Daler to guide aspiring singers

Punjabi pop singer Daler Mehndi is all set to be a part of the jury for SAB's first reality show Fame X which will go on air from November 24. Fame X will capture the journey of 14 singers who will vie for a place in Fame Academy. Based on the successful Spanish reality show called Operacion Triunfo, Fame X has all tricks to spice up the show.

Speaking about his role, Daler says, "I liked the concept of the show and the idea of finding a performer was enticing. Truthful singing being the base, the focus would be to find someone who has what it takes 'to straddle the classes and the masses'. It is the 'spunk' and the 'zing' which is the 'X' factor that we are looking for. The stress will be on honing skills rather than changing their individual image to a stereotype pop star, and the academy would be having the best professionals from the industry to groom the contestants. I play a key role in their growth as I am their mentor, their critic and above all a guiding force."

Daler has the capability of connecting with people through his music. According to him, his ability to make people from any part of the world, who can't comprehend his language, move and groove to his music is his "X" actor. "A singer should be versatile and comfortable to sing anything, perform anywhere like a live wire. This charismatic persona backed with a tuneful voice is what I am going to expect from the Fame X winner. He or she should be a good playback singer as well as a live performer," says Daler.

Daler, who is busy with his next pop album which is due for release this year, is very much in favour of talent hunts and says, "In a country of varied languages, cultures, music and dance, and also with a huge population, there is so much talent available that you never know where you would find a diamond waiting to be polished and shown to the world."

He adds, "Sequels like Fame X are doors of opportunities for those who dream of making it big someday because with each passing season the shows become bigger, audience gets wiser, thus helping true talent to come out and Fame X is definitely going to provide just that."