The audience has decided what they thought was right : Meghna Kumar

Meghna Kumar, the visually challenged girl from Jhansi eliminated last night from Indian Idol 5. Interestingly, the girl who overcame her physical disadvantages to participate in the contest is not sad about it. On the contrary she is extremely charged up for the future. She spoke to Tellychakkar about her experience, dreams and future plans. You must be sad after yesterday's elimination... Not at all. I am very happy that I have reached a position where the media is talking to me. Coming from a small town like Jhansi and achieving this much in my life -- I feel blessed. Whenever I have performed in Indian Idol, the judges always supported me and have pointed out my positive and negatives. I feel very happy as a performer. Why did you want to participate in Indian Idol? Apart from Indian Idol, the cut off age in every other show is 18. Since am 17 years old I couldn't participate in other competitions. And Indian Idol is a great platform to showcase your talent. Tell us something about your family. I am from Jhansi and live with my parents. I have a younger brother who is in school. My father is a banker and he helps me with everything right from brushing my teeth to music. My family is my pillar of strength. When did you start your music training? About six years back, doctors told me that I will be not able to see. I thought of everything I could do and realised that only music can help me in my life. In music there is no need for vision. You just need the right talent and right person to guide you. For the last six years I have been taking my classical lessons from my guruji Sri Samir Bhalerao. In my family I am the only musician. All the other members are busy studying. I am also learning tabla though it is tough because I can't see. But I am still trying. We have seen that you, Tia and Shashi Suman were great pals... Yes! When the theatre round was starting, Bhoomi came to me, held my hand and asked me to join her group. I asked her where have you heard my voice? She said she heard me while I was rehearsing. With Tia friendship happened a little later, when there were 17 of us in the competition. Let me tell you that before Indian Idol, I had heard Shashi bhaiya and I really liked his voice. But I met him for the first time during the theatre round. He was sitting in one corner and very upset because his performance was not up to the mark. When I spoke to him, he was not in a mood to talk. But later on we became good friends and I started taking lessons from him. He is a very learned person. Do you think that your physical handicap and your personality played an important part in you not getting enough votes? I have no qualms in admitting that it is true. This is not radio. People will see you and your appearance, dressing style, body language is important. I can't wear odd dresses. I can't move while singing. I need help from someone to stand and perform. These things matter in Indian Idol. And I have no regrets. I have given my 100% and the audience has decided what they thought was right. Your future plans... I will be in Jhansi for the next few months and explore further training. Since there is not much scope in my hometown I have to shift to either Lucknow or Mumbai. We will decide on that soon. In the past I have done bhajan and ghazal shows. I have never explored mainstream Hindi film songs. Now onwards I will try to do that also. How do you get so much of confidence and will power? Apart from my family, my music gives me immense power and inspiration. When you know in life that there is no other way to solve your problem, you crib and get frustrated. But I have chosen a different path and this leads me to a different life.