Amanat Ali, the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, recounts the magical moments.
Visibility and acceptance is every budding singer's dream. Now it's a different matter, whether his/her wishes are granted. Some get that their lucky break in no time while many spend years looking for that elusive opening. Amanat Ali belongs to the former group as he found the opening in Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Challenge 2007 held in Dubai on May 11.
The contest unearthed this Pakistani singing talent, who stole the thunder from all the participants and won the Challenge. Winning this competition was Ali's ticket to bigger endeavours as he then got an opportunity to participate in the global Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge in Mumbai. Ali's first episode in the Mumbai competition had the audience wanting more. He has now become a household name in the Indian subcontinent.
Ali shares his experience of successful journey from Karachi to Dubai to Mumbai in an exclusive interview with e+.
Did you have an inkling that you would emerge the winner?
I think to get an opportunity to be part of show like Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a big thing and to go on to win it is a huge achievement. I always knew I had the talent but I required a platform to prove it and when the makers came to Pakistan to an audition I jumped at the opportunity ensuring that I deliver my best and nothing else. As I reached the semi-finals I grew in confidence and had the gut feeling that I may win the competition.
How did you train yourself in singing?
I loved singing ever since I was a child. My family has been associated with music for generations and I grew up listening to talented singers from Pakistan and India. I then started my training by religiously doing my riyaaz (vocal training) everyday and my family extended their full support during this time. In fact I was preparing for an album when Zee came to Pakistan.
How was your first experience of interacting with budding Indian singers during the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa competition in Dubai?
It was a memorable experience and I will cherish the moments forever. We were groomed like one big happy family. Surprisingly, there were no traces of rivalry among the singers and in fact, many of the participants, especially from India, supported me in every sense. It just proves that nothing is bigger than your talent. I have shared all my experiences with my friends and family in Pakistan.
Tell us your experience of being in India. Were you nervous about going there?
No, I was excited about going to India. Even before making the trip, I had a fair idea about how my trip would shape up. Many of the Pakistani artistes who had earlier visited India were all praises for the country and spoke at length about the mutual respect for each other's talent. Also, though Pakistan recognises and reveres talent, in India your chances for exposure are relatively high. For instance, judges Ismail Darbar and Bhappi Lahiri are looking to record songs with my voice. So it is exciting times for me in India.
So who are your favourite singers from India and Pakistan?
From India I love Sonu Nigam's voice and am immensely impressed with his style of singing. Back in Pakistan, my favourite is the pop singer Sajjad Ali.
What are your future plans?
I shall see where the global Sa Re Ga Ma Pa competition takes me but one thing is sure that I will get back to Pakistan and cut my own album, which is my dream.
