Good things come in small packages. Standing (approximately) at three feet tall, 10-year-old Vaishali Raikwar of Bhopal has emerged a giant on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs. It’s just not her singing prowess but it’s her ability to speak confidently that separates her from the rest.

Nicknamed Bhopal ki teekhi mirchi, Vaishali gets vocal with tellychakkar.

You’re’ just 11 but you have a very mature approach. Comment
Firstly, I’m 10 years old. I take it as a compliment when people laud me for my talking skills. I don’t know what gets me going but my father has always stressed on the need to be confident when performing on stage.

Do you read from a given script?
No. The moment I step on the stage, my mouth starts talking. If I start being nervous then it will only affect my performance.

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When was the first time you performed?
I was three years old when I first performed on the stage. We had a musical stage contest in Bhopal. I couldn’t participate as I was too young. However they let me perform as a guest. I sang Lakdi ki kaati.

Who is your guru?
Singing runs in our blood. I represent the fourth generation of singers in the family. I’ve learnt from my father. He had cut a music album of his own in which I acted.

L’il Champs judges have asked you to keep a tab on your mouth and concentrate more on singing. How do you react to this?
I’m fine with whatever Sonuji or Sureshji say. After all, it’s for our betterment. However, they’ve calmed down now and have no issues with me.

Which of the two judges do you prefer?
I respect and admire both of them. As said before whatever comments they make it will only help us improve.

You must have taken a break from school. Doesn’t it affect your studies?
Not at all. I’m a bright student thus I need not worry much about my studies. I can manage both singing and studies with aplomb.

As someone who is so vivacious, it was surprising to see you break down on your elimination in the initial round.

Arey! Akhir main bhi toh ek bacchi hoon. (After all, I too am a kid). That particular day, I didn’t perform all that well but I still didn’t see it coming. However, I thank the viewers for getting me back and I promise that you wouldn’t see me weep again.

What’s been your memorable moment in the show thus far?
There have been quite a few. I was overjoyed with the response I got when I sang O papad wale. I rate it as my best performance so far. Plus, I was really touched when Sonuji equated me with Sunidhi Chauhan after I sang her song Ruki Ruki.

Any regrets?
I only regret to not being able to meet Aamir Khan. I was eliminated a week earlier thus I couldn’t be there for that particular episode.

Speaking of celebrities, don’t you think you yourself are turning into one?
I shall call myself a celebrity the day I become a playback singer. I have a long way to go before I can achieve that.

What about acting?
Of course, I wouldn’t mind. Besides, I’ve already had some experience in it. I’ve featured in a few local films.

Finally, you went to Bhopal after your elimination. How were you received then?
I was stunned by the people’s response. The moment I stepped outside the airport, there about 5000 people just to receive me. I was made to feel like a star.