Over the last few years Alka Yagnik has cut down substantially on playback singing, preferring instead to judge many music shows on television. A veteran in the film industry whose music concerts are still attended by thousands of adoring fans, Alka Yagnik these days is happy mentoring youngsters. Besides giving them tips to hone their singing, she also gives them a reality check that life does not become a bed of roses after winning a music show or two on television. Alka Yagnik is now a Mahaguru for Zee TV's upcoming talent hunt show “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs Season 5”. In the run-up to the show she talks about the young participants, their hopes and problems.
What role does Little Champ play in the life of the winner?
We do not guarantee them about a great future, we provide them a platform where they can showcase their talent and after that it is up to them. For example, Shreya Ghoshal, Kunal Ganjawala, Shekhar Ravjiani, Bela Shinde and Kamal Khan, all of them are quite successful. They have come out with flying colours after winning. Their hard work and dedication has brought them where they are today.
What is the criterion you use to judge such young participants?
Judging is not the correct word, all of them are extremely talented. It was extremely difficult for us to shortlist these 12 kids out of the last hundred contestants. On the show we will emphasize on their singing. Yes, we will also consider how they perform.
Judges are often seen arguing on the show. Is the difference of opinion genuine or just created to improve TRPs?
To say it is scripted is completely wrong. I was a part of season 1 along with Abhijeet and Bappi Da. During the show Abhijit and I used to have arguments but they were genuine and spontaneous because we all have emotions. The audience liked this, so the channel asked us to continue like that.
It is seen that children enact vulgar scenes and sing songs beyond their age. What is your take on this?
I agree that there are some songs which are really vulgar and as this is a family show involving kids so, we are not going to allow any vulgar song on our show. Children are better of being children.
Finally, after nearly three decades in the industry, what keeps you busy?
I was a part of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season one, three and four and now the fifth season. To be surrounded by kids gives me immense pleasure. The kids from the earlier seasons are still in touch, they keep calling me. Teaching them and sharing my experience with them gives me a different kind of satisfaction. I was also offered the adult Sa Re Ga Ma which I refused as I wanted to do the Li’l champs.
(Starting this Saturday, the show will air on weekends at 9 pm on Zee TV)
