Himesh’s revolt.

By Subhash K Jha

Whether it's for his recordings, acting ambitions, or TV appearances, Himesh Reshammiya is constantly singled out for acting uppity and aloof.

Now on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa we see him burst into tears for the first time in public, and not just because of his father, veteran musician Bipin Reshammiya's presence.

There is more reason for Himesh's grief. And it's to do with the rigid stance that the musician-turned-actor insists on taking about his protegees' choice of songs.

Says a source from the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa team, "Known for always being the ones to discover true music based only on the talent and riyaaz, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has known to have participants who are able to sing any genre, any type of song.

For instance a participant is asked to sing a Kishore Kumar and a KK song in the same episode, if you know what I mean. And based on the versatility of the voice, the performer is given his points. Now what is happening with Himesh is that he is not at all for experimentation.

So he always asks his gharana to sing songs with a sufi touch, so Rahat Fateh Ali and Atif Aslam are his favorites for his students."

This rigid stance does not go too well with the other gurus.

Continues the source, "The other gurus want the participants to sing various styles. Time and again we have also told him to change his selection of sings to incorporate some old songs! But Himesh insists he isn't fond of old songs.

He says he doesn't want his gharana to starve without work just sitting in a competition and experimenting. He wants them to earn money by their talent. If this style makes them become good singers, then it is only that style that Himesh will hone."

Not wanting to upset Himesh the programme's producers are playing along. But the other gurus are not very happy with this.

And it won't be long before Himesh is asked to bend….Or leave.