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Debojit speechless at massive support
Guwahati: All along he has been receiving lakhs of SMS's from people in the Northeast, voting for his victory in Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, but today he was speechless finding himself amid his admirers and supporters at home.

Traffic was brought to a grinding halt as people thronged the street linking the airport to the city heart to have a glimpse of the latest misical sensation in the country, Debojit Saha, one of the two finalists of the Zee TV much-watched Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge, 2005.

It was the first home coming for the hardworking singer from Silchar in southern Assam after he had left for Mumbai in July, 2002 to test his musical talent in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challengem, quitting his job of an assistant engineer in Assam PWD.

''The support I have been receiving from the people of the Northeast, particularly from Assam during my journey through Sa Re Ga Ma Pa episodes in Zee TV is overwhelming. I have no word to express my gratitude. For me, the people of the Northeast has become a super power that has skaken up Mumbai,'' Debojit said while talking to media here.

''People of the region hardly knew me when I had left for Mumbai in the year 2002 to test my talent in the big league. Today because of the affection showered on me by the people of the country, especially those from the Northeast I am being blessed by all,'' said Debojit who aims at becoming a top-bracket play back singer in the country.

Debojit informed that his guru in Zee TV programme, noted music director Ismail Darbar has promised to use him as a playback singer in his next film, while noted filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bansali too has evinced interest in him.

Welcoming Debojit and hailing his feat, the AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya said, ''Debojit is a glaring example of the power of the music to unite people''.

The AASU and North East Students Organisation (NESO) have been instrumental in launching a region-wide sustained campaign through the media asking people to vote for Debojit to make him the 'voice of India.'

http://www.newkerala.com/news2.php?action=fullnews&id=6893

The Sa Re Ga Ma Pa whirlwind tour

Friday 10 Feb: At the Kolkata airport when Vinit gets off the aircraft from Mumbai thousands of fans surge forward chanting his name. They throw flowers and thrust slips of paper into his face. Vinit looks flummoxed, then pleased. Coincidentally, the two Fame Gurkul winners Rooparekha and Qazi are also at the airport. There's minimal interest in them.

Few hours later at City Centre, Salt Lake: Debojit and Vinit arrive at the crowded hysterical venue for their live concert in Kolkota. While Debojit looks around curiously and cautiously, Vinit is a little bewildered when the girls and boys start shrieking.

"It isn't as though I'm not used to crowds by now. I've been through enough live performances all over India ever since Sa Re Ga Ma Pa happened to me. I do take to the audience immediately and instinctively. But this is something else," Vinit whispers as he gets on stage to sing Janaab-e-jaani with his mentor Himesh Reshammiya.

When Debojit gets together with his mentor Ismail Durbar to render Woh kisna hai, the audiences are enthusiastic in their response, though not delirious.

"Debojit definitely has a fan following, and you can see he has fanatics instead of fans," Sa Re Ga Ma producer Gajendra Singh points out to large clusters of Debu-philes shouting his name, holding up banners, insisting that he's the best.

Singh then points to the fans of the other finalist. "But Vinit has fans who love him for what he is, and not where he comes from. Vinit definitely has an edge."

Himesh Reshammiya actually gets on stage during the performance to warn audiences not to get swayed by the contestant's place of origin but to focus on talent.

****

Sunday 12 Feb: The venue was the Ansal Plaza in Delhi. A crowd of about 20,000 fans thronged the venue chanting Vinit's name.

The evening was meant to be a concert to spotlight the two Sa Re Ga Ma Pa finalists Debojit and Vinit. But, it turned out to be an impromptu platform for the ousted contestant Himani Kapoor to shine. Himani was suddenly brought on at the fag-end of the show at 9:45 pm, fifteen minutes before closing time. The crowds went berserk.

Apparently Himani got more appreciation for her 15-minute appearance than what the others received for the rest of the show. "I wouldn't like to say that," says Himani. "But it was all unexpected. I'm glad they decided to include me in the concert. I never thought it would turn out the way it did. I had time to perform only one number Sajna ve (from Chameli). I'd have preferred to sing something dreamier. But going by the concert's mood, I guess the tempo was timely. It caught on."

