Abhijeet Sawant recalls singing for Rs 50 to buy food

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Singer Abhijeet Sawant, who won the inaugural season of ‘Indian Idol’,  recalled his early days of performing at small events and pandals. 

He recalled how even modest earnings and gestures of encouragement from people in the audience brought him happiness.

Speaking about his musical journey, Abhijeet Sawant shared how he would cherish every opportunity to perform.

“Jab mujhe chhote-chhote stage par mujhe gaane ka mauka milta tha, us din mera sabse happiest day of my life ho jata hai. Mujhe aaj bhi yaad hai jab main chhote-chhote performances karta tha, chhote pandalo mein gaata tha, aur kabhi-kabhi 100 rupaye milte the, kabhi-kabhi kisi ne khushi-khushi 50 rupaye tika diye, aise pocket mein rakh dete the ki jaa beta jaa aaj, you know, aaj kuch kha lena aisa karke..”

(Whenever I got an opportunity to sing on a small stage, that day would become the happiest day of my life. I still remember performing at small events and singing in little pandals. Sometimes, I would receive Rs 100, and sometimes someone would happily put Rs 50 into my pocket, saying, ‘Go on, son, have something to eat today.’)

The singer said he has experienced many ups and downs over the years, but added how the affection and encouragement he received during difficult times continue to inspire him.

“Life mein ups and downs rahe. Kai baar aise din aaye jab utne acche nahi rahe. Bhale hi mera bura time kabhi bhi kahi agar aa jata hai ya kuch bhi din bura ho, us waqt main wohi emotions ke baare mein sochta hoon jinhone mujhe us waqt pyaar diya tha, jinhone mujhe ek hope di thi ki tu accha kar sakta hai. Woh hope mere dil mein abhi bhi hai..”

(There have been ups and downs in life. There have been many days that weren't so good. Whenever I go through a difficult phase or have a bad day, I think about the people who gave me love during those times and gave me hope by telling me that I could do well. That hope is still in my heart)

Abhijeet Sawant also described his audience as a source of strength and compared their presence in his life to that of God. He said their support motivates him to keep working hard and improving as an artiste.

“Agar bhagwan hame kabhi dikha nahi hai, toh hamari audience hame dikhti hai... aur woh bhi mere liye bhagwan ki tarah hi hai. And that's why I'm working, always working hard for myself.”

(Even if we have never seen God, we can see our audience, and for me, they are just like God. And that's why I'm working, always working hard for myself)

For the uninitiated, Abhijeet Sawant went on to win the first ever season of Indian Idol two decades ago.

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