main singer banna chahta hun--ARTICLE--

Move over Sania Mirza and Shah Rukh Khan. All roads are leading to music-based reality show stars — from Abhijit Sawant ('Indian Idol 2005') to Debojit Saha ('Sa Re Ga Ma Pa') — the popularity is soaring, and the stars believe that it's not just 15 seconds of fame for them.

I am a singer first: Says Debojit Saha, winner of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005', "I was not worried whether I received the maximum number of votes. I wanted to prove myself as a singer." Debojit emphasises on the fact that being a star is a temporary phase. "People will forget your performance on stage. You have to prove yourself as a singer."

Star vs singer:

Singer Kunal Ganjawala, who lost out in the first episode of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' in 1995, believes that it's not just important to want to be a singer. "Today singing has become synonymous with stardom. You really have to have the talent and capability and then work hard."

Qazi Touqueer ('Fame Gurukul Jodi'), who has been tagged as a performer more than a star says, "I always wanted to be an actor. I have no formal training in singing. I participated because I was sure that I would be a winner." Qazi, who has been getting offers to act in Bollywood film adds, "I will continue singing but will also hone my acting skills."

Reality shows are a great platform: Says Anu Malik, a judge on 'Indian Idol 2': "Previously there were young people who would come to Mumbai looking for a break. Reality shows have made things easy. I have ensured that all talented people get a break and have roped them in to sing in my films." But Malik is quick to add, "But all of them should realise that you have to continue working hard. If you don't, there are other people waiting for their chance."

Popularity vs talent: Choreographer Farah Khan, who is also one of the judges for 'Indian Idol 2' says, "Abhijeet Sawant is still so popular. And the fact that these winners are chosen out of thousands of contestants obviously show that showmanship matters with talent."

Audience is final judge: Says Ruprekha Banerjee, ('Fame Gurukul Jodi'): "The audience poll is extremely important. At the end of the day, they decide whether they want to listen to your song or not." Admitting that reality shows are a boon for young talent, she adds, "It's easier to approach people because the first step is taken."

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