Neha kakkar, a playback singer, contestant of a reality show Indian Idol 2 and now a judge in SA RE GA MA PA, li’l Champs 6 talks to RACHITA MAlHOTRA about her journey thus far
How does it feel to be a judge with Himesh Reshammiya and Javed AliIJ
Both of them are elder to me and are more experienced than me, I am new to this industry, I am really happy to be a judge with two amazing singers. Himesh is indeed a brilliant composer; His energy level is way too good. On the other hand, we have Javed Ali, who is an amazing singer.
What will be your criteria for judgingIJ
The one thing that I always look for in any singer or contestant is that you should be able to sing all kind of songs. To survive in the industry, you must be versatile. I feel so lucky at times that I can sing all types of songs, and same I will be expecting from the contestants, Of course they are children, and I will never be rude with them. I’d want to teach them to overcome their shortcomings.
How is this season different from the previous seasonsIJ
This is the first time that schools will be representing the little kids. This is going to be interesting. We will try to bring teachers to the stage as well. We have asked students to give interview in their school uniforms. This has never happened before in any reality show. It will provide a comfort zone for the kids.
There are a lot of reality shows. Why is it so that very few contestants get a chance to reach the topIJ
It is very important to be passionate about your dreams. Reality shows will only give you a platform, but how to take it ahead is in your hands. We will definitely groom you and provide you with ample of opportunities, after that it becomes your responsibility of how you take it ahead.
What entertains youIJ
Cuteness is something that entertains me a lot, I was a huge fan of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, I used to watch it almost daily. Even now I make sure to watch it online.
Did you accept the offer of judging the show as a challengeIJ
To be very honest, at first I thought that this is not the right time to become a judge of such a big reality show. It is a very big responsibility for me. You know, when you are a judge, people judge you, because my decisions will affect people, so I wasn’t very ready to do that. But at the end I thought of not letting such a big opportunity go away. I am overwhelmed to be judging such a show. Also, if I can change somebody’s life or guide kids through their career, there’s nothing better than that.
Every creative person has element that is seen common in their work, what is it that connects your threadIJ
I think people relate to my singing and my expressions. People relate to me because I am a girl next door, I am not much like a celebrity, neither do I behave like one. When people love your talent and when they start following you, they start liking your shortcomings as well.
Other than Sa re Ga Ma Pa, what are your plans for 2017IJ
First of all, in January itself, there is a song coming up —Naina. In Dangal, Arijit has sung, I am singing the female version of it. I am very excited about it. Other than that there are a lot of movies coming up by God’s grace. Also there are singles I am working on.
Whose voice would you like to become in the industryIJ
I actually love Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, though I have sung for Deepika, Second hand jawani but I would want to sing for both of them. Other than them I have always wanted to sing for Madhuriji, but I guess my voice is young for her.
People listen to Neha Kakkar, who do you listen toIJ
I love Arijit Singh, I love listening to him. Apart from him, I listen to my brother Tonny and sister, Sonu.
What is your New Year resolutionIJ
I don’t think there is anything like New Year Resolution. Whatever you plan never actually happens, so I prefer to let things flow.