KARUNYA SING FOR SANJAY DUTT

http://web.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/may/136926.htm

I will make Karunya a winner: Vinod Chopra
By: Vickey Lalwani
May 9, 2006

My big break: Karunya

Indian Idol 2 runner-up Karunya has sung his first song in Bollywood for Vidhu Vinod Chopra's sequel to Munnabhai MBBS. The song is Aane Charane Bache, and has been picturised on Sanjay Dutt.

While 19-year-old Karunya recorded the song at Media Mind, Bandra, yesterday afternoon, Dutt shot for it last night, at Mukesh Mills in Lower Parel.

Sister act

Chopra hadn't heard of Karunya — until the Indian Idol 2 finale. "I don't watch television, so obviously, I hadn't followed the Indian Idol 2 contest, where this guy ended up second," says Chopra.

"I came to know about him in the US. I was writing and my sister Shelly stormed into the room after the result was announced. She was literally crying. After she recovered, she told me that someone who should have won the contest, had lost."

The incident stayed with Chopra when he came back to India. "I instructed my people to track him down. Music director Shantanu Moitra tested Karunya and Sanjay Dutt heard his voice — and the selection was made."

Didn't director Rajkumar Hirani hear Karunya out? "Of course, Raju ne bhi suna. Raju is the boss. I am just a worker," laughed Chopra.

Quick take

The producer is very impressed with Karunya. "Singers in my films take at least half a day to complete the song. When I was going to hear him, I kept myself free from 12 noon to 5 pm.

And guess what? Karunya shocked me by starting at 12.15 pm, and finishing the song flawlessly in a single take — in just five minutes. By 12.20, he was through! He is a superb singer. He may not have won the contest, but I will make Karunya a winner," promises Chopra.

Has the film's title been finalised? "Right now, we are calling it Munnabhai 2nd Innings; it might remain just that."

Munnabhai 2nd Innings will have six songs, including the one by the Hyderabad-based Karunya. Vinod Rathod and Sonu Niigaam have sung one each, while the other three are still to be recorded. "We will hit the theatres on August 25," Chopra signs off