‘Indian Idol Junior’ sets ball rolling with Bollywood music

“Indian Idol Junior” is back with more glamour quotient and young talent from all over India. The singing reality TV show was launched here with a blast from the past, with contestants paying tribute to some of the legends of music industry like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Sonu Nigam.

The children traced the journey of songs in the music world from 1950s era by crooning hit numbers “Aaiye meherbaan”, “Aayega aane wala”, “Mere sapno ki rani”, “Ruki ruki thi zindagi” and “Main tenu samjhawan ki”. They gave a glimpse of what’s in store for the show’s future, at an energetic and fun-filled evening here on Thursday.

With the season two of the show, Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha is foraying into small screen as a judge. The “Dabangg” actress says she will try to induce a ‘fun’ element in the show while finding the winner from a common man’s perspective.

“I cannot judge children on their singing capabilities, but will be watching them as a common man who likes music and appreciates music. I will be someone who encourages them and we will have fun together,” Sonakshi said at the launch.

The event started with host Hussain Kuwajerwala introducing his co-host Asha Negi of “Pavitra Rishta” fame.

Then the other judges — composer Vishal Dadlani got the audience grooving and his performance was followed by Shalmali Kholgade, who sang “Mohabbat buri bimari”. The show’s fourth judge, singer Salim Merchant, was missing.

Talking about his association with the talent show, Dadlani said: “This is something that is very dear to me. It is amazing to hear these beautiful voices, so pure and untouched by commercialisation.”

Dadlani, who has been a part of season one of the show, is thrilled to be back, and said: “For season two, I’m really excited. The children are phenomenal singers, and that is what the show is about, its about spectacular vocal ability.”

Sonakshi lauded the hard work and dedication shown by the children as she felt “it’s not easy to reach this stage after all those auditions, and obviously the juniors have proved that they are supremely talented”.

Nachiket Pantvaidya, senior executive vice president and business head, Sony Entertainment Television, mentioned that a lot of stories will find a voice through the show.

“A lot of stories happening behind the talent will be seen. A lot of emotional and heart stirring stories are there,” Pantvaidya said.

The show will beam on May 30.