since most of you seem to not know about the intl. contestants, here is an article in the local magazine about them. I dunno if it was already posted on this forum or not but here goes nothing !
Enjoy :)
Who is the best of them all?
The organisers of Indian Idol have broadened their search-expanse and travelled to foreign shores — Dubai and London — to get hold of the next singing supernova. Amongst the hundreds who appeared for the auditions, only a handful emerged successful. And two of them are collegians from Dubai — Rashmi Vijayan and Vanita Subramanian. The two share their thoughts and experiences in Indian Idol 3 with ALIFYA PESH ...
THE MOST popular talent hunt extravaganza of Indian television is back! Sony Entertainment Television's Indian Idol has rolled up its curtains and begun its third season with a bigger bang. Based on the format of Fremantle's American Idol, its desi counterpart is widely watched by Indians all over the globe since it hit television screens two years ago.
Indian Idol isn't merely India's first true-blue reality show. Rather, it is a phenomenon that has caught the fancies of the billion-strong India. Combining the tempting elements of music, emotion, glamour, humour and thrill, Indian Idol caused a metamorphosis in Indian television entertainment and emerged as India's biggest singing platform.
The first two seasons of Indian Idol witnessed a hodgepodge of emotions, ranging from the viewers' frenzy to the elation, tears and disappointment of the contestants. The current season being telecast at 9pm, Dubai time, on Saturdays and Sundays, only promises much more of the same.
Unlike the previous two editions of Indian Idol wherein only the budding singing populace within India was given an opportunity to showcase their vocal talents, things are different this time around. Apart from India, the organisers and judges of the show are on the lookout for talent in Dubai and London to get hold of the next singing sensation.
Speaking of Dubai, the news of auditions happening here spread like forest fire amongst singing aspirants across the Emirates. Amongst the hundreds who appeared for the auditions, only a handful emerged as success stories. And amongst them were Rashmi Vijayan and Vanita Subramanian hailing from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai Campus and Mahatma Gandhi University, Dubai Campus respectively. While Rashmi is a Media and Communications sophomore, Vanita is doing her third year BCom. Both girls are friends in real-life, too. The two have a candid chat with Young Times .
Young Times: How does it feel to be a contestant in Indian Idol 3?
Rashmi Vijayan: It feels great! I still can't believe that I am a part of it, I guess only when I see myself on television will reality dawn upon me.
Vanita Subramanian: I never expected the auditions to come to Dubai. When it came here, I was the most excited person to know of this and when I got selected, I felt so overwhelmed and I still feel the same.
YT: Tell us about your beginnings as a singer?
RV: Initially, I was known as a dancer than a singer. My interest in music began only when I was 14, when I went for this particular singing contest, an inter-school event and won a prize there. That's when everyone around me appreciated my singing and said that I should consider taking it seriously. I have learnt Carnatic music for eight years, and now for the past one and a half years I have been learning Hindustani music.
VS: I started singing from the age of three. I took my basic music training from my mother who is also a trained classical musician. Then I started taking lessons from various teachers. I also took training in Hindustani Classical Music.
YT: What was it that led you towards learning the art of singing?
RV: From the time I could talk and walk, I have always been dancing and singing. Then when I reached a suitable learning age, I began formal training.
VS: Well, I hail from a musical background. My mother is a classical music teacher, my father, is a Chartered Accountant by profession but knows how to play the violin, and my maternal uncle is an Mridangist and accompanies musicians who come from India as well as the local singers here in the UAE. So, that should explain everything.
YT: You both have participated and won quite a few singing competitions. Tell us a little about it.
RV: In 2005, I got the opportunity to sing with the popular Bollywood trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy live on stage, when they were here in Dubai for their concert called Dhadak Dhadak. Then in March 2006, I took part in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Muqabala, where there were 32 contestants from the Middle East and I stood second in that contest.
VS: I got a chance to participate in an international talent hunt organised by the ARY Digital Channel. Contestants were from the UAE and Pakistan. Fortunately, I emerged as winner and I was offered to sing for Anand Raj Anand. However, the opportunity has not materialised yet I am still hopeful. Besides, I was also a quarter finalist in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Muqabala two years ago. Also, I have performed at a Bollywood Awards ceremony.
YT: Back to Indian Idol, when and how did you learn about the auditions happening here in Dubai?
