udit narayan judge of II3 - new article

Udit Narayan is gung-ho about his new role as a judge on Indian Idol.

How does it feel donning the judges' cap?
It's definitely different from what I've been doing so far. At times it's very difficult to judge the contestants. I've struggled a lot and so, can relate to the participants.

The judges' panel that continued for two seasons was quite popular. Do you find it difficult to match up to them?
They are better, there's no doubt about that. Sonu has come from a television background and he is far more experienced than me. I don't try to match up to them.

How does it feel to see your son anchor a show?
If I praise Aditya, people will feel that I'm boasting. But I'm happy the way things have shaped up for him.

Do you see him as your competitor?
Aditya is all of 19 and is doing well for himself. I want to see him grow.

What do you want him to become – an actor or a singer?
Kishoreda was all in one. I think one can be both. Aditya wants to be a singer. I'll let him take the call on that.

Had he taken part in this talent hunt, do you think he would have stood a chance?
I think so (laughs). But I don't want to say more, else people will think that I'm bragging.

How did it feel when Javed Akhtar criticised Aditya's anchoring?
I think Javedji did the right thing. Aditya is just 19 and he needs to learn the ropes.

So, how close is Aditya to you?
He's a very close friend of mine. I pull his leg a lot. I keep asking him whether he's got a girlfriend or not and he keeps telling me that he has one, who studies with him in college, but he treats her just like a friend. [😭😭😭]

Getting back to talent hunts, do you feel that the exclusivity is lost with too many reality shows cropping up by the day?
In Md Rafi's time, the platform was missing. When I started off, telly wasn't that popular a medium. Now, the young talents can let their voices be heard. Playback is a different ballgame altogether and one needs to slog it out before he/she gets a break. But I think the talent hunt winners become household names and they can earn by singing once they've gained that popularity.

Did controversies surrounding your personal life affect your image in any way?
I've been in the limelight for 20 years now and not even once did I hurt anyone's sentiments. But if you are in the glamour world, you can't afford to commit even a small mistake. If you do it, it immediately snowballs into something big. But I believe in karma. I must have done something wrong in my past life, so it's payback time now.

Did the issue affect your personal relations?
Aditya was in London back then, learning Western vocals. Thank God, he was away from all of this. And Deepaji, my wife, took good care of him. I'm still wondering why this had to happen to me. I was extremely hurt.

sorry if posted before😛