V idhu Prathap has a special place in the hearts of music lovers ever since he first came into the music industry. A state film award winner for playback singing, he is happy to have found a place of his own amidst the many new voices being heard every other day. These days, Vidhu is thoroughly enjoying his stint as an anchor of the show ‘Surya Challenge’ on Surya TV. More from the singer, who has sung in over 200 films, on his career and work on television. Excerpts from an interview:
On television
My debut as an anchor was nearly 10 years ago on ‘Music Live’ on Asianet. After that, though there have been offers to host music shows, I did not take it up because most of them had the same format. But ‘Surya Challenge’ is a musical family game show. Being a huge fan of game shows and quiz programmes, I did not want to miss out on the opportunity to host one. Also, I felt that amidst the deluge of reality shows, this one stands out.
About the show
It is a game show where you have two families pitted against each other. There are four rounds – ‘Ormmayundo Eenam’ (remember the tune), ‘Ormmayundo Drishyam’ (remember the scene), ‘Ormmayundo Vaakkukal’ (remember the words) and ‘Ormmayundo Varikal’ (remember the lyrics). The contestants have to guess a song by listening to the background music or the scene. There is another round where I sing the lyrics wrong and they have to sing the correct lines. In the final round, they have to identify a song based on images related to the song. They win Rs. 10,000 in each round and the family which wins can challenge another family participating in the show.
In front of the camera
I am enjoying it a lot. I have always liked interacting with people and anchoring gives me that opportunity. Also, I am getting positive feedback for my anchoring. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Also, people ask whether I would take up another acting assignment having done the serial ‘Pattukalude Pattu’. I could not say no to Sreekumaran Thampi sir when he came up with that role.
I might do something in future, provided I find happiness and satisfaction in what I do.
You came into the scene through a music competition, ‘Voice of the Year’ in 1997. Now reality shows have become a norm and the industry is inundated with new singers. Your take on that?
It was something totally different from what we now call a reality show. When I took part in the contest, there were just four or five contestants and the judges’ decision was final. There was no SMS/voting. The scenario is completely different now.
It is also true that there are many talented singers who never get a chance to showcase their talent. The industry has become very competitive, and now the success of a song is judged by the success of the movie. But I don’t feel sad about it. I prefer to be positive and enjoy what I do. Right now I have projects in Malayalam, two projects in Kannada and one in Telugu. I am also doing a lot of stage shows, which give me a special kind of joy as a singer.
You wish to sing for...
Definitely, A.R. Rahman. It has been my dream to work with him. I also want to sing for Devi Sri Prasad.
‘Surya Challenge’ airs on weekdays at 8 p.m.
