Idol Chatter
The Indian Idols have come, conquered and gone, but Filmfare thinks Amey Date and Rahul Vaidya should have clearly been in the spotlight
On a muggy day in Mumbai, the cool quotient reaches an all time high. Why? The sleepy studio is jolted out of its slumber by 27-year-old Amey Date and 18-year-old Rahul Vaidya. These names would definitely ring a bell. These guys almost made it to the finishing line in the Indian Idol contest. But the public smses had other plans for them. And even though the crown was lost, the battle is still on. For fame, fortune and that elusive big break...
But right at this moment, Amey is frenetically trying on various shirts in the make-up room, while Rahul amuses himself by singing at the top of his voice. Then Amey walks out, all ready to roll and it's Rahul's turn to get togged up. The iPod plays Amey's favourite number and he breaks into a merry jig. Bein on the brink of stardom bodes well. Tell them that and wide grins ensue. And a quick re-run of those wonderful days.
Exit poll…when they were voted out
Rahul: I was shocked. I'm not saying that I thought I was a clear winner but I hoped to be in the final two. And even on the sets I got a vibe that I was going through to the next round. That's why I looked so taken aback. But it really doesn't matter who is number one, two or three. I have really moved on. But it would hurt if I didn't make it in let's say five or ten years. I need to capitalize on the fact that I was a strong contender for the Idol title.
Amey: I had mixed emotions. I was devastated that I couldn't go further but I couldn't help feeling a little touched with the kind of response that I got. The judges started walking out and people were protesting loudly. Obviously, you want to win. Nothing could've beaten that heady feeling of victory. But the people's love for me made up for that loss. Ultimately you want to be loved by all and I think I witnessed that, on that day. I really felt that maybe this was my destiny – to be adored despite all odds.
"Gimme the headphones! No they are mine…!" the mental age of the boys winds down to 12 years or thereabouts even as they squabble over the headphones. And shutterbug Jitu Savlani has a tough time pinning them down for the pictures. Eventually, Amey wins this round and Rahul howls, "Not fair!"
Rahul unplugged
Birthday – September 23rd
Favourite singer – Sonu Nigam
Favourite actress – Priyanka Chopra
Favourite food – Dal chawal
Would love to sing for – All the Khans and Amitabh Bachchan
Amey Unplugged
Birthday – Marsh 31st
Favourite singers – Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Suresh Wadkar
Favourite actress – Madhuri Dixit
Favourite food – kebabs and biriyani
Would love to sing for – the Khans
Vote a way to go!
Rahul – I think the public is too emotional. I am not saying that the right person should win every time because when billions are voting at the same time the results are bound to be a little lop-sided. But the public loves an underdog. I didn't look like one. I really think that worked against me.
Amey – I know there's been a lot of debate about the public voting system but this is how it works. When you enter such a competition, you are fully aware of the rules and regulations. If you've given the viewers the power to decide then you should respect their decision.
A full-blown music concert is on, even as Rahul and Amey belt out numbers for our entertainment. Soon a heated argument follows on voices, voice quality and what not. And of course THE question wends its way into the debate. Did the right people win the Indian Idol title? Interestingly, although both the boys have their clear favourites, they prefer to go the diplomatic way.
Idol Choice
Rahul: Amit Sana perhaps has a better voice but it's too distinct. In the case of Abhijeet Sawant, his voice is more adaptable to playback singing. I can see him singing for a lot of actors. And his last three performances in the competition were outstanding. Somewhere in my mind I knew he would win. Also he was very popular among the girls. Girls are the ones who vote for us the most, late into the night 200 times, 300 times.
Amey: Karunya's voice quality was better but I really do think that Sandeep is a better singer. But this is just a competition and I think both will go far. Maybe Karunya was slated to be a clear winner. But now Sandeep is the winner and I think he will rock!
