You need a lot of money just to survive here : Daler Mehendi

Daler Mehendi is back on the small screen as a reality show judge on the new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. How come a reality show? "A number of my friends and fans have been asking about my decision to judge Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. I have been an avid follower of this show for many years and have seen how they have given opportunities to many talents in our country. So agreeing to do it was a natural thing." The singer wants to make an impact while judging the show. "I have seen other shows also and used to get annoyed when the judges would take the ‘sur’ very casually. They say good things just to avoid upsetting the contestants. I would think that if I had to judge a show, I will tell the contestants the right from the wrong. I want them to improve, even if that means being rude to them," says the first-time judge. But what about encouraging people? The youngsters do need a lot of it. Daler shares his point of view, "I feel sur is God’s gift and no matter how much you train you cannot make a besura singer into a surila.” At the same time, Daler is very excited about the quality of contestants in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa this time. "We have got some amazing talent. Not only do all of them sing in tune, they are gifted as well. I must mention this girl from Maharashtra. She sang an Asha Bhosle-Ghulam Ali number and the way she sang it, I had goose bumps. At such a young age, if she can sing so well, then imagine how amazing she would be when she grows up." The popular singer who ushered in the bhangra-pop revolution goes on while praising the contestants, "There is another contestant called Namdev who is physically challenge. He moves in a wheel chair but sings very well. He brings tears to my eyes whenever I listen to him." But what about the past winners and participants? Few have been able to make a mark in playback singing. He says, “I feel after a reality show gets over, no one bothers about the contestants. They roam around in Mumbai knocking every possible door for an opportunity. A lot of people from the film industry lie to these new singers about giving them opportunities. In Mumbai, one has to struggle a lot and you need a lot of money to just survive. I can understand most of these contestants doing stage shows. A film song will earn them pittance, while a stage show will give them enough to live in Mumbai. I feel that is why we do not see too many successful playback singers coming out of these reality shows, but plenty of stage performers."