****

Himesh Reshammiya has already decided to make Himani sing three forthcoming songs. The composer is also all set to take Vinit and Himani on a world concerts including one in Dubai in a month's time.

Himani is in a calm daze. "It's all happening so fast and so suddenly. I don't feel I've been ousted from Sa Re Ga Ma. In fact, everyone seems to be more responsive to me than ever before. The Delhi concert was an eye-opener. And, I'll have to reluctantly admit that the response I got in ten minutes was unequalled by anything else."
According to Gajendra Singh, "We had no prior plans of bringing on Himani. The concert was meant to promote the two finalists. But our last-minute decision paid off. In her brief appearance, Himani had the crowds hysterical. They mobbed both Vinit and Himani for autographs. Not only that, we had hundreds of fans waiting for them at Park Plaza where we proceeded for dinner. So it was evident their popularity has gone far beyond the stage."

So impressed is the Sa Re Ga Ma organizers by the response to Himani's performance that there are sudden plans afoot to bring her back into the show.

"I must admit, Himani's ouster was a mistake," admits Gajendra Singh. "The voting pattern was definitely not foolproof. And we plan to take concrete steps to rectify the wrong done. Contestants like Nihira and Himani should not have been eliminated."

****

The grand finals of Indian Idol are a couple of weeks from now. Super-celebs from Bollywood are being wooed into the show to wow audiences and contestants.
Afer Amisha Patel who has just recorded a Valentine's Day special, it's Preity Zinta who's expected to be on Indian Idol next week. Karan Johar has also agreed to be on the show.

The idea is to flood the show with celebrities and wean viewers away from Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. But the rival show isn't exactly sitting on its laurels. Sa Re Ga Ma has plenty of showbiz celebs lined up.

"But we aren't into impressing audiences with film stars. My focus is more on getting people who know about music, like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Subhash Ghai , Priyanka Chopra and Tabu. We hope to get Salman Khan back on the show. He was a raging hit when he came, and he loves music" says Gajendra Singh.

On Indian Idol, Amisha Patel made quite an impression on the contestants Karunya, Antara , Panna and Ameya. Each sang a romantic song. Antara crooned Zara zara from Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein and Panna crooned the title song from Agar Tum No Hote. Amisha told the latter that he reminded her of Saif Ali Khan.

And after Karunya sang the title track from Hum Tum Amisha quipped, "You resemble Abhishek. Hope you find the same popularity."

Wonder how healthy it is for these aspiring singers to be compared with Bollywood stars!

On Friday, Deal Ya No Deal anchor Mandira Bedi cancelled the shooting of the Valentine special featuring Iqbal Khan-Neha Bamb , Shakti Anand-Kanchi Kaul hours before the recording. The reason given was an infected throat.

One person who was happy by this unexpected holiday was Iqbal. "It was my birthday and I got sudden time for myself and my family. I guess it all worked out for the best"

While the Valentine special has now been postponed, Mandira has quickly recovered to take Deal Ya No Deal to another celebrity level with real-life siblings Farah and Sajid Khan who come together for the game show.

The episode featuring the irrepressible Khan siblings was recorded on Sunday. Farah seemed quite tickled by the idea of doing a deal with her brother. "It should be fun. Let's hope we win some money."

****

http://www.indiantelevision.com/special/boxpopuli/y2k6/feb/b oxpopuli7.htm

Big turnout for 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' registration


By Mrudu Naik and Rekha Baala

MUSCAT — Housewife Bobby has been singing at home for nearly four hours every day for the past week. Kulkarni's wife has been doing the same. And the Kulkarnis have come all the way from Salalah.

Bobby and Kulkarni's wife are not the only singers in Oman who have brushed up their singing skills before the big event, Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Muqabala 2006 audition process, which started at Indian Social Club, Muscat, yesterday.

Participants from age 15 to 72 (yes, that is the age of the oldest contestant) have registered their names for the auditions, which ends tomorrow.

For singers in Oman, the event is a dream come true. They are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to outshine each other during the three-day auditions.

Elaborate arrangements have also been made to shoot the footage of the auditions, which will be used for the final selection process.

The enthusiasm of the participants is evident by the huge response at the registration level.

"Ever since I saw the advertisement for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa audition tests on Zee TV, I have begun preparations in the right earnest," said Bobby, a participant.

