I wouldn't like be called an Sikh idol : Ishmeet Singh

Ishmeet Singh, one of the top contendors on Star Voice of India is currently delighting not just the judges but even viewers. We think, this 18-year-old lad from Delhi never learned the sa re ga ma of music, but has the voice that can capture every Indian soul. This soft-spoken Punjabi lad spoke about his journey on Star Voice.. and much more in an exclusive chat with Mayur Lookhar. Excerpts: Did you expect to reach this far in Star Voice of India? As one who never learned music, it does come as a surprise for me. However, my only priority now is to perform well. Can you describe the experience? It's been good but I'm really happy that I'm getting to fulfill my father's dream on Star Voice. All I want is to sing well. Not just sing but sing firm the heart. Fortunately, I've been able to do that here. In that way, it's been a good experience. Do you think that you can win the contest? As I said before, I'm only concentrating on my singing. Agar audience chahe toh main zaroor jeet sakta hoon (If the viewers vote for me then I surely can win.) Who do you consider as your toughest opponent? All eleven current contestants are really good. As a matter of fact, all thirty-three who participated are equal. It will be foolish of me taking anyone lightly. Is there a fear that you being a non Mumbaikar, people, may not vote for you? No, not quite. Mumbaikars may not vote for me but I'm sure the whole of Punjab and Punjabis around the globe will vouch for me. The judges on the show are always at loggerheads. Does that intimidate you? It does, especially when I walk in after a contestant whose performance leads to difference of opinion among the judges. At this time, you never how their mood may swing. But as a contestant, you have to ignore these things and merely focus on your singing. Not only the judges squabble, but at time there exists discrepancies in awarding marks. Does that worry you? They are the judges and each one of them has their own opinion. Few may like my performance but one or two may not. I'm no one to comment on their decision. But if you are going to perform well, it's likely that you'll win all. The show's aim is to select the best and original voice from India. However, your voice is similar to host Shaan. Could this go against you? There may be similarities but at the end of the day, you are singing in your own voice. I sung one of Shaan's tracks but he never felt that it sounded like him. Two persons may have similar voices but each one has its own style. That's precisely what all the judges told me when I sang 'Tune muhje pehchaana nahi'. Have you got any offers for playback singing? Well, I have but I have my lips sealed. For someone who's never learned music or had any formal training in singing getting offers for playback singing is more than a dream. You are the first Sikh to make it big in a reality show like his. Does that make you some sort of an idol for the people of your community? As a Sikh, I do take pride in what I've achieved thus far. But, I wouldn't like to be called as an idol for Sikhs. After all, I'm only 18 and too young to consider myself an idol. The only thing that matters to me is to enjoy my singing. Who do you consider your idol? I admire Sonu Nigam and Shaan. I've grown up listening to these men. My favourite number of Sonu is 'mujhe raat din' while Shaan really touched me with hits such as 'chand sifarish' (Fanaa) and 'Tune mujhe pehchaana nahi' (Raju Chacha). And, I made it a point to sing them on Star Voice. Finally, can you talk about your background? I come from Ludhiana. I completed my FY.B.com from Government College but couldn't follow up as I arrived in Mumbai for Star Voice. I'm doing my second year through correspondence and I'm also preparing for my CA inter. I'm must confess to being a bright student. My father is an architect in Delhi. He couldn't pursue his passion as his family didn't support it. Thus, he doesn't want me to suffer the same fate. That I'm able to fulfill my father's dream is my biggest achievement.