Indian Idol Junior Season 2 is going to be bigger and better,” promised judge Vishal Dadlani, in town recently with co-judges Salim Merchant and Shalmali Kholgade to conduct the auditions. This season, contestants can take part sitting at home by uploading an audio or video performance on the SONY LIV website or the SONY LIV app. Performances will be judged by a digital jury and the shortlisted 12 will be given a chance to participate in the jury round in Mumbai. Finally, four kids will get the opportunity to perform in front of the judges. This online initiative will enable children to even participate from cities where auditions aren’t taking place. Shalmali will be a judge till the audition episodes. After that, Sonakshi Sinha will join