wat r these idols doing now

What are these Idols doing now?
By: Shaheen Parkar
May 3, 2007
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Ahead of Indian Idol 3's debut this week, we do a reality check of where past winners are in the grand scheme of the music industry today

The third installment of Sony's reality show, Indian Idol, gets underway this Friday with a fresh bunch of youngsters.

The last two seasons may have made overnight sensations out of the finalists, but where are they today in their musical aspirations?

Most are still struggling to make a mark in B-Town, including the winners, who only have the Idol winner tag to flaunt.

We do a reality check of what some former Idols have been up since their glory days.

ABHIJEET SAWANT


Number game: The first Idol winner became a household name and quite a sensation in his hey days. "I'm still under contract with Sony and this is my last year," says Abhijeet.

"In Mumbai, people don't stop and stare at you anymore. Outstation, especially abroad, it is the same craze though."

So far: Sony BMG released his debut album, Aap Ka Abhijeet, to superb sales. After that, he did playback singing for films like Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Jawaani Deewani. However, his maiden B-Town outing lies unheard.

In May 2005, he had recorded a track for a film to be produced by Oracle Entertainment, called Chand Jaisi Ladki. He also made his acting debut in the Sony weekly CID, playing the role of a murder-accused.

Presently, he has recorded a track each for two forthcoming films, Mumbai.com and another untitled venture, and also does stage shows. Has even managed to buy himself a house in Vile Parle (East).

What's next: Another album with Sony BMG, which has music by Mithoon (composer for Bas Ek Pal and Anwar), besides looking at doing more playback singing.

MEENAL JAIN


Number game: She made it to the Top 6 of Idol 2.

Malad-based Meenal shifted to Mumbai (with mother in tow) a decade ago from Indore to pursue her musical aspirations.

Participating in the show was her biggest high.

So far: Has rendered the title track for Ram Gopal Varma's Go in both Hindi and Telegu, but the long completed film is yet to see light of day.

Along with Annu Kapoor, Meenal anchors Music Masti and Dhoom on Doordarshan. In January, she cut a solo album, Mehram, with Times Music (which has eight tracks with music by Harpreet Singh).

She's also been part of several stage shows across the country and abroad with TV stars and singers.

What's next: The struggle of doing the rounds of B-Town.

SANDEEP ACHARYA


Number game: Winner, Indian Idol 2.

So far: Sony BMG released his debut album, Mere Saath Saara Jahaan last year. Currently, he is in the midst of recording two tracks for an untitled film.

Also does plenty of stage shows. "I am just back from a month-long stage show in the US."

What's next: Yet another album from Sony BMG.

AMEY DATE


Number game: Made it to the number 4 position in Idol 2.

Dadar-based Amey admits the graph of being recognised is now sharply declining, but people still recall and stare at him.

So far: Done playback for Marathi and Bhojpuri films, as well as for ad scratches.

What's next: Working towards a debut album, besides struggling.

N C KARUNYA


Number game: Was the runner-up in Idol 2.

So far: Has sung for Jai Santoshi Maa and Lage Raho Munnabhai besides doing solo shows across the globe. He is part of the Telugu version of L'il Champs.

"My family manages my career, I prefer it this way."

What's next: An album from Times Music in July.

RAHUL VAIDYA


Number game: Was number 3 in Idol's first season, and was also tipped to be the winner.

Was (then judge) Sonu Niigaam's favourite contestant.

So far: Immediately after his ouster from the show, judge and music composer Annu Malik got him to belt out two tracks in David Dhawan's Shaadi No 1, after which Sony BMG released his debut album, Tera Intezaar.

Apart from singing in ad jingles, he has also rendered a track in the Marathi film Yenda Hech Kartos Ka with Vaishali Samant.

What's next: Another album, besides meeting music directors. "It's not easy to make your mark in the industry," he says.

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