Most of the women, men, boys and girls are optimistic that they would be selected.

"Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a great programme and I thought I should take this chance and try my luck. I have been singing for a lot of stage shows and have even sung Hindi songs for Asianet Channel.

For the auditions, I will be singing a Kishore Kumar song," said Shashi, a wannabe singer from Salalah.

ISC officials informed that application forms for the auditions were in great demand as a number of people from the city and its adjoining areas are keen to participate in the programme.

Nitin Mirani, executive, events, Real Media FZ LLC/Zee Network, is part of the team which will select contestants for the second phase of the competition to be held in Dubai.

"We are amazed by the first round of auditions in Bahrain and Qatar. It is very motivating to be around such talent. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a programme where people from all walks of life, irrespective of their age get a chance to display their singing skills. It is a truly universal platform for people with talent to fulfill their dreams," he said.

It was interesting to note that many husbands had come to hand over their wives' entry forms. To this, Nitin quipped: "I guess the show should have a new tagline — Sa Re Ga Ma Pa brings out the husband in you."

A large number of aspiring singers are expected to register today and the hunt for the most talented singers will begin in full swing when the auditions start at 2pm.

http://www.timesofoman.com/newsdetails.asp?newsid=25887&pn=l ocal

Zee TV's talent hunt show for singers in Oman
From our correspondent

16 February 2006



MUSCAT — Here is a chance for aspiring singers in Oman to participate for the first time in Zee TV's popular talent hunt programme, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Auditions for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East 2006 begin today and will continue for three days at the Lulu Hypermarkets in Baushar and Darseit and the Indian Social Club.


The most outstanding singers from Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE will be selected by Zee TV's talent search team and invited to participate in the finals, to be held in Dubai in March. "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has over the years been the most respected platform for amateur singers to showcase their talent, it is very exciting that now this hunt would be carried out on an international level," Yogesh Radhakrishnan, MD and CEO Real Media FZ LLC /Zee Network said.

The creator and director of the programme, Gajendra Singh, will himself fly down to judge the finals in the first week of next month in Dubai.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/mi ddleeast/2006/February/middleeast_February528.xml§ion=mi ddleeast&col=

Chance to show off musical talent on TV


By A Staff Reporter

MUSCAT — All aspiring singers, here is a dream chance to show off your talent on one of Indian television's most popular talent-hunt programmes.

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, the hottest show on Zee Television, is coming to your city. Acquiring a Middle East flavour and conceptualised as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Muqabala 2006, the show will now pick up talented singers from major countries in the Middle East like Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the UAE through special auditions. The most outstanding among them would be selected by Zee TV's talent search team to participate in the finals in Dubai next month.

Auditions in Oman are on February 16, 17 and 18 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) at the Indian Social Club. Entry forms are available at Lulu Hypermarkets (Bausher and Darsait) and at Indian Social Club. Participants can register their names on all three days between 10am and 12 noon and auditions begin at 2pm. Registration requires passport copy and two passport-size photographs. The contest is open to those above the age of 15 and participants should only sing in Hindi. The auditions, which kicked off in Bahrain attracted more than 100 participants in two days.

Speaking about the event, Yogesh Radhakrishnan, managing director and CEO of Real Media FZ LLC/Zee Network, the organisers of the show, said: "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has over the years become a respected platform for amateur singers to showcase their talent and now it becomes very exciting because this hunt would be carried out on an international level."

"The response to Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 regional auditions held last year in Dubai was heartening, the overwhelming appreciation of the event prompted us to plan Middle East's own Muqabala and have our audiences here be a part of it," he added.

Nitin Mirani also of Real Media threw light on the other aspects of the competition like the judging pattern, the second round and the finale.

"We are looking at people who not only sing well but who look like they are having fun. They should be confident and presentable too. As for the judging process, the auditions will be judged by locally based experts," he said.

Times of Oman is the media sponsor of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Muqabala 2006.

http://www.timesofoman.com/newsdetails.asp?newsid=25821&pn=l ocal

Auditions for Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma in Doha
Web posted at: 2/15/2006 4:52:31
Source ::: The Peninsula
Doha: Local talent from Qatar have now been offered the opportunity participate in the popular Zee TV show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, with auditions expected to be held in Doha shortly, a spokesman for the popular television network from the Indian subcontinent, said here yesterday.

