Vishwas Rai the first evicted participant from the top thirteen contestants of Sony's Indian Idol 5 in an exclusive conversation…
Vishwas Rai the most senior and experienced singer among the talented thirteen singers in
Sony's Indian Idol 5 looks at his elimination from the show as a positive step, even though he did not expect his ouster so soon..
Tell us about your singing experience in Indian Idol as of now?
The experience has been great. I still remember the time I had got selected from Delhi auditions, after standing in that queue for hours together in scorching heat and quenching thirst, coupled with nervousness.
How's the feel of being associated in a reality show?
The feeling is nice; it gives an artist the idea of where the person stands in comparison to equally talented artists around. Also it is a great professional learning experience which takes us through an entire journey from being a singer to a celebrity.
What was the immediate reaction you had after you heard your elimination news?
I was shocked and surprised, because nobody had expected such a verdict. Most of us were expecting Tia or Manisha to get evicted, but then its fine.
Do you feel bad to be the first person to be eliminated in Gala round?
Absolutely!! It feels bad to be eliminated so soon, but I'm taking it positively. My main aim is to get into play back singing in films and the day I had entered this show my struggle process had begun; so I look at it as a part of my journey and I'm satisfied by the fact that at least the biggies of Bollywood know me and appreciate my voice.
Why do you think you got eliminated?
I think there is so much of great singing happening in the show that audience got confused, or may be mesmerized in the songs that they forgot to vote (smiles). Because in the first round I had sung 'Fashion ka hi yeh Jalwa' song for which I received standing ovation from judges; then I sung 'Chak de India' track and received equally good appreciation. Even after all this, I have got eliminated, so I feel audience couldn't decide whom to vote and whom not to.
According to you who are the strongest and weakest performers in the show?
I feel there is no weak performer as such; all are equally talented and that is the reason they are on the show. But in comparison to other participants I feel Shivam is a very genuine singer.
Even the judges were shocked on hearing that you got eliminated. Did you talk to them in person after the elimination?
Yes they were really disappointed; Pritamji who had come as a guest judge assured me that he will give me a song in his future projects. Even Anu Malik took me to his place, offered me dinner and even an opportunity to sing with him, and he did appreciate my talent.
Who were your friends out there?
I shared a good rapport with everyone; yet I was very close to Shivam who was like a younger brother to me.
Do you hope for a chance to get back to the contest thro wild card?
I hope I'll come and if I get an opportunity I will surely not miss the chance.
If given a chance what would you want to change in the first gala performance of yours?
Firstly, I would like to change my look, cut my hair, and wear some earnings.
How is your family coping up with your early elimination?
Very well, my mother is very strong and she has been supporting me very well.
What are your future plans?
Firstly I would try for play back singing in films and then try something in anchoring too.
Who has been your favorite judge?
Anu Malik, as he loves me a lot.
Which was your most memorable moment on India Idol 5?
The most memorable moment was when I had reached the audition venue in Delhi. As soon as the gate opened everyone just rushed in and I fell down on the ground and the crowd literally stamped on me. I was brutally hurt; a crew member pulled me aside at the right moment. I can never forget that, I just felt I'll die.
You are a well-known singer cum music teacher in Allahabad then why did you opt for a reality show?
For simple reason that no one can make a popular and well established career in 3 months and a reality show like Indian Idol gives an artist that opportunity. and I feel it's a great achievement.
You have even hosted a reality show in Dubai, could you tell us something about that?
Yes I had hosted Sa Re Ga Ma Pa of UAE and Amanat Ali was the winner of the same. I even participated in the same reality show in India in 2005-06.
Who according to you are the top four singers this year?
Shivam, Shashi, Naushad and Shriram.