Shivam Pathak is on high spirits even after his elimination from Indian Idol. Consistent performances and constant praise from the judges notwithstanding, Shivam found his way out of the show last night. TellyChakkar spoke to Shivam after the elimination. Do you think if it had not been for the SMS system you would have made it to the winning line? Didn’t the elimination come as a big shock to you? I think it’s all about your luck and the passion for a dream which I had in me for which I even left my studies, as I used to do continuous riyaaz for long hours. Yes, I was shocked with my elimination as I had been putting a lot of effort in my performances, which were even appreciated by the judges, so if it would not have been for the SMS system I guess I would not have been eliminated at this point of time. But I do not feel sad about it as the other participants are tough competitors, especially Swaroop, who was with me in the danger zone. So I am happy for him. Who do you think should or will win the Indian Idol title? At this point of time, where every participant is at a peak where they are trying and giving their best, it does not make a difference for whoever wins. I always wanted to win the show (smiles) but now that I am out, I would prefer Sreeram bhaiyya or Rakesh bhaiyya to win. What was your idea of reality shows before you became a part of Indian Idol? And what are your views on it now? Reality shows are always a good platform for common people like us, who aspire to become something which is exceptional. They are a platform for gaining name, fame, and most importantly helps a person to realize his/her levels of talent, where he stands, or falls in competition with others. It’s inspiring and encouraging. My perception for reality shows was the same before and after I entered the show. And so, whenever I used to watch shows like a Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Indian idol, I was eager to get a chance to get into it. Tell us something about the remaining contestants… I would definitely miss all of them, especially Swaroop and I had fun. He would get worried while learning the lyrics as it was the most difficult part for him but he would still rock it on the stage. Did anyone ever play a prank on you while you were on the show? Every day was a fun day for us. We would do a lot of masti especially with Sunidhiji. Off screen she is great fun to be with and the picnic she organized for us at Lonavala where she surprised us by joining us. What are you taking back from the show? Pyar ka bhandar aur bahut saari duaayein lekar jaa raha hoon. I learnt how to talk to the media and face the camera (smiles), and a precious chance to meet big Bollywood names like Hema Maliniji, Dharmendraji, Asha Bhosleji, Pyarelalji, Shankarji, Mithunji and many more who encouraged us and taught a few things to us; and the ever- supporting judges who are just so loving and kind to help at every downfall, and always encouraged us to face challenges. Which of your performances has been the closest to your heart and why? The Kurbaan title song I had sung during the gala and the classical song Suna suna, I sang during the auditions. And Sreeram bhaiya ka ‘Kaawa kaawa’, Rakesh bhaiya ka ‘Naa jaa’ and ‘Rishtey naate’, Swaroop ka ‘O mitwa sun mitwa’, and Bhoomi ka ‘Azmaa luck aazma’. Tell us something about your three wishes and your feeling when one of them was partly fulfilled by Mithunda? My first wish was to become a famous playback singer, second was to fulfill the wishes of my parents and to take best care of them and make them happy, and to owe a big brand car. So, when Mithunda took me for a Mercedes ride, I felt very happy. We shared many personal things about our struggling period, and he is such an amazing and down to earth person to talk to. He taught me so many things and blessed me. That was awesome. I will never forget that. What do you plan to do now? Will you be participating in anymore reality shows? I have just got eliminated, and so have no idea what my plans are, but am definitely looking forward to anything related to music and singing and fulfill my dream of singing a duet with Sunidhiji. I will continue to learn from my guru Suresh Wadkarji. Were the judges a motivational factor? Yes, very much. Even if our performance for any particular day would be weak or strong, they pushed us all the time, which helped. Do you think the judges discriminated between the contestants? Or was there any moment where you felt they played favourites? Never ever! They are just superb. Everyone is just so straight forward in conveying their views regarding every contestant, but even they are human beings and so it’s natural to play favourites but till now they have been equally kind to all of us. I felt very honoured especially when Sunidhiji wept for me very much when I got eliminated. Anu Malek and Salim have promised you a song each in their movies… Yes I am eagerly waiting for that moment and I hope it gives me a break through in the industry, and I am trying to get prepared for it so that I can live it up to their expectations. And I am thankful to Salimji who has supported me to a great extent, as he encouraged me all the time saying he was there for me.