Singer Abhijeet Sawant, who won the inaugural season of Indian Idol in 2004, said breaking into the playback singing industry was a challenge for reality show contestants of his generation, as established singers and music directors dominated the field.
Returning to the singing reality show as a contestant on Indian Idol: Legends Return, Sawant said winning the title brought him recognition but did not automatically guarantee playback opportunities.
“During our time, it was too difficult because it was a restrictive industry. Everything was set; all the singers and music directors were established, and everyone was doing their work. We came in and started knocking on the door, saying, ‘Please give us entry, give us work’,” Sawant told PTI in an interview.
He also suggested that the growing popularity of reality show contestants had made some members of the music industry feel insecure.
“We had many positive and negative sides. For instance, people were insecure that we, the reality show contestants, had become so popular and were now becoming bigger than even playback singers. So, that was also a thing. And everyone had to face it, and we had to handle it,” he said.
More than two decades into his career, Sawant said criticism remains a part of his professional life, but he has learnt not to let it distract him from his work.
“People will taunt you. People will teach you right and wrong, even when they have no experience. But even after tolerating all this, you have to keep your mind right. More than achieving something, the journey is the most important part,” he said.
Looking back at his career since winning Indian Idol, Sawant said the recognition he gained through the show opened doors beyond music. He went on to participate in television programmes such as Bigg Boss Marathi, Celebrity MasterChef and Comedy Circus, besides exploring acting in films.
“After winning the title, people don't count me just as a singer; I’m a television personality. So, doing so many things is possible when you become popular on a face level, and that popularity Indian Idol has given us,” he said.
Sawant also pointed to fellow reality show alumni who have diversified their careers. “And that's why there is not just one star; there are others like Rahul Vaidya. Sriram Chandra is doing films in the South and hosting shows as well,” he added.
The singer said he identifies more closely with being a pop artiste than a playback singer, citing the popularity of his independent tracks, including Mohabbatein Lutaunga and Junoon.
The 45-year-old is now focusing on original music, with five songs ready for release or further development. The projects include two original tracks, a Hindi-Marathi fusion song featuring a Marathi rapper, and two songs he is working on with Saregama.
For Sawant, returning to the Indian Idol platform is also an opportunity to experiment with his music and learn from a younger generation of performers.
“Now, I've competition with myself. I want to learn from this platform. I want to work with the younger generation, and I'm getting a chance to work with these young musicians and singers,” he said.
Indian Idol: Legends Return, which premiered on October 17, airs on Sony Entertainment Television. The show is also available to stream on SonyLIV.