that we have produced. Everyone from Sunidhi Chauhan to Sonu Nigam are Sa Re Ga Ma's finds. We are not trying to copy any Western show. Most of our participants are already singing or acting, they are not sitting idle after cutting album, waiting in hope for the next one to happen