Pint-sized boy wonder
He makes you believe that good things come in small sizes. Refreshingly simple and endearingly shy, Rahul Vaidya is the perfect Adam for the neighbourhood Eve
Shirin Abbas
Lucknow, November 26: Hello Madam, hello madam, I am you Adam. That's not his pick–up line. Just the song he's just sung for Shaadi No. 1. In just a little over a year a twist of fate has made Rahul Vaidya turn his back to the usual insecurities and indecisions that plague other boys his age. "When I see other participants start to go through the same grind that I did last year, I relive my memories of Indian Idol. It feels very nice to know that the dreams of some other talented youth in this country are heading towards fruition. Hum bhi aise hi aaye the, yahi sapne dekh kar," he adds wistfully.
Looking back at the Indian Idol Rahul says initially he had felt bad at coming third in the contest and not getting the Idol tag but "I have realized now that the difference between Abhijeet (Sawant) and me is just that. The immense popularity of the platform gave me a short cut to the music industry and ensured that even those that did not make it to the top, have been given a chance. Whether it is Prajakta Shukre or Amit Sana or me— all of us have been absorbed by the industry and are well on the way of shaping our careers. Today I am getting a chance to perform as an individual artist in shows alongside industry biggies people like Shaan and Sonu Nigam — I have an album to my credit at 19. All this is only possible because of Indian Idol. And for that I will forever remain grateful to Indian Idol and Sony TV," says the lad with genuine gratitude in his voice.
Advertisement
While studies had taken a backseat for a while during and after the contest, today Rahul is back on track, having enrolled in FYB Com through a correspondence course. Ask him if he misses the usual light hearted ribbing and ragging that most collegians take in their stride and he answers with a devilish smile, "Oh. We were incorrigible. Hum to apne seniors ki ragging kar dete thhe. So I've had my share of that. What I really miss is not being able to enjoy the typical masti that I used to enjoy with my pals. Doston ke saath ka nikammapan, road par Jungli-giri—yeh sab enjoy karney ka waqt nahin raha. And since I am a recognizable face now, I cannot indulge in Bohemian behaviour. I have to remain conscious that I have an image to live up to. Be a role model for others."
The youngest in his family, this emotional Libran says his big moment was when this year he could give his elder sister a Rakhi present that made her eyes pop open. "I gave her cash, so she could buy what she wanted. That made me feel so good."
Whom does he idolize as a singer?
"Mohd Rafi s'b, Sonuji, Udit Narayan – the list is endless. I am inspired by their quality and aspire to reach the level where I can hear a song of mine playing on the radio every two hours or so. Then I will know I have reached someplace.
And what are his views on a remix?
Arre aap log remix ko kyun kharab kehtey hain? Remix burey nahin hotey. It just means there's a DJ giving a new version to it, adding new beats to an old hit song and there's nothing wrong in that. Its the sensational videos which are giving remixes abad name. Even Sonu ji has done a remix--- Kajra Mohabbat wala—in his new album. I think its rather nice.
Udne Ki Aasha
Kumkum Bhagya
