Sumeet Raghavan better known as Dr Sahil Sarabhai is one of the firm favourites to win NDTV Imagine's Say Shaava Shaava. But there is much more to this Tamilian personality than just singing and acting. He has also done over 100 commercials, and was a well known dubbing artist as well. His other TV performances include Faster Fane (debut), Had Kardee Apne, Resham Dankh.

Excerpts from a free wheeling chat with the talented Sumeet.

Are you happy with your performance in Say Shaava Shaava?
Yes, it's great fun. I have got top scores in the last 2 rounds. But now the judges have said no more lenience. They will not be swayed any more by factors other than sur and tal.

You have a classical base, is that a plus point?
Yes, but that is neutralized by lack of doing major shows. The audience votes more for the characters you essay, rather than your singing ability.
Hence if I ever make it to the bottom 2, it will be curtains for me.

Is there a wild card entry in the 8th round?
Yes, it is a good thing, for this may help to rectify any injustice done earlier. Take for example Juhi, despite getting 16 out of 20, she was still voted out. Plus such stunts help the channel to make extra SMS money.

Your take on reality shows?
Done to death. The only reason why I joined Shaava Shaava was that it's a start to finish project unlike other shows, which drag on endlessly. I was really tired by the time Marathi Sa Re Gama Pa ended, it stretched for 3 whole months. You have no time for anything else apart from singing.

Games such shows employ to win TRP?
You can't expect transparencies, in such formats. Many times the tears you see are just for the cameras.

Why don't you do daily soaps?
I can't be part of such s*** stuff. Wasting 25 days every month in something I am not interested, is not my cup of tea. Then you start fighting with each other over trivial issues and end up providing fodder to the media.

You are still known as Sahil Sarabhai?
Yes, for it was one superb show. The writers were given their due. You hardly find such class comedies apart from say Office Office. But having said that I want to be known as Sumeet Raghavan and not just Sahil Sarabhai.

Will Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai make a come back given that its one of highest rated show on the channel and in its umpteenth re- run?

No it is too late now, for we all are busy with other stuff. I am happy when it ended quickly, for stretching it would have compromised quality.