TOP 17 Contestants of Indian Idol 5 (Now TOP 13 Full Personal Info, Photos, Videos)

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Rakesh Maini, Agra

27-years old Rakesh Maini belongs to a big family comprising of eleven siblings and his parents based out in Agra. Rakesh’s parents are really old and have dwindling eyesight. Their only wish in life is to see their son, Rakesh performing on television. Rakesh auditioned for Indian Idol to fulfil this wish of his parents.

Rakesh has no formal training in music and has largely learnt singing through his own commitment and effort. His favourite playback singers include Sonu Nigam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shaan. Rakesh feels his strength lies in being a complete performer with great stage presence and good entertainment value.

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Meghna Kumar, Jhansi

17-year old Meghna Kumar from Jhansi shined brightly amongst all the contenders at the Indian Idol 5 auditions held at Indore where she proved that physical disabilities were no barrier in producing stirring performances.
Meghna is a first year Bachelor of Arts student from Jhansi University. She suffers from the Tunnel Vision syndrome wherein the vision diminishes as the person grows older due to reduced retina over a period of time.

According to her doctors, she will completely lose her eyesight by end of 2010. Meghna has completed her prabhakar from Prayag University.

This extremely versatile and melodic singer is visually impaired, but she hasn’t let that affect her passion for singing. Meghna has been a part of various stage shows and has even won a gold medal from Agra and Allahbad in Sangeet Spradha. Some of the shows she has participated in include UP Idol, Agra Ninaad Competition and Prayag Sangeet Samiti.
At the auditions, Meghna performs on the song ‘Lambi Judaai…’ which leaves the jury members spellbound. The jury gives a standing ovation to Meghna as well as salutes to her talent and spirit.

Today, Meghna has proved and set an example to the world that nothing can prevent you from doing what your heart desires … not even your disabilities. Kudos your underlying passion and spirit Meghna!!!

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Swaroop Khan, Jodhpur

19-years old Swaroop belongs to the Langa family in Jodhpur. The only profession of the people of this and neighbouring village is singing. Likewise, Swaroop’s parents too are deeply associated with singing.

Swaroop learnt singing from his parents and even plays Khadtal and Morchang. He has performed at many stage shows in both India and abroad. He also won the best actor award for Milk and Opium. He has also featured in the Bournvita ad where the kids are seen dancing on his singing.

Swaroop is confident to win Indian Idol as he feels he has an exceptional voice which represents and blends perfectly his style and tradition.

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Vishwas Rai, Allahabad

Vishwas Rai is a 29 years old music teacher from Allahabad. He lives there with his family – parents and his siblings – elder & younger sister and a younger brother. His father is an engineer by profession.

Vishwas teaches as well as studies music at Ganesh Sangeer Vidhya Mandir in Allahabad. He is very passionate about singing and has spent 20 years in learning it as it intends to make his career in playback singing. Vishwas is a big fan of the following playback singers – Mohammad Rafi, Sukhwinder Singh, Shreya Ghoshal and Asha Bhonsle. Vishwas’ hobbies include cricket and playing music instruments such as table, keyboard, harmonium and drums.

He has been a part of a reality show and even hosted one of the episodes in Dubai. He now participates to makes his presence felt on Indian Idol 5 and gain recognition for his voice and music.

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Sashi Suman, Mumbai

21-years old Sashi Suman has been very passionate about singing since he was in his teens. Since he never got adequate encouragement and support from his parents, therefore he left home seven years ago to chase his dreams. He travelled in Banaras, Lucknow and Madhya Pradesh with just Rs. 1000/- to hunt for good music universities.

He even auditioned to get admission in a reputed music institute in Lucknow, which eventually he cleared and secured his training in music under Ustad Gulshan Bharti for six years. During his stay in Lucknow, one of his college friends offered him accommodation at his home and thereafter he opened a small music class there to teach music to kids. This not only helped him to share his knowledge on music but also earned him a living so that he could take care of his day to day expenses.

He shifted his base to Mumbai about two years ago and initially had no place to live, so he started living at one of the platforms in Andheri Station. Today he earns a living through doing a lot of stage shows. He auditioned for Indian Idol 5 to not only to showcase his talent but also to make his parents understand that singing isn’t a bad profession after all. His favourite singer is Sunidhi Chauhan. Apart from singing, Sashi also likes to play guitar and table in his spare time.