RV: My friend's mom told me about the auditions of Indian Idol being opened to aspiring singers from Dubai. I had to SMS to register. The auditions took place at the Knowledge village Auditorium on April 6 and 7.
VS: I came to know about it through one of my college mates, and then I saw it on television and rushed for the auditions.
YT: What got you interested to go for the tryouts?
RV: I have been watching the last two seasons of Indian Idol. And trust me, when I say this, it's the biggest national level competition for any Indian singer! You not only get a huge platform to showcase your performing skills but you also get applauded by great personalities.
VS: You need not be told by anybody to try for such a golden opportunity. It's such a huge platform in itself and it's truly a dream come true that the auditions of Indian Idol are actually happening in Dubai. Also, as compared to the situation of youngsters during auditions in India, the whole thing was a cake-walk here!
YT: What appeals to you about the show?
RV: It really makes a persona out of the mere singer you are. If you are already a performer when you joined Idol then it's a bonus. If not, don't worry, because by the time you are out of Indian Idol you will be a star!
VS: Well, the most impressive thing about this whole show is that a singer can't expect a better platform than this to prove his/her talent. It's just the biggest stage that any singer can aspire to sing on to make his/her singing career as right from the judges to the public, your talent will be noticed.
YT: Indian Idol is based on the format of the American Idol. What similarities or differences do you see in the two?
RV: Be it Indian or American or even Arabic Idol, they all come under Fremantle, the conceivers of the show's format. Yes, there are definitely some similarities in the judges' way of judging. Like, for example, Anu Malik is often thought to be an Indian Simon! But hey! That's the show's format, so instead of cribbing about how 'rude' he seems, just enjoy the moment and give it your best.
VS: I am not an ardent watcher of American Idol. All I know about American Idol is that one of the judges is very insulting. I wouldn't want to make any comment with regards to Indian Idol; the two shows are very distinct in every possible way.
YT: How was the auditions phase in Dubai? What was the entire process like?
RV: In Dubai, the first day there were around 200-250 people who were pre-screened by the casting directors of the show. Then the second day, a selected 32 went through the 'real' audition with Javed Akhtar and Udit Narayan. When I went inside, they first asked a few questions about myself then they asked me to sing. I first sang this song Mausam Ki adla badli mein from the movie Black. Then, I sang two other songs, Mayya Mayya from Guru and Megha Chaaye Adhi Raat , a Lata Mangeshkar number. Both Javed ji and Udit ji were very impressed with my singing and I got selected to go to Mumbai for the theatre round!
VS: Well, the auditions in Dubai was a cakewalk as compared to the auditions that happen in India. All who came for the auditions had to undergo two screenings by casting directors of a music school in Mumbai before appearing in front of Javed Akhtar and Udit Narayan. It went on for two days. All this happened in one day so, it was pretty tiring.
YT: On what basis were the contestants selected for the next round?
RV: The contestants were short-listed on the basis of how they sing in tune and rhythm and also how they perform to what they are singing. You can't just sing like how you would recite a poem. You are now going to be watched by billions of people across the world, so we need to be entertaining, as well!
YT: After selection, what happens in the theatre round?
RV: The theatre round in Mumbai was definitely a little tougher because now we (the seven selected contestants from UAE) were competing with 117 contestants from both India (114 from India) and UK (three from UK). After the first day's audition itself the total 124 contestants were brought down to a mere 66. Then we were divided into twos and threes and were given an option of two songs to prepare for the next day. I was paired with another lady; Pinky from Mumbai, and together we sang this song Janam Samjha Karo from Asha Bhonsle's pop album.
VS: That day another 20 contestants were eliminated and we were 46 of us. The third day's auditions were the toughest as we were no longer sharing the stage with anyone else. And all four judges had their eyes glued to us. The guys were given a common choice of three songs and so were the girls. And then the final 28 were short-listed from this.
YT: And then?
RV: Then the top 28 will go through the piano rounds where the judges no longer will have a say in who goes ahead. It's the public that will decide this through their votes. After voting, the 28 will then become the final 14 who will enter the gala rounds. From then on, each week, one contestant would bid good-bye to the show. The piano round is going to be a real turning point for the final 28!
YT: Considering the emotionally-charged atmosphere during the rounds, did you experience any intense moments?
