Singer-composer Salim Merchant tells Shrabasti Mallik that all reality shows combined together are not enough to tap the potential offered by the singing talent of this nation
It was just a few days ago when the musical brother duo of Salim and Sulaiman Merchant gave their fans a little Eidi with their single Astagfirullah. They are no strangers to television shows either, having appeared as judges in music reality shows. But while Sulaiman agreed to be a judge once, Salim has no qualms in taking the position one time too many.
He believes that when it comes to singing, India has no dearth of talent. So much so that the singer often feels that he is at the wrong end, judging incredible singers. “Sometimes when I hear them sing I realise how dedicated they are to the art at such a young age. We took years to master the tune and even more to learn the history of a gharana and get to the roots,” he said before joining the panel of judges for the second edition of Young Singing Stars, an initiative by Max and backed by Universal music.
Currently, Merchant is also among the panel of judges at the ongoing Indian Idol Junior but he told us that it will not be difficult for him to judge two shows back-to-back. “There is never a tiring moment when you are amidst such phenomenal talent. They are so confident that they do not even hesitate to make an impromptu harkat in the song. There are times when we are rendered speechless,” he told us, with much enthusiasm.
We were always curious about the whereabouts of the many winners of music shows. After a brief spell of fame, where do they disappear, we ask him. “They are all amongst us,” he said, “People have the wrong notion that winners fade away once the show is over. They are very much in the industry and doing quite well for themselves.” He gave us the example of Shreya Ghoshal, and of the more recent incident of Sreerama Chandra Mynampati, winner of Indian Idol 2010, lending his voice to the song Subhan Allah from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Bhoomi Trivedi, a runner-up from the same show, who won several accolades for the song Ram Chahe leela from Goliyon Ki Raaseela Ram-leela.
The singer feels that reality shows are a good platform to hone one’s talent and an opportunity to promote yourself. “They are the gateway to a land full of opportunities. They are the ideal stepping stones for any talent,” he wrapped up.