Prashant's dream run

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Prashant (TOI Photo)

"It's been a great journey."



How has the journey been so far?

It's been a great journey. I had never imagined that one day I would be so popular. Coming from the hills, this is too big a dream for me. When I auditioned for Indian Idol 3, I thought that I would not qualify. I was fairly surprised when I got selected. Even today my dream run surprises me and I have to almost pinch myself.

How have your colleagues reacted to your success?

Not only my colleagues, I'm sure that every cop in Kolkata must be proud and happy for me. For the first time someone from the police has taken part in a national level competition. Everyone is supporting me and I really need it at this point of time. If I win, it will bring about a very positive influence on image of the Police.

And what does your boss have to say about it?

My boss, Zulfikar Hassan, Additional Commissioner is my Godfather. Whatever I am today is because he has helped and encouraged me a lot. He is naturally very excited that I'm in the finals of Indian Idol 3.

If you go on to win Indian Idol 3, will you give up your job?

Actually I don't want to give up my job. This is from where I've had my humble beginning. But singing for Bollywood too is very lucrative. Nevertheless I will consult my boss and see what he says. He is the best person who can advise me. If I want to sing for Bollywood, I will definitely take his permission for that.

What about your family?

I came to Kolkata five years ago. Since then I have not been able to spend time with my family. My family is like my backbone, who has always been there for me. Irrespective of whether I win or lose, I would like to have some time to spend with my family.

Coming back to the contest, you have never been able to garner praises from the judges like the other contestants have. Yet you have come so far. Does that in any way leave you bitter?

You know, irrespective of the criticism from the judges, I know that I have given my best. Somewhere, there was a part in me that really wanted words of praise from the judges, just like the others. But then again, the other contestants were much better than me and they deserved the praise. However, I didn't mind the bad comments that I got. I took it positively and tried to work on it.

Of all the judges, who is your favourite?

My favourite is Annuji. People think he speaks a lot. But the truth is, he speaks the truth. He is very straightforward and doesn't hesitate to call a spade a spade.

Some people wonder how you are still in the contest while other favourites and 'better' singers are out. Have you ever given a thought to all this?

Yes, I have thought about this. But what am I to do when people love me and vote for me? There is nothing wrong about it. I have the entire north-east and Police fraternity behind me. They are the reason why I'm here today. And I know for sure that maximum of my votes come from these people. These sort of issues will be brought out sometime or the other. There is nothing new to it. I did think about it deeply and have moved on since then. Now that I've got my answer, I don't think about it too much.

What has been that special moment for you during the entire contest?

It was definitely when I sang Bheege hoth tere. It was the only time that the judges praised me from their hearts. I had tears in my eyes. Earlier when I had met Kunal Ganjawala, I was over the moon. He is my favourite singer and he gave me tips on how to sing the song. I did everything that he said and the results have been great. That was definitely my favourite moment.