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I am re-living my journey with some of the contestants
Alisha Chinai who has re-invented herself with the hit 'Kajra re...' number is one of the judges on Indian Idol. A chat with the stylised singer...
What made you decide to be on the panel of judges for Indian Idol?
Sony decided to have a combination of judges and approached me. Initially I was a little nervous about doing it because I hate sermonising or being patronising. But I was flattered to be part of a team that includes Udit Narayan, Anu Malik and Javed Akhtar.
As the French say 'Genesekava'. I don't know what I am looking for but it's that one special quality which is not definable. It's just magic, a combination of a great voice, character and personality. There has to be a complete package. Have you followed Indian Idol I and II and what is your opinion on the show?
I have watched a few episodes of the first season and I think it's a great platform for youngsters to showcase their talent. It is so much easier for these singers to become pop stars. But it is completely upto the individuals how they take it further and sustain it. You must have seen judges getting worked up over a singers' capabilities. How are you planning to tackle it?
We will be casting a vote this time and Anu Malik who's been there for all seasons so far will take the final call. Of course, he has to convince us about any decision he takes. In any case, all of us have been around long enough to have good and discerning ears.
Professionally, we have moved on and he is extra nice to me when we are working. How was your experience during the audition rounds?
It's been quite an emotional roller-coaster ride. Some of them have extra-ordinary talent while some come with unrealistic ambitions. We give them a reality check. I do get touchy sometimes and it is hard to turn the contestants away. There are bound to be disappointments. With some of them it is like re-living my journey. When I look at their struggle and background I feel very lucky and blessed. Who is your idol?
My favourite singer, of course, is the one voice that has mesmerised the entire nation, Lata Mangeshkar. The voices of Geeta Dutt and Noorjehan have also fascinated me and many a times I have tried to incorporate their style of singing. Globally, I have immensely liked the songs of Kylie Minogue, Ella Fitzgerald and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. 'Kajra re....' brought you back into the limelight. How is life after the chart-busting number?
Before 'Kajra re...' happeped I was thinking of relaxing and going on a vacation. But the song changed all that. It has become the national anthem. So far, composers associated me with a westernized style of singing, and it is to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's credit that they had the vision to perceive me beyond that. Now, I am inundated with offers for playback singing. Any more 'Kajra re...'s in the offing?
Let's see. The song re-invented my style. Before that my Made In India had created history as the highest-selling album. It is the benchmark for pop albums. Soon I am releasing my new album titled AC (for Alisha Chinai) which has been recorded in UK by Ravi Bal. Most of the tracks have a crossover sound to them. I am working on two more albums, one is a Covers' Album, a re-mix of old Hindi classics, the other one I don't want to divulge now.
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