RV: None so far. Touchwood. And I hope I won't have to experience any such moments in the future, as well.
VS: I did get nervous on and off, but I was careful enough not to reveal my emotions to anybody at any point of time.
YT: Is everything what happens at that time, telecast on television in totality?
VS: Yes, almost everything that happens on and off stage is telecast on television. I guess that's why it is called a Reality Show! We need to be aware of the camera at all times and keep in mind what kind of an image we want to portray of ourselves to the huge audience who will be watching us!
YT: Was there a particular incident that left a long-lasting impression in your mind?
RV: I can't really recall any such incident that left a stamp-mark in my memory. However, the whole experience of being a part of a Reality Show is going to remain with me for a very, very long time. And, of course, I did have my bit of fun watching other people being chased by the cameras. The crew knows me very well by now and I have told them that they'd never get any footage of me crying or doing anything negative.
VS: So far, just the fact that I never got criticised by any of the judges has left a long lasting impression in my mind, because so many contestants were roughly criticised.
YT: Any incidents you found particularly hilarious.
RV: I wouldn't say hilarious, but yes, during the theatre-round when we were paired, there were a lot of mishaps. Couples found it difficult to co-ordinate while singing. Many of them who practiced the entire day, ultimately goofed-up on stage. Forgetting lyrics, skipping the rhythm or beat, such things happened several times, resulting in the pairs being rejected. Many complained about lack of time, though each pair was given up to six hours to rehears
VS: There were several hilarious instances but I think I shouldn't spoil the audiences' fun by revealing it all here. Such things are best enjoyed when seen on television.
YT: Are the songs selected by the contestants during the rounds?
RV: The theatre-round is divided into three parts. In the first part, we are allowed to take up any song of our choice. In the second part when we were divided into pairs, they gave us a choice of two songs and we could sing either of them. In the third part, they allotted three songs to the boys and another three for the girls. At this point, each one of us was called up on stage to sing singularly.
VS: Later on, as the competition moves ahead, the contestants are allotted their songs by the music department of the show. The department takes care of what each contestant will sing. However, we have the liberty to recommend our choice of songs. But the ultimate decision is taken by the music department.
YT: The new series of Indian Idol is being judged by a new panel of judges; tell us about your experiences with them.
RV: Yes, this time there are four of them — Anu Malik, Javed Akhtar, Udit Narayan and Alisha Chinai. It's been a great experience so far. They're nice. Their judging style is different. My favourites are Javed Akhtar and Udit Narayan, as they were the ones who selected me from Dubai. I am fond of Javed Akhtar in particular. I mean, whenever we interact, there's a positive vibe. There's an instant connection with him. As a judge, he's very brief and right. He's neither nice nor rude to you. He's just plain honest, which is very good.
VS: It's nice. It feels different, though. The thing here is that we contestants are the first to be judged by the new panel, as a result of which we don't really know how they would react for any particular contestant or his/her song, as in, we don't know what they expect from us in the forthcoming rounds which would not have been the case if we had the same panel of judges as before. So, there lies a little bit of mystery and thrill.
YT: On-show the judges often appear to be rigid and at times rude, too. How approachable or encouraging are they off-show?
RV: I don't think they're rude or rigid in any way. They are judging a show, so they have to do their job and do it well. You simply cannot derogate their opinions and comments, because they are experienced and have been in the music industry for decades altogether. Off-stage, the judges are fun people. They are very chilled out and relaxed.
VS: On-show they're very much their normal selves because, again, as I said it's a reality show and they are somehow forced to be very point blank about their comments. But, off-show they are much more encouraging and approachable and friendly.
YT: A number of controversies got ignited due to the attitude of the judges in the last season. What are your comments on this?
RV: I really have nothing to say regarding this. This season, the contestants haven't witnessed any harsh incidents. Besides, there is not much interaction between the contestants and judges till the theatre-round. Each one of us is there for merely two minutes or so. Even, off-stage there was hardly any interactive opportunity available to us. It is only from the Piano Round onwards that the judges and contestants will actually interact.
VS: I would want to reserve my comments on this issue for now because so far I haven't faced any problems with any of them. About their attitude, we can't really do anything about it because they are the judges and they are there to tell us where we stand. So, with respect to that, they can't really be blamed.
