"Shaan has not left the show": Gajendrra Siingh

Ever since Ek Main Aur Ek Tu director Gajendrra Siingh has hired TV serial actor Rohit Roy as host for the music talent hunt show Ek Main Aur Ek Tu, the media has gone agog in raising doubts as to whether Shaan will ever return to the show. Speaking to Tellychakkar.com director Gajendrra Siingh breaks his silence on Shaan's much speculated disappearance as the show is nearing its finale. "Shaan has been hosting the show since 2003 and he is and will continue to be an integral part of the show. Last one year, we have been shooting every Monday and Tuesday without a break for the Challenge 2005 and the current series. It was mutually decided at the start of this new duet musical talent hunt series Ek Main Aur Ek Tu that Shaan would take a four week break in May-June to be with his family and complete his long pending tour commitments." "I was not much perturbed when the time came as Shaan and I had also agreed on Rohit Roy to take over in this interim period. But, unnecessary media reports assuming the worst have hurt me. I had initially also decided to go ahead with Ishitta alone till Shaan returned but, with the format of this series showcasing jodis, it would have spoilt the continuity and image of the show," says Siingh. Shaan is one of India's most recognisable and beloved TV personalities. "Shaan is a fabulous entertainer and a genuinely charming person, who is funny, witty, spontaneous and more importantly totally unaffected by fame. He shares a good bond with all on my team and the participants and we all miss his presence on the sets," says Shaan. Not at all heady with the trappings of fame, the versatile singer Shaan, has done a magnificent job of hosting the show as a solo host to co-anchoring it with Ishitta now. Shaan's relaxed and easy-going presence shows that he actually cares about whether the contestants sing well or not. "Shaan's inherent dignity and uniqueness can never be replaced. Though it was his first time as anchor, Shaan brought a wealth of experience and credibility to the show, and he proved to be the perfect mentor for all the fresh untried talent who appear on the show." Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has a faithful following all over the world and it is its hosts, remarkable judges, outstanding participants, hard working musicians and terrific audience that has entertained viewers for over twelve years. The show comprises of a great collection of songs that appeal to all ages and the honest tips and comments by the judges and the hosts. "Our choice of taking Rohit Roy has been appreciated by all. We deliberately did not take someone from the singing fraternity and chose Rohit who is familiar with the show, loves music, has fluency in language, complements Ishitta well and shares good positive vibes with the viewers. The show had to go on and we have done our best to keep up with the values and traditions that Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has carried all these years and the viewers response to Rohit has been incredibly heartwarming," says Siingh. Ek Main Aur Ek Tu has brought nine jodis from across the country to TV audiences in this new series that allows viewers and the Groovy Gurus to determine who will walk away with the Rs 50 lakh cash prize. Two weeks back, Shaan spoke to us of how Siingh's hard work and determination had rubbed off on him. "Gajji is there on the sets at nine in the morning and leaves in the early hours next morning. Looking at him, one is inspired to give his best. I love anchoring Sa Re Ga Ma Pa as its success has given me a popular public image and persona, which helps me even in my live performances. I am going to miss being a part of the show as the final two jodis face each other and will return to boost the jodis in the finale" Shaan returns on 24 June and will host the finale with Ishitta, Rohit and a new female anchor. Siingh says, "I am convinced that their youthful rapport will translate to the live studio audience and the viewers at home. I think together we will get the whole package - the singing, the anchors, the fun- to bring this unique series to its end and put all rumours to rest."