On Calcutta boy Kamran Khurshid rests India’s hopes at the ninth Karaoke World Championships in Ireland this weekend. After topping the city and zonal trials in July, Kamran triumphed at the nationals in Mumbai last month to bag a trip to Killarney in Ireland. “I entered the contest just for fun. Little did I know I’d end up with a trip to Ireland to compete at the grand finals,” exclaimed the 25-year-old before leaving for Ireland on Tuesday.

Kamran, who sang Unchained Melody and Hero in the preliminary rounds, promises to have saved his best for the last — the three-day finale from September 8 to 10, featuring nearly 30 countries. “The rounds in Ireland will be centred on western music which is good for me,” said the John Mayer and Josh Groban fan.

The finalists will be judged on the basis of vocal quality and expression, tempo, stage presence and entertainment value by a jury of musicians. The winner bags an album contract and the opportunity to perform at various venues across the world.

Kamran’s set list for the finale includes Robbie Williams’s Angels and Justin Timberlake’s Like I Love You but only after he’s belted out Maa tujhe salaam to bring the focus back to his country’s participation in the championship for the first time. “I’ve already sent them my song list, prop and microphone requirements that will help me improvise and sound fresh. For Maa tujhe salaam I’ve asked for tricolour lights on stage to create the right feel,” he added.

The idea of singing along on an empty track over a microphone with lyrics on display has been a popular form of live interactive entertainment but there are hardly any karaoke bars or cafes in Calcutta, rued Kamran. “It’s a pity because we call Calcutta a music hub. I wish we had proper karaoke bars like there are in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore because it’s a great outlet for amateurs and singers to sing and have fun.”

Unlike regular singing contests a karaoke singing competition has its pros and cons, feels Kamran. “The good thing is that the lyrics are displayed on the screen and you have the music track to guide you but if you lose track of the timing or the words you’ve had it!”

Kamran is more than just a karaoke addict. The HR executive at Aviva Life is a freelance musician who has dabbled in jingles, sports anthems and also appeared in a music album called Urjaa featuring Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu and Debojit Saha.

“I’ve always craved to be a musician but it’s not easy to make a mark and go professional. I’m very excited about this contest because of its scale. I hope it gives me the needed boost.”

All the best, KK!