Challengers from Qatar can register for the audition at the LuLu Hypermarket and the MES Indian School beginning today. "The Zee TV team is sure of a great response from the region, considering the fact that during last year's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 regional auditions held in Dubai, several enthusiastic singers from Qatar had actually flown in to the emirate to participate and prove their vocal talent," he added.

The show enjoys great popularity in the Middle East prompting the Zee network and Real Media to organise the region's own Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Muqabala-2006. The most outstanding amongst them would be selected by Zee TV's talent search team and invited to participate in the finals, to be organised in Dubai, UAE.

Yogesh Radhakrishnan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Real Media /Zee Network said: "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has over the years been the most respected platform for amateur singers to showcase their talent, it is very exciting that now this hunt would be carried out on an international level. Indian music legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ustad Vilayat Khan and Ustad Zakir Hussain who have rarely graced any TV shows with their presence, have been honorary judges on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa." He pointed out that the now famous signer, Sonu Nigam was a guest participant at Zee Antakshari. The director, Gajendra Singh, spotted his talent and chose him as a host for Sa Re Ga Ma, which helped propel him to fame.

The Middle East event will be conducted in two phases. First phase began on February 10 when the Zee Network team flew to Bahrain to register and audition the contestants followed by Qatar, Oman and the UAE.

Selected participants will be required to travel to Dubai for the second phase. The entire second phase will be telecast on Zee TV as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Muqabala-2006 with show hosted by Shaan and directed by Gajendra Singh, the spokesman added.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Lo cal_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=February2006&file=Local _News2006021545231.xml

Himesh rocks with Aap Kaa Surroor

Diganta Guha/ HT City

Kolkata, February 15

Let's rock, his favourite phrase on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005, suits him well. Music director Himesh Reshammiya is rocking and making everyone dance to his tunes. We caught up with the music director on a recent visit to the city.

In 2005, he ruled the roost with Just chill and Aashiq banaya. Two months into this year and he already has hits like Jhalak and Soniye. His debut album Aap Kaa Surroor that released recently is what the singer is most excited about. "It will have 27 music videos all directed by my friend Prashant Chaddha who is also behind my new look," he says. The music videos include 11 main tracks, nine remixes and seven unplugged numbers. "The videos of Aap kaa surroor and Nam hai tera are already on air," says Himesh who was in town for the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 Live Mahayudh.

In 2006 one will hear a lot from Himesh. To put it in his own words, "I have 1,000 tracks in stock and you will see a blend of world music with rock." Coming up are a long list of films — Shaadi Se Pehle, 36 China Town, films with David Dhawan, Anees Bazmee and more. There will be variety too, he promises. "I am only 30 and music is like a subject for me. I work like a student in every film," says Himesh.

Himesh has ventured into playback too with numbers like Aashiq banaya and Aap ki kashish in Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Jhalak in Aksar. But he says, "Music direction is still my first love and not singing."

On Vinit, who is his favourite in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005, he says, "He is very hardworking. He knows the shruti very well and is so good at classical music. He is very learned."

What has been his advice to Vinit? "To be good in playback, you need to modulate your voice and sing with an accent that can provide some freshness," he says. Himesh has already given the young singer a chance to playback in the film Rocky.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1626352,001100030001. htm

Debojit wins Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge!

rediff Entertainment Bureau | February 24, 2006 22:35 IST

I don't believe in winning or losing," said Debojit Saha earlier today. He no longer has a choice.

The 29-year old from Silchar, Assam, has won Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005, beating 17-year old Vinit Singh in a closely fought and much-watched contest.

Debojit, a civil engineer by profession, came to Mumbai three years ago to pursue a career in singing. He says it was his wife who played an instrumental role in making sure he stuck to his agenda. Assam voted in full force, but the rest of the nation appears to have chipped in as well, considering tonight's results.

Another interesting thing the winner said earlier was how he wanted to be a common man all his life. Tough luck, Debojit. You're famous!

http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2006/feb/24debojit1.htm

Meet Sa Re Ga Ma's Vinit

Priyanka Jain | February 24, 2006

Today is D-day. The final round of the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge, which will be shown live on Zee TV. At stake are two dreams, two careers and two hearts.

