Simon Cowell’s ‘oh-another-one’ face gave way to ‘wow’ face seconds after Paul Potts broke into Puccini’s Nessun Dorma on Britain’s Got Talent in 2007. In front of him stood the manager of a mobile phone store but he sang well enough to be the toast of primetime television. Paul went on to win the contest. The video went on to become a superhit on YouTube (130,372,440 views so far). And an album deal came his way.

Before the 44-year-old performs at Mehboob Studio in Mumbai as part of ‘Johnnie Walker The Journey’ — — on December 13, he took a few questions from t2.

The Paul Potts of 2007 and today. How different are they?

They aren’t so very different. I’m still nervous before every performance, and I still get ready for things as late as I can! The thing that has changed the most is that I get to do what I love in many fascinating and beautiful places in front of great people.

What does Puccini’s Nessun Dorma mean to you now and which is your favourite version?

Nessun Dorma is about how you keep going even if other people are working hard to make sure you don’t succeed. There are so many great versions by the likes of Pavarotti and Bjorling, it’s hard to pick one out!

You have performed before the great Pavarotti at a masterclass. What advice did he have for you?

He didn’t say a lot although he did ask me to sing another aria (a long song accompanying a solo voice) –– other people there told me that he certainly appeared to enjoy my singing. It was nerve-racking because I was singing Che Gelida Manina, and Rodolfo in La Boheme was the role he performed more than any other.

When did you realise you wanted to be a singer?

I always just wanted to sing. When I was young, I didn’t care what job I did provided it involved singing. As I grew older, it became more obvious that I would need to have training if I was to be professional. I would also need to be confident and push myself forward more. These were all things I thought I wouldn’t be able to organise.

Your story inspires people. But how much of what you went through as a child, inspired you to do well in life?

I think that what you have been through in life comes out in what you do afterwards. Sometimes it helps you; sometimes it hinders you. In the end, you are the master of your destiny, the biggest mistake you can make is to have regrets. Once the moment has gone, it is gone.

You were bullied at school. What message do you have for kids who are bullied at school?

The most important thing is to make sure that they don’t ignore the bullying, it won’t go away if they do. They must talk about it, with friends, family, teachers about how it makes them feel. They are entitled to feel upset and angry at it. It’s important to express it in the most positive way possible.

You married Julie (Julz) in 2003 and Britain’s Got Talent took place in 2007. In what ways has she been a support?

Julz has always been the strong, but not completely silent, partner. Just always there. Sometimes that’s the most important thing you need, not someone telling you how wonderful you are, just someone being there.

Why was a student of theology, philosophy and film studies working as manager at a mobile store in Carphone Warehouse?

I did many, many different jobs after university –– factory worker, food processor, shop assistant, wine adviser, sales consultant, team leader and manager. I left university with a good degree but knew that if I wanted something then I would have to work for it –– it wouldn’t just come to me by itself.

One Chance, the film based on your life, what do you think of it? And what do you think of Taylor Swift’s number Sweeter Than Fiction, which has been used in the film?

I love the film. It has a deft balance of humour and sad moments. I think that James Corden did a great job playing me and Alexandra Roach got Julz down to a T. I thought that Taylor Swift’s song is great –– it’s upbeat and catchy.

So, how is Simon Cowell as a person?

Simon Cowell has given me really positive feedback. He told me I’ve been a gentleman to work with and he gave me a simple piece of advice –– don’t change.

You will soon attend Johnnie Walker The Journey in Mumbai. What are you looking forward to during your visit?

I’m really looking forward to coming to Johnnie Walker The Journey and there will be many new experiences… not just the city of Mumbai and the food, but also the music. It is great to be part of something that is inspiring and invigorating. As it is the first time I have ever been to India, I am looking forward to seeing new places. No doubt I will have a camera with me, so I will have some images to take back with me to keep memories fresh!

So, what’s your take on the music scene in India?

I think it is a modern, upbeat, vibrant scene. India is emerging in more ways than one!

Mathures Paul

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