Little Champs at work
The young finalists of the Sa Re Ga Ma Little Champs competition are a spunky lot. Here, they talk about conquering stage fear and wanting to make it big in the music industry
Abhrakanti (12)
Abhrakanti (12)
Kolkata
I have been training for singing for a long time now. I had a Guruji in Kolkata who passed away. For the rain special of Little Champs I chose Barkha ka mausam that was originally sung by Ashaji. I was determined to sing this very song, though it's a rare song and it's difficult to sing. I am scared of the judges only when I don't sing well. I like singing difficult songs. That's where the challenge lies. I like Manna Dey and Mohd Rafi Saab from the older singers and Sonu Nigam in the current lot. I want to be a professional singer.
| Shraddha (14) |
Shraddha (14)
Jamshedpur
I was so happy when the judges gave me an A+ for my rendition of Solah baras ki which according to Bappi Lahiri was one of Laxmikant-Pyarelal's most difficult compositions. How did I get such a complicated song right? I just sang it. It's all because of my father and my Guruji. I want to be a playback singer when I grow up. My idol is Lataji. If I become the Little Champ I'll move from my home town Jamshedpur to Mumbai. One has to make sacrifices in life to move ahead. Besides, my parents will be with me.
Gurpreet (10)
Gurpreet (10)
Delhi
Everyone calls me the Punjabi kudi from Delhi. When on stage, I don't think of anything else except my song. I want to sing as well as I can. That's all that matters. And I'm not scared or nervous. Whatever be the judges' verdict, I am happy. If they scold me it's for my own good. Last week, I sang Ashaji's Aao na gale lagao na, and all three judges loved my performance. I like both fun-filled and serious songs. I love both Lataji and Ashaji. They're both wonderful. Maybe one day I can be like them.
Diwakar (13)
Diwakar (13)
Delhi
My favourite singers are Rafi Saab and Lataji. I like all kinds of songs—old or new, as long as the rhythm and melody is suitable. Since I have sung quite frequently on stage before, I am pretty confident on stage. There's no question of stage-fright. I'm not the least scared of the judges (Abhijeet, Bappi Lahiri, Alka Yagnik) as I know their comments will help me to become a better singer.
| Sameer (11) |
Sameer (11)
Mumbai
Iam known as the brat among the contestants. People say I'm mischievous because I select classic film songs and sing them in my own way. I feel that one should look ahead, so I sing the old numbers in my own way. My father is a music director and my uncle teaches me music every day. I'm not scared of faltering. So what if I slip up in my singing? I'll get it right in the next round. Among the judges I'm only scared of Abhijeetji. I want to be a professional singer.
Sanchita (14)
Sanchita (14)
Howrah
I like doing my own thing. When we had to do the rain special I chose Geela geela from Aitraaz. I do sing old songs but I forget their lines. I've learnt music at home. We kids at Little Champs are like one big noisy family. We sing, dance, talk and tease each other.
as told to Subhash K Jha