Even as you read this piece, Vinit and Debojit are worrying about their future. There is a prize to be won -- a contract to be awarded -- that could change their lives forever.

When the lads first came on air, they looked like any of us. Over a period of time though, they underwent a transformation. While Debojit came out more diplomatic and 'politically correct', Vinit has maintained his innocence. This, despite of a lot of controversies regarding the show.

Jarring notes in the Sa Re Ga show

On the day of the finals, Vinit Tejnarayan Singh, 17, talks to Priyanka Jain about his family, singing and winning.

Are you afraid of Debojit's popularity? Is there pressure on you?

I am too young not to get affected by it. But I try and keep myself sane. I have learnt a lot -- about dealing with fans, anger, happiness, madness, critics, pressure, the votes, everything... I will walk out a stronger person. Debojit got 20 lakh out of 30 lakh votes from Assam. I got my votes from all over India.

How well do you know Debojit?

I have heard him saying that he has worked on jingles and been around in the industry for the last two years. For him, his career has already begun; this would be another feather in his cap. But I am a newcomer, with no knowledge about the industry and its ways. I want to make it big here. I have come with a dream, I want to achieve something.

War of the music composers, literally

So many stars come on the show -- does it hamper your concentration?

On the contrary, I find it encouraging. I have never seen so many of them in person. To be praised by actors, actresses and singers is a huge compliment. This show will always be close to my heart.

There has been so much drama, so many controversies on the sets. Did that affect you?

I am a normal person, with normal emotions. When big people say something, one feels hurt. But, over a period of time, I have learnt it is part of the game. One has to live with it. I was different when I came. I have grown as a person.

How have you been preparing for D-day?

Being in the hands of Himesh Reshammiya, one of the best talents in the country, I think I am well prepared.

My heart goes out to Debojit

What are your hobbies?

I take my guitar to the terrace or garden and play when I am alone. I love music. I think I must have been born humming. I used to enjoy playing cricket in the city's bylanes. Like kids my age, I am also interested in video games.

Tell us a little about your family.

I come from a middle class family. My father works with Everready batteries. I have three sisters, two of whom are married. One sister, who is a year older than I, is my guardian angel. We fight a lot, but when we get caught for something I have done, she always saves me!

You have a girlfriend at 17...

Is there an age for one to fall in love? She was my classmate. Our families know each other and they kind of accept it. Love has brought melody to my life.

You call Himesh Reshammiya Guruji...

In Lucknow, I was just another fan of his. I have sung his songs in the bathroom, while playing antakshari with friends, to my girlfriend... Little did I know that my idol would become my guru. Not many people are as lucky. The trademark cap, for which I have been called 'Topiwala Vinit', is my good luck charm -- a gift from my Guruji. I wear it on the sets all the time. He has offered to make me sing in his forthcoming movies. What else can one dream of?

Does it matter whether or not you win the competition?

Wouldn't it matter if you were in my place? I would be lying if I said it doesn't matter. No one enters a competition to be a part of it. Winning does matter.

Is there something you would like to say to your fans?

Dream. If nothing else, you will become poets.

'I don't believe in winning or losing'

Patcy N | February 24, 2006

Born in Silchar, Assam, Debojit Saha came to Mumbai three years ago to pursue a career in singing. The 29-year old, who is a civil engineer and works in the Public Works Department, is now the apple of the nation's eye. He seems set to win Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge in tonight's finals.

The only reason he is in Mumbai, he says, is his wife. On the eve of the grand finale, he speaks to Patcy N about his passion for music, his experiences at the contest and more.

Meet Sa Re Ga Ma's Vinit

"I have two elder brothers and sisters. My mother, who dreamt of me becoming a singer, is no more. When I was in class six, I was interested in drawing. But, whenever I had to draw, I needed music in the background. I don't know when I lost interest in drawing and music became my passion. After school, I began doing local shows. I auditioned for radio and television and was selected.

As I am Bengali, I am inspired by Rabindra sangeet. I have learnt a lot from old Hindi songs too. I am a big fan of Kishoreda (Kumar) and always sing his songs. My favourite song, however, is Ai Zindagi Gale Laga Le from Sadma, sung by Suresh Wadkar. Listening to them all, I have formed my own style.

