"I came to Mumbai to eat 'batata wada'"

From Bhilai to Mumbai, from being a contestant to ending up as a runner-up. The journey has been tiring, but enriching. Sapana Patil spoke to Indian Idol runner up Amit Sana on life before and after Indian Idol.

"I have finally found some time to rest now. There is little pressure. I can wake up when I want to," smiles Amit who had been busy performing at Ponds Femina Miss India 2005, at the launch of Abhijeet Sawant's album Aapka Abhijeet and also at a wedding at the house of Barjatyas of Rajshri Productions.

His life is still around Idol, though. The ringtone on his phone sings the Indian Idol tune, and he's found his soulmate in a fellow contestant on the show.

Amit who has started getting offers for playback singing, can hardly believe the turn in his life, as he relaxes in his well-appointed apartment in Mumbai's upscale Lokhandwala Complex. The spiked hair is still in place, but so is the shy smile that accompanied the 22 year old from Bhilai to Mumbai.

"I wondered if anyone would bother to work with me"

Amit relaxing at his apartment in Lokhandwala

I had planned to come to Mumbai after I finished my education. I thought of getting myself a job that would fetch me 10,000 rupees. That seemed big money for me at that time," he laughs. "Now, I earn one lakh rupees. I thought I would rent a small house or live with my brother in Panvel, so that I could save on the rent."

But jokes apart, I was scared. I didn't know how to achieve my goals. I thought it was very far from me. I thought I would have to start my career with singing jingles. I wondered if anyone would take me on for singing jingles....

I was skeptical. I wondered what made one sustain in this industry. Is it good voice, versatility or style? From where could I get some style in me? A style that people would like.

I also considered bringing out an album. But wondered if anyone would bother to work with me. Then I thought probably I would have to launch an album singing Bhojpuri songs.

Talking about old times

In this tryst, I had a doubt if I would have the patience to continue with my dream. Sometimes, I wondered if frustration would take over me.

Amit today is the proud owner of a Hyundai Accent. "When I came to Mumbai for the first time, I travelled in a second class compartment. I always wondered if the day would come when I could afford to travel in the AC compartment. But now I travel by air!"

So how does tinsel town attract him?

I had seen in films that Mumbai is the home of the glamour world. When I came here, I was scared to see the huge flyovers and shining billboards. I saw Mc Donald's, Barista. I was amazed at the sight and the fast moving traffic.

Mumbai's glamour called upon Amit to come here. Surprisingly there was one thing that scared him from coming here. "I had seen Ab Tak Chhappan. I am scared of bhais. I have heard that there are bhais here. I hope I never come across one," he hopes.

Doing a dish?

Amit and food

I had heard a lot about batata wada. When the train reached Mumbai, I heard a vendor selling batata wada. Gosh! All this effort to eat a batata wada. And I didn't like it!

Nowadays, at home I eat Maggi or Cup O Noodles.

Life after 'Indian Idol'

Life is busy. Earlier there were 20 people on my friends list. Now there are 200. This industry works on relationships. So I make sure, I keep in touch with everyone. On the day of Holi, I had to skip my food, to reply to people's calls.

I keep promising my college friends that I shall call them in five minutes. But I call them after five days. Sometimes they understand, sometimes they don't.

Amit signs off

I am very thankful to God and Indian Idol. I want to give back 100 times what He has given me. I want money and fame, but more than that I want love. When I am on my death bed, I want people to feel sorry. Indian Idol was a sweet chapter in my life.

Also see-

"I wish I could marry her right away" - Amit Sana