"Kash yeh ladki hota," quips Rahul cheekily when asked to put his arm around Amey for the photo shoot. And Amey looks suitably taken aback. Point out that Amey's phone hasn't stopped ringing since he got to the studio and he has the grace to blush. And the two get talking about their fan-tastic experiences.
Fanning the Fire
Rahul: Fans have been very kind to me. (Pauses and grins) Actually, all the aunties have been very kind to me. But one fan who is really special is this girl from Kolkata who has put up about 500 pictures of mine on her wall. Her dad called up and said, "Beta please isko samjhao, yeh padhai bhi theek se nahi kar rahi hai". Another girl has given me a scrap-book of my rarest pictures. I was touched. But when they start scratching your name on their arms and stuff, it gets a little scary!
Amey: (Shyly) Actually there are so many girls who call me now; sometimes the phone doesn't stop ringing. I couldn't sleep for about 10 days after I was ousted from the competition because of the number of calls I got. And they expect you to talk to them for hours. Which is humanely impossible. And then they get angry and say things like, "You've become a big star and everything…"
My house is filled with letters and my family keeps nagging me, "Arre this girl has been writing to you continuously. For god's sake reply or call!"
Rahul on Amey
I think Amey is very cute. He is a clear hit with the girls. I really admire him. I think he has exceptional talent and will rock the world soon
Amey on Rahul
I've known Rahul since he was a child. We share the same guru, Sureshji Wadkar. Even then he was a star performer. I think he is a cool dude and a lot of fun. There are very few singers like Rahul in this industry – I think he is a compete package
And of course yes, both deny having girlfriends at this stage
Rahul – I had a girlfriend before I participated Indian Idol. And it lasted exactly a month. After that of course I've had my share of crushes but nothing major. As for rumours linking me with Prajakta (co-competitor on Indian Idol) well, they were very nice rumours. I think since we were of the same age group, it was just easy to pair us off.
Amey – No yaar, I don't have a girlfriend. Mujhe nahi lagta ki if I had a girlfriend, I would get so many calls from other girls.
Break for lunch. While the rest greedily tuck into some desi Chinese, Rahul regretfully looks on. "My waist size will soon become double that of my age." Tell them they've tasted stardom pretty early on in life and knowing smiles spread across their faces in unison. But what next? Bollywood?
Walk the Talk
Rahul – I think a monopoly of sorts existed earlier; one singer would keep getting all the good songs. I think that phase is gone now. Everyone has a fair chance today.
I am happy with the way my career is shaping up. My guruji Suresh Wadkar will be proud of me. My album Tera Intezaar has done reasonably well. I don't want to stress too much because I am just 18. And somehow when I sing for a hero who is a lot older, it doesn't feel right. Even when I sang I am your Adam… for Sanjay Dutt in Shaadi. No 1, I think it showed.
Now I've sung for Shirish Kunder's Jaaneman and a couple of other films. I've been doing title tracks for serials too. The biggest high is having money of my own. I don't have to ask my folks for pocket money anymore.
Amey – It's definitely very difficult to maintain whatever you've gained. I think being Indian Idol contestants definitely gives us an edge but it's clearly not easy to break into the industry. I don't think the struggle ever ends and for me it's only the very beginning. Anuji has promised to let me sing for him. In the meanwhile, I've sung for Uttam Singh's and Illayaraja's movies and composer Santosh Singh's film called Colour Red. I am also working on my private album.
Whoa what have we here? Looks like a desi audition for Men In Black. Just like apna filmi heroes. And so I ask, what if they are bitten by the acting bug?
Bollywood Calling
Rahul – Well, I don't want to say that – 'Oh I'm a singer and I only want to be that.' If I get a good chance I will grab it. I would love to act. Bring on the good roles!
Amey – Come on, who doesn't want to be a star? Of course, you're more glamorous if you are an actor. But I will always be a singer first, everything else comes later. Even if I get offered a good role tomorrow I will make it clear thar singing is my first preference. I also feel that a performer should be multi-faceted. After all, variety is the spice of life.
Sukanya Venkatraghavan
Sports
Cricket
