The contestants of Zee TV’s Ek Se Badhkar Ek are finding the going tough. No, they aren’t’ struggling to perform but living up to the two judges’ (Abhijeet and Ahmed Khan) expectations is proving to be quite a challenge. Often, their comments leave them confused.

A contestant requesting anonymity says, “Performing in Sa Re Ga Ma was more enjoyable as we weren’t subject to such mixed comments from the judges that we get here. In the first episode Abhijeet praised my performance saying that it sounded very much like the original. Surprisingly, a week later, he tells me that I can’t stick to the same pattern again and need to bring in variety.”

Adding further, the contestant chides, “In one of the episodes, Abhijeet liked my performance but Ahmed Khan felt that the track didn’t suit me. It becomes difficult to prepare if we have to think about what their reactions could be. Also, not being allowed to choose our tracks regularly adds to our woes.”

Another contestant adds, “The judging is indeed quite tough here. You might put in your best performances but could yet end getting paltry marks. Expectations from trained dancers like Abhishek or Sayantani are fine, but expecting non-dancing actors to perform like veterans is a bit too taxing.”

We’d earlier asked Abhijeet about the tenor of his comments and he had said, “My comments are always aimed for their betterment. Often in reality shows, we find judges who cajole the contestants too much and irrespective of their performance, always offer good words. To me we are doing disservice to a talent if you don’t point out his/her flaws. In Voice of India, I’d once severely reprimanded Ishmeet Singh but hadn’t I done it then he wouldn’t have won.”