Karunya to croon for Sanjay Dutt

Real talent always finds appreciation. Karunya may have lost the Indian Idol 2 finals but has earned a fan in movie director Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Interestingly, it was the latter's sister Shelly who is based in the US who was hooked to Karunya's voice and was desolate when he lost. Vidhu, who was holidaying with his sister, was taken aback by his sister's reaction and instantly decided to work with the youngster. The end result, Karunya is singing a song for the sequel to Munnabhai MBBS, Munnabhai 2nd Innings, which is due for release on August 25.

Says a delighted Chopra, "Karunya is a very talented boy and he has sung the song really well. I must confess that this song was not easy to sing since it had a high range in some notes and a low scale in others but he managed to sing the song really well. This boy will certainly go places."

When questioned as to what motivated Vidhu to take such a big risk by signing a newcomer, pat comes the answer, "Well nobody gave me a break when I was a newcomer and I believe that talent deserves a chance. Also I have a soft spot for South Indians. I think that they are very cultured and humble people and I found that endearing quality in Karunya," he says.

Karunya will be doing the playback for Sanjay Dutt. Does he believe that the singer's voice matches that of the actor? "His voice suited the song and that is what is most important. The fact that he sang for Sanjay Dutt is secondary. And mark my words, this boy will go places," he says.