Karunya is not over confident. In fact, he knows that breaking into Bollywood is going to be an arduous task. But he is hopeful that someday his hard work will pay off and he will have his name in neon lights.
And as a first step to putting himself ‘out there’, he came as a special guest on Indian Idol’s Rubaroo. He not only got a chance to meet and jam with the contestants, but it was also an opportunity for him to walk down memory lane. We caught up with him just as he stepped off the lane and into 2008.
How does it feel to come back to Indian Idol?
I wasn’t able to make it to Indian Idol last year because of my commitments and all the travelling I was doing abroad. So it’s been two years since I’ve come on Idol. But it was great to be on the Rubaroo episode and to interact with all the contestants.
Did it bring back memories?
Yes and no. The studio and the sets per se did not bring back memories because we did not shoot here. We shot at a mill on the other side of town. But once I was on the stage, then all these memories just hit me—when I was a contestant on the hot seat. The tension, the nervousness of the galas, the expectations riding on me—it all came back to me.
What did you think of the contestants?
I think they are very talented and very confident—much more confident than any of us were. They seem to know how to dress, what to say, etc. But then they’ve had four seasons to observe and prepare. I’m sure they will do really well.
What’s with the new look?
There was a time when my look was constant—a very geeky look. Then when I came on Indian Idol, we used to change our look with our performance. Now, maybe it’s my wackiness, but I love changing my look at the drop of a hat. Whenever I feel bored or just want a change, I go to my hairdresser and stylist and leave it to her to reinvent me.
What have you been doing these last two years?
Singing, singing and singing. I sang on albums, I sang for movies and I sang on stage. I also travelled a lot. In fact, I’d like to think that I know the US better than the Americans—I’ve travelled there so much.
I did a lot of playback singing in Andhra Pradesh. A few of my songs were a big hit there, too. Now I’ve told my cousin Hemachandra [a Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge contestant] to conquer Telugu playback while I conquer Bollywood. [Laughs]
I’m trying to make a name for myself as a singer of all genres of songs—I don’t want to be slotted in any one category.
Have you set up base in Mumbai?
I’ve been in Mumbai for the last one-and-a-half years. I have a house in Andheri. But until recently I was travelling way too much to really take advantage of being in the city. Now I’m determined to grow roots here and work towards becoming a playback singer in Bollywood. So I try and meet everybody, knock on everybody’s doors and remind them that I am here. But it will take a long time before I can see any of my dreams realised.
Do you have any advice for the contestants?
They have to realise that the shelf life is decreasing. There are so many reality shows happening now and there are so many talented people coming out of them. Ek bheed jaisa ho gaya hai. It is getting more and more difficult to get noticed, to stand apart from the crowd and to make a name for yourself—not just for the newcomers but also for the established singers. So they have to work hard, be persistent and not give up hope.
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