Rising Star 2 winner Hemant Brijwasi talks to SANGEETA YADAV about his journey on the show and how he is fulfilling his father's dream
Proud to have won Rising Star 2IJ
I’m very happy and enjoying this moment. When I thought of giving auditions for the Rising Stars 2, I was convinced that I would win this show. But when I saw the contestants, I was blown away by their talent. They were amazing. Moreover, my curiosity to know how a live reality show works on TV made me more enthusiastic to take up this new challenge.
Did being a winner of SaReGaMaPa li’l Champs, 2009, give you added advantageIJ
I don’t feel any advantage as a reality show winner. When you win a show, the success, name and fame you earn on that platform doesn’t guarantee you success in the future but your talent, determination and hard work takes you places.
Did you became more confident after SaReGaMaPaIJ
I was fearful back then and more fearful throughout my journey on Rising Star 2 because we were live and a small mistake would have cost me. Unlike other reality shows which were tuned and edited, Rising Star is real and live. It is funny to see how we race against time to keep the act going without any goof-ups. There is not a single moment of pause on the show. After the performance gets over, the host continues to anchor the show while the crew sets up the stage in the backdrop for the next performance.
What was the best moment for you on the showIJ
It was when my father sung a duet with me on stage. The song Kajrare Mote Mote Tere Naina is a bhajan composed by him and sung by our guruji. My father is also a singer and I am the third generation.
How did your father support you in making your dream come trueIJ
My father used to sing bhajans, do live performances and, at the same time, trained me. When I was growing up, he saw his dream growing in me and nurtured my talent like a true mentor. He used to take me for auditions of singing reality shows and made me perform on stage at various events in Mathura. He is very talented but there was no reality talent hunt show where he could have performed.
Also, because of the family responsibility, he never got time to explore any opportunity. He has seen a lot of struggle in his life but never let me feel the stress and worry. He has done a lot for me and whatever I am today is because of him. My father’s dream to sing live before camera came true on Rising Star. For me, fulfilling his dreams is more important.
Who was your toughest contenderIJ
Vishnumaya. When she came on the show, she could only sing in a few genres but by the end of the show, she became a versatile singer. Earlier, I was the only one who could sing all genres but she came up very well.
Did you ever feel the competition had become tougher and you would not be able to copeIJ
Yes, many times. I was given a song Kaha Raja Bhoj, Kaha Gangu Teili and was not happy about it. I doubted myself but then Shankar Mahadevan came to my rescue and encouraged me to give my best.
How are you going to spend the prize moneyIJ
I will save Rs 20 lakh to buy a house in Mumbai someday and pursue my career here.
What are your upcoming projectsIJ
Akhtar Brothers and I have sung for a film Soorma starring Diljit Dosanj which will get released soon. I have completed my Class XII and will do my graduation now.