Aditya replaces Himesh…but just for a day

The drama in Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa just keeps getting more and more dramatic. Squabbling judges are a regular feature but a host doubling up as a judge isn't a common sight. Well, not only did Aditya Narayan perform dual duties on the show, the charming host's blooming ties with contestant Mouli Dave were put under the scanner by the incorrigible Himesh Reshammaiya. At the start of the show (which will be aired this Saturday), Himesh dropped a bomb when he declared that for that day he won't be playing his role (judge) and someone else will occupy his place. The incident as explained by Adiyta: "I thought he may call one of the contestants, but I was completely shocked when he took my name. I found it quiet weird but there was no way out for me. Once Himeshji speaks, rather screeches, we all have to follow it." When asked how he fared in his one-off assignment, Aditya remarked, "All I tried to do was to judge to the best of my ability without being critical to any one. Usually, I'm the one who consoles the contestants but today it was different. Nevertheless, it was all fun." However, other mentors and contestants weren't quite amused when he appointed Aditya as his proxy. However, the show commenced without any chaotic scenes. And Aditya's good day didn't end with this new task. Remember last week, one lucky bird (a fan in the audience) pecked on Aditya's cheeks, to which Ismail Darbar commented, "Beta tu jawaan ho gaya hai (Son, you've grown up)? This time around, Himesh took jibe at Aditya claiming that Mouli and he are more than just friends. Expectedly, the two young birds blushed at the remark. Clearing all speculations, Aditya says, "I'm getting used to the pranks of our judges. Last week it was Ismailji, now it's Himesh and I'm sure someone like Vishalji, who appears as a prankster, will have a thing or two to say." When asked how his mother reacts to it, the 19-year-old replied, "She tells me that it's common for people to speculate when they see two good-looking girl and boy together. But I'm glad that I'm mingling with the opposite gender (laughs)." As a host, Aditya is often required to calm the temperamental judges - a task which he has performed amiably. We quizzed him about the recent spat, where Ismail Darbar aired his discontent over the inclusion of Anik and Abhijeet in the 'Pratham Yudh'. Aditya chided, "It was totally unnecessary. It was pre-decided that the winners of the Zee Bangla and Zee Marathi contest will get the opportunity to perform in Sa Re Ga ….. It was a part of their contract and we all knew about it before our show commenced. I reckon Ismailji must have forgotten about it." The budding singer gets a bit agitated when asked as to how he's fit into Shaan's shoes, "I haven't filled anyone's boots. Shaan has taken his boots to Star One. I'm just happy that our show has the highest TRPs." That's at 20 year old Adiyta for you!