Neha Kakkar

What is in store this year on Indian Idol?

A lot of those people who could never audition earlier for various reasons have given it a shot because the auditions were happening online. Every contestant is unique and different. The audience would enjoy themselves listening to different kinds of contestants this year.

Ab Mausam Phir Hoga Awesome, Indian Idol ke Saath... What is the concept behind this thought?

The auditions started amid Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused a lot of suffering. This year, too many tragedies have happened in the world. So we like to believe that this show has brought in a wave of happiness because music makes everyone happy.

Tell us something about this year’s contestants. What did you like about them during the auditions?

Auditions are always fun. India has so much raw talent. To pinpoint a few contestants who were outstanding… There is a puppet-maker Sawai, whose singing reflects Rajasthani culture, and there’s our youngest contestant who is only 14-years-old, but sings like a professional. There are many such great voices.

Would you like to highlight any interesting stories or incidents which you heard from the singers during the auditions?

Every story I’ve heard is so inspiring and worth listening to. There are many contestants whose stories are interesting. We have got a national level taekwondo player and then a person who left his job for Indian Idol. We also have a Covid-19 warrior and more!

How is your rapport with co-judges, Vishal Dadlani and Himesh Reshammiya?

We have become one big happy family. With each passing year, we are getting to know each other better, and that translates into beautiful chemistry on screen.

What all precautions are taken during the show’s shooting?

Hygiene and social distancing is being maintained with minimum crew and staff on sets. This time they don’t have an audience, which I miss the most.

You have recently got married. Give us a sneak peek into your love story with Rohanpreet?

I met Rohu for the first time during our Nehu Da Vyah shoot. My first impression of him was that he was extremely good to every person on the sets. Obviously, we cannot deny the fact that he is super cute! The attraction was strong. This is when I knew he is the one for me.

How are you balancing life as a newlywed and your work commitments?

As of now, I am on a break. So I am relaxing and unwinding. But I’m sure I’ll be able to maintain a healthy balance between the two since life is all about multi-tasking.

How different is your look on the show this time as compared to the previous seasons?

I prefer wearing comfortable clothes. That is always my priority. However, my looks will be something the audiences have not seen before. So watch out!

Is there any special message that you would like to share for the contestants?

Be focused and consistent. Don’t lose confidence. Try and enjoy the entire process. You might just win. This is a lifetime opportunity, and make as much as you can from it.