YT: And what about the hosts of the show — Hussain Kuwajerwala and Mini Mathur?
RV: Oh, the two make an amazing hosting pair. They're so friendly and warm towards all the contestants and so good at what they do. In fact, not just the hosts, the entire management is very good. It's their third season and everything's just organised and taken care of in no time at all. They make sure the contestants are doing well and comfortable. In fact, the crew members have become like a strong moral support for us. It's almost like having a family away from home.
YT: Tell us something about the episode recordings. How does the entire process happen — from start to finish?
RV: We have a fixed schedule. The contestants are required to be up by 5am, touch down in the hotel lobby by 6.30am, have breakfast and leave the hotel latest by 7am. The contestants were stationed at the Bombay Central Hotel Sahil and we had to drive to the National Centre for Performing Arts at Nariman Point. We used to reach there by 8am. However, the shoot would only begin by 10 and all of us were sent in, in batches. The shooting gets over by around 9 or 10pm and we are in our rooms by approximately 11.
YT: All of you must be drained by the end of the day.
VS: Yes! Most us would have slept for just eight to nine hours during the entire week! I mean, initially it was difficult, but once you get into the groove of things, your system also adjusts accordingly. And after becoming a participant in a contest of this stature, sleep certainly takes a backseat.
YT: During the episodes, viewers also get to watch snippets of contestants' life off-stage. What do the contestants do in their free-time?
RV: Well, everyone has their own activity to de-stress and unwind. Some of them read, listen to music, meditate or exercise. As far I am concerned, I talk, talk and talk! And the guys, well, they're just spontaneous! Each one of them will be cracking a joke or simply doing something hilarious.
VS: Each one had their own ways to refresh themselves. Actually, it would be nice to be watching those moments rather than reading about them in print!
YT: Have the contestants been prescribed a set of rules they must adhere to without fail?
RV: No rules and regulations have been imposed upon us. But, after the final selections happened, the organisers told each of us to just concentrate and work hard at honing our singing skills. All of us were asked to do as much riyaz (practice) as possible and not be bothered about the other details of the show.
YT: And how often are you allowed to keep in touch with your loved ones?
RV: Yes, you do tend to get homesick often but, we manage it somehow. I missed my parents terribly in the beginning, and more so when the rounds actually started. But the contestants are always connected to their families via e-mail or phone.
YT: Being a part of a reality-show means having the cameras around you all the time. How does it feel to be watched constantly?
VS: Well, you have to be conscious and aware that you are being watched by not just those around you, but also by the millions of viewers who'll watch you on their television sets. So, you need to be conscious of what you do, what you wear, how you behave. As long as you don't do anything silly or controversial, it's a safe ride. In the beginning, we were made to do amusing things, like jumping up in the air, screaming in chorus. It did seem weird; however, these little gestures are a part and parcel of every reality show. Later, once you get acquainted with the camera, it doesn't bother you anymore. You just behave normally and treat the camera as a person and go with the flow.
YT: You have already made it to the Theatre Round. What are your expectations from here on?
RV: As I said earlier, my expectations are the same. Every time I go on the stage, I have to sing well. That's it. But this isn't going to be easy. Because not just me, but all the contestants have a tough task to accomplish — to be able to strike the right chord with the audience.
VS: And the viewers are not just in hundreds or thousands but in billions. I mean, right from those at the grassroots level to the white-collar variety — connecting with such a vast audience is the most important thing.
YT: If you don't make it right till the end, are you prepared to face rejection?
RV: Yes, I am prepared to face whatever comes my way, even rejection. This is a competition and there can be only one winner. My father has always taught me, "An attempt can be a failure, but there should never be failure of attempt." And if I don't make it through, I'll still be happy about being a part of the Indian Idol experience and also that millions of people have watched and heard me sing.
VS: Yes. I'm definitely hoping for the best, but I am also mentally prepared for the worst. That's how it is; someone or the other will have to leave. So, I just believe in giving it my best shot.
YT: And if you win...
RV: That's way too far to even let my mind wander there. But if I win, I'll be on top of the world like any other winner would be.
VS: I'll be the happiest person! But again, I would still continue with my education and complete it.
YT: We wish you both the very best.Source: Young Times
Ref: http://www.youngtimes.co.ae/cover.htm
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