The kids on Indian Idol Junior 2 are a lucky lot as they get to mingle with the finest minds of Bollywood. And one of the judges who inspires them, along with the audiences is Salim Merchant. We tell you why he is one of the coolest judges ever…read on:

His affable smile:

Whether he is taking out mistakes or simply heaping praises on you, his wonderful smile never wavers. He doesn’t let it slip off his face for even one moment. Kids need such positive people as mentors! Thank god for somebody like Salim. Way to go, Mr!

He puts in his hundred percent:

When he’s asked to perform a number on the stage, he puts in his hundred percent. He doesn’t take it lightly, even though he’s sung those songs millions of times before. That tells us his dedication for his craft. His love for his profession and how even a seasoned singer can’t take the stage lightly.

He never intimidates:

While judges get carried away by their positions and start intimidating the participants, Salim makes sure to keep them comfortable. From encouraging the kids to critiquing in a healthy way, he takes his position seriously. If this doesn’t make him cool. We wonder what will!

His banter with Vishal:

Even though the two are contemporaries, Vishal Dadlani and Salim Merchant don’t let that come in the way of their friendship. Salim’s banters with Vishal are legendary. They make for a cool watch and also offer the kids a glimpse into the real world where healthy competition exists and not full-blown fights!

Never shy of complimenting:

He might not be as vocal or loud like Vishal, but he doesn’t shy away from complimenting a good performance. A genuine praise can boost the contestant’s morale and will also help him/her better it. One of the reasons the kids are able to belt out amazing numbers is due to the judges’ easy-going nature and fun vibe. Nobody wants to perform in front of a crazy guy!

Is he your favorite? Let us know your thoughts!