Abhijeet...............

So what has he been doing since his victory? Definitely not resting on his laurels! A globetrotting singer, he has performed in live shows, released an album, published a biography, sung for Bollywood and even acted in a serial. Two years on, Abhijeet tells Surya Praphulla Kumar that he has fulfilled his dream—to make a mark in the music industry.

How did you feel when you realised you were the first Indian Idol?

It was an amazing feeling. I was a little confident that I would win the title, but you never know—luck can ditch you at the last minute. Also, after an arduous six-month journey, we were all tired. Both Amit Sana and I would have been thrilled had either of us won. But I am thankful that I did.

Does Indian Idol really change lives? How did yours change after being crowned India's first Idol?

Everything about my life and me changed. Before the show, I was just a newcomer who had finished his studies and was struggling to make my voice heard. The show helped me fulfil my dream—to make a mark in the music industry. Nothing in my life—right from the way I live to the way I am—is the same anymore.

After your first album, you dropped out of the public glare. What have you been up to now?

I will not say that I dropped out of the limelight. I was just busy with a whole lot of other things. Live shows are in great demand and I have been performing in India and abroad. [Laughs] It is good money and good publicity

Meanwhile, I have finished my new album. It will be released on July 10. I have also finished shooting the video for it. So you will soon see me on your television sets.

How many songs have you sung as a playback singer? Is there anything new in the pipeline?

I have sung for the films Aashiq Banaya Apne, Jawani Diwani, Naughty Boy, and the upcoming Mumbai.com and Fire. I have not been able to give much time to playback singing because I was busy with my album. But now that I have finished it, I am in talks with some top music directors.

How was the experience singing for Himesh Reshammiya and Sanjeev Darshan?

It was great, a learning experience. With Himesh Reshammiya, it was my first time working with a big music director. I was very nervous, but he is a cool guy and put me at ease immediately. He sang the song I was to sing and helped me get into the mood. I learnt true dedication from him. I also did a US tour with him.

Sanjeev was a new guy, but he had an immense passion for music. He narrated the entire story of the film so that I could get the feel of the song. He taught me how to pay attention to nuances.

Who is your favourite music director and playback singer?

My favourite music directors are Shankar Mahadevan and A R Rahman. I worked with Shankar when I did the Filmfare theme for him. I am yet to work with Rahman. My favourite playback singer is Sonu Nigam.

Have you watched Indian Idol 3?

Yes, I have watched a few episodes. The elimination and wild card rounds have just got over. It's only now that you will learn who is good and who is bad.

Track the Idol -- Amey Date says 'I came out a winner'. Read his interview.

Who is your favourite judge from among the three series?

My all-time favourite is Sonu Nigam. He is a very confident judge. As he is a singer, he really knows what he is talking about.

Do you have any advice for the contestants?

Their talent brought them so far, so there is no doubt that they are all good. But now they have to work really hard. They should not allow nervousness or depression bog them down. They should not think that the people are sitting in judgement of them. As long as they stay positive, things will work out.

Any favourite memories from your Idol days?

Yeah, I have two actually. The first was when I sang the song Ghar chale. I thought that my peers had sung far better songs and since our performances brought in votes, I though I would not get enough to win. However, my song did really well. People told me that they had tears in their eyes when they heard me sing. I was so touched.

The second incident was when Shilpa Shetty came on the show. She told me that she loved my smile. I actually blushed!

Are you still in touch with your fellow contestants?

Yes, I am still in touch with them. I meet them often. We go out partying sometimes.

You said that after you became famous you missed walking on the road and playing cricket. Has the situation changed?

No, not at all. It is a little better in Mumbai because the people here are used to stars and they won't stare at you if you go into a restaurant. But any other place, crowds form.

How did you find your acting stint? Any new offers?

[Laughs] I am a very bad actor. Besides acting in my videos, I also did a small part in the serial CID. I didn't do more roles not because of any dearth of offers, I got so many I was totally taken aback. Many of the offers were to act in films. But since I was so new to the industry, I did not want to take any unnecessary risks.

However, now I am going to improve my acting skills. Then, you never know, you may see me on the silver screen!

Are you still staying at your old home?

No, I bought a new flat in Ville Parle just six months ago. I have moved there with my parents.

Any girlfriends?

No, none till date. I know there has been speculation—linking me with close friends of mine—but the truth is that I don't have any time to meet a girl, take her out and nurture a relationship.

But I can tell you this: I will get married soon, in the next two years. My parents feel that I have learnt everything I need to and now it is time to settle down. They are already looking out for me.

What is the best thing you have bought with the money you won?

The best thing would have to be my three-bedroom flat. Earlier, we used to live in a small one-bedroom. There was no privacy there and when we had guests over, it was very difficult. Now we can lead a comfortable life.

You have said you love the Harry Potter series. Have you already booked your copy of Book 7?

I am a big fan, but unfortunately, I haven't got the time to book a copy yet. But you can be sure that once it is out, I will buy my own copy immediately. Check out the Harry Potter Special!

Watch more videos of Abhijeet Sawant when he came on Indian Idol 2

i know its ld but its rocks!

i foumnd it in indianidol.sify.com