I married Bandana Paul three years ago. She insisted that we settle in Mumbai. My wife is a fashion designer and, before we were married, she worked in Delhi while I was in Assam. It was a love marriage. We connected with each other because of music. We met at a function and started going to each other's houses. Though there was nothing between us when we met, we gradually started liking each other. My wife is a classical singer too, and she liked my singing.

Jarring notes in the Sa Re Ga show

I proposed to her in 2001. After marriage, everything in my life changed. I never thought I would leave my government job and come to Mumbai ever. But my wife was ambitious and always thought of coming and making it big here. After our marriage, she forgot her career and started taking an interest in mine. We left Assam and came to Mumbai. We had to struggle a lot for the first six months, until she got a job.

It has been almost three and half years since I came here. I tried searching for a job too, but my wife told me that doing anything apart from singing made no sense as we had left everything to come to Mumbai. So, getting a singing assignment was a one-point program. She was very supportive. After my parents, if there is anyone who has changed and influenced my life, it is Bandana.

War of the music composers, literally

I started working with Pritam Chakraborty as his assistant. I joined him to learn the ways of the industry. I got offers to sing for serials like Kyun Hota Hai Pyar, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Bhabhi and Saath Phere Saloni Ka Safar. I also sang a scratch of a song for Pritam (sung before the lyrics and tune are finalised). It was for a movie called Sayaad that was never made.

My music guru in Mumbai, Askaran Sharma, insisted I take part in all competitions. I never participated because I thought I couldn't sing in any competition. I come from a very small town and was scared to face huge crowds.

For the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005, we were all staying in a bungalow in Jogeshwari. But as I had a house close by, I would sometimes go home. I am a bit of an introvert and don't speak much. At the same time, I am friendly with everyone. I was very close to Nihira and Paresh.

My heart goes out to Debojit

Ismail Durbar and I got very emotional the day he tied a gaanda (the thread tied around a student's wrist by his teacher) on my hand. But I was still not that free with him. I was very scared of him. As the number of contestants decreased, we started getting closer. He also started feeling confident about me. I started going to his house very often. He scolds trained singers when they make mistake and we were just amateurs in front of him. He is an instrumentalist. And they are very sharp. Even if we were to make the slightest mistake, he would catch it and yell at us. He was very adamant that we work well.

I remember the day I sang Humma from the film Bombay. He came and kissed me because it was a big change in my singing style. After that, I sang all kinds of songs by all kinds of singers.

Sa Re Ga Ma was a very educative journey for me. I have learnt a lot -- how to appear on stage, choreography, how to face the media. When I was pulled in this ULFA controversy, I was not that upset. But when my fellow contestants walked out, I felt very bad because I had always treated them like brothers and sisters. But I have forgiven them all.

How you spell money for TV shows

I don't believe in winning or losing. All the finalists were good. We got tremendous support from the audience. Now, we are above winning or losing. I would say my audience's love is more important to me than winning or losing.

I loved my stage performance in Kolkata, which I did recently. Not because I am a Bengali, but because it is a musical city. I never thought I would be so well received in Delhi.

I have received mail from supporters around the world, but I still don't feel like a star. I don't want that feeling to ever come to me. I have always been a common man and would like to stay that way. I have not changed at all. The only thing is I get too many calls and people have started recognising me. I still dress the same way and eat the same food. I have started travelling by car more though. Earlier, it was by bus or train.

Yesterday, I travelled by train and it was a great feeling I had to go to Vikram Phadnis' showroom for a costume trial and I was getting late so I went by train. Half the crowd went mad seeing me. Some couldn't believe it was me. Others wanted me to speak on their cell phones to their brothers, mothers, sisters and fiancs. It was great. I always want to be among the common people. I don't want to stay alone all by myself.

I have recently sung a song for Ismail Durbar. I have also got a song from Pritam Chakraborty. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has also told me to sing a song for his next movie. Subhash Ghai liked my voice, so I might get an offer from him. I have also got lots of offers from Kolkata and Assam, for private albums and films.

http://us.rediff.com/movies/2006/feb/24debojit.htm