Focussed on singing talent: Vishal

The Indian Idol judge reveals that while his fellow judges will assess the contestants’ technical abilities, he will look for connections and emotions

Vishal Dadlani has worn many caps in his life, be it of a singer, encourager of Indian talent, or composer. Now, the Pentagram frontman is also slated to don the judge’s hat for the 11th season of music reality show Indian Idol, in which he will reunite with his colleagues Neha Kakkar and Anu Malik.

In an exclusive conversation, the singer-composer gets candid about the show and giving platforms to amazing talent across India, irrespective of who they are and where they come from.

After 10 successful seasons of Idol, are you excited to be part 11th season?

I am excited to be back on the judges' panel of Indian Idol, as associating with the show has given me the privilege to listen to one of the best singers of our country and see them grow in their journey, which makes me content. Whenever I am on the Indian Idol stage, I have

Indian of the goosebumps because the show puts forward such tremendous talent. Indian Idol is like a music festival in which we hear and perform a lot of songs, and during this festival, our major agenda is to find a voice that ultimately becomes the voice of our nation.

The Trio is back! How excited are you to work with Anu Malik and Neha Kakkar again?

To work with the greatest musicians in our country is a privilege. Neha is a very talented singer and Anu ji is a very talented musician. Together the three of us have had a lot of fun in the past seasons, and working with Anu ji and Neha is absolutely amazing. Both of them are brilliant in their respective areas. We three have a great understanding, which is like a bonus point while judging the talent we get. I am looking forward to rocking this season too.

Is there anything specific that you are looking at while judging this time?

The judges’ panel on Indian Idol has always been particular about the technicalities on this platform. This season, I leave the technicalities upon Anu ji and Neha, and I want to concentrate more on the singing talent of the contestants — How the contestants are able to connect with the song on this platform, if they are able to understand the tune and feel the song, and if they are able to connect with the song. If yes, it becomes melodious automatically.

What is your take on the theme ‘Ek Desh Ek Awaaz’ (One Nation One Voice)?

Indian Idol has been a stage for many aspiring singers over the years and has given India its finest singers. The ‘Ek Desh Ek Awaaz’ theme is appropriate because Indian Idol has always welcomed contestants from all over the country, keeping all the other factors aside. The show brings the entire nation together and represents talented singers and many different genres of singing. It is the unifying voice of India. The contestants are judged on the basis of no other factor but their talent.