Sandeep Acharya & AIDs awareness

Dedication Unlimited
AN ever smiling persona with a witty sense of humour, Sandeep Acharya, the winner of the second season of Indian Idol, is all set to make it big as a singer in Bollywood. In the city for a show for the Wake Up Pune campaign on AIDS awareness, he talks with conviction about the issue, "I think it's important to spread awareness about AIDS. It's a growing threat to humanity." A small-town boy from Bikaner, Acharya shot to fame after winning the popular talent show. Dedication remains his mantra and it sure seems to be paying off. On cloud nine after bagging the title of Best Fresh Talent ofIndi Pop at the Music Asia Awards - Acharya simply can't get over the fact that the award was handed over to him by none other than Amitabh Bachchan. "What a big surprise that was!" he recollects. His first album, Mere Saath Saara Jahaan left music lovers asking for more. Ask him about his future projects and pat comes the reply, " There are a few composers I am working with and I am also planning to release a second album very soon. I hope my fans support my endeavours." With that he signs off, going back to his discman and his first love - music. Melodiously Devoted
HE made his mark singing the title track of the film Hum Kissi Se Kam Nahin in one of the episodes of Fame X - Chal Udiye. But this youngster's heart also beats for noble causes. " I'd love to do more of this in future," he says, referring to the Wake Up Pune campaign.

For Rehaan, whose inspiration is his father, singing is not his only love. The multifaceted, budding star who enjoys playing varied instruments like tabla, dholak also enjoys composing his own music. A great lover of the Sufi school, Rehaan, these days, is eagerly awaiting the release of his first album. Ask him about the experience during the reality show, and he says each moment was memorable. His proudest moment so far ? "When singer Palash Sen and one of our faculty members told me that they were proud of my talent, after my performance, in front of the audience and my parents."