"Who wants to be an Idol when I can be 'Super Singer'!"

He is the singer whose journey to the top has been a short, but sweet one. Meet Ravindra Upadhyay, the latest singing senstation discovered by Star's [V]. Ravindra, a lawyer from Jaipur seems comfortable in his new avatar as the Super Singer, and is humble enough to admit that he was still recovering from the grand experience. He was crowned the

Ravindra: Winner takes it all!

Samsung [v] Super Singer in a nail biting finale held in Mumbai. As the winner of this super quest, Ravindra will walk away with a music album deal with Times music. The first album would comprise four songs by the winner and the remaining by each of the four finalists. The second album will be sung exclusively by the Super Singer. He will also have a three-year contract with Channel [V]. With his innocent smile, his penchant for dropping Hindi phrases, and ready wit, Arvind was a pleasure to talk to. Ananya Sengupta spoke to Ravindra Upadhyay, who did nothing to hide his excitement about being the object of envy of millions.

You seemed to have surprised even yourself with your own performance.

Yes, frankly, I never thought that I could make it this far. All the hard work has finally paid off for me!

Do you have any experience in playback singing?

I had done some work with Aakaashvani and Doordarshan, but nothing substantial. My journey has been a very short one...(laughs)

With so many competitions happening on television, why did you choose 'Super Singer'?

Well, I didn't have a choice, you know...the auditions were held in Jaipur and that was convenient for me. I always believed that one should do one work at a time, and do it to the best of my ability...and that probably won me the title.

What about 'Indian Idol'?

What about it???

Ravindra with his family and the judges

Any regrets at not having tried your luck there?

Jo ho gaya so ho gaya, will I help the situation by regretting what I didn't do? I am very happy with what I have got...really! The platform that [V] can give me is something that would be an ideal launchpad. Moreover, I have an 18-month contract with [V], but the best part of this is that they have promised me that they will let me make my own decisions about my career. But I know that in the long run, only my talent is going to see me through. Who wants to be an 'Indian Idol', when I can be 'Super Singer'?

You have had no formal training in music, how did you manage...

Riyaaz roz karta tha. And dedication, that is important.

Tell me, what is the fundamental difference between 'Indian Idol' and 'Super Singer'?

They are two very different formats. In Super Singer, we had to prove ourselves every day. We did not come as a package, but were turned into one. Probably, the difference is that Super Singer was looking for playback singers while Indian Idol was looking for singers, who can perform on stage...And about the publicity part, well I don't want to comment. Jiske bhagya me jo hota hai, woh hi milta hai.

Did you ever try to get into the industry on your own?

To tell you the truth, I did. I had come down to Mumbai, with some references, and hung around for two weeks, but then gave up. You must be knowing that it is not easy for a newcomer to get work.

The judges: 'Too Good'

We heard that you are working with Himesh Reshammiya....

Yes, I am, isn't this wonderful? I am looking forward to a lot of playback singing...hopefully I will get some good offers, may be work with Adnanji and A R Rehman.

Name two stars for whom you would love to sing?

Without any doubt, Abhishek Bachchan. I really like him. As for the second choice, any actor who wants me to be his voice. I am at the moment recording an album that will feature the top five.

Tell me about your experience with your fellow contestants?

Now is the time when we are having maximum fun. We chat throughout the night. But seriously, the two things that kept me going for all these weeks was the constant support of the other four. They are like family to me. They were more happy for me than anybody else...probably happier than I was. Living in the conditions that we did, we had really bonded very well. The other thing was Adnanji's ready smile.He has the ability to make a complete non-singer sing...just by encouraging one to do so. It was a treat to watch such a humble person at work. I will remain his fan forever!

What about your family?

The best part of the show was that my whole family had come down for the final concert. Even my two month old kid! It was a dream come true for all of them. The struggle, I guess, is over, but the real challenge, begins now!