Aditya hosts Sa Re Ga Ma…, Udit judges In

"Zee approached my dad and asked him how old I am! They wanted a fresh face for anchoring Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. I did not see any reason to turn down this offer. This show has been running successfully for the last 12 years and Sonu bhaiya and Shaan bhaiya have hosted it. Further, this show has provided Bollywood singers like Sunidhi, Shreya and Kunal Ganjawala. I found the offer all the more interesting since the anchor also has his inputs and say in every decision made," says Aditya.

"My first day of shoot was brilliant. I was nervous for five minutes but then all mentors and the production crew made me comfortable. When I finished the shooting, they gave me the thumbs up. Dad especially came to attend my second day of shoot," adds Aditya.

How did Udit react?
"When I told him that I'm accepting this offer, he did not have any problem. He only had encouraging words – work hard and always stick to you roots. He also told me that my show is competing directly with Indian Idol but competition is always healthy."

And how comfortable is he playing host?
"It's a difficult job. I have been learning singing for the last 15 years but anchoring is something I haven't done in the past. So it's going to be a big challenge."

When asked about the various clashes that take place between judges, he says, "Controversies are always there. When so many big names come on the same platform, they have their varied opinions but I'm ready to handle it. As an anchor I should not take a back seat. My job is to not let the arguments turn ugly. This has to be done smartly and thoughtfully."

On comparisons with his famous dad, Aditya says, "They are totally unfair and insulting at this early stage. Shaan, Sonu bhaiya and dad are experienced. They have made some mistakes and learnt from it. Give me at least 10 years and then compare me with them. They have worked so hard to reach this level. But I know this thing is going to happen in my case."

Why did he take a break from singing?
"I have been receiving offers from the last five years but I strictly told my parents to wait for five years and let my voice become mature. Otherwise it would be odd – 15-year-old boy singing for 30-year-old or something like that. In the meantime, I completed my Diploma in Contemporary English Music from London School of Music, which was a one and a half year course."

What kind of music does he personally prefer listening to?
I like all kinds of music. Both Hindi and English music is accepted world wide and they have their own charm. Language hardly matters as long as it is good music."

Any film plans?
"If any interesting offer will come my way, I'll accept it. I would like to work with Jiah Khan since she is very young. I watched Nishabd and liked her acting very much. I will not look good with Rani or Priety because they quite older to me."

Aditya has acted and sung in films like Rangeela, Pardes and Taal. Apart from his dad, Aditya's favourite singers are Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Sukhvinder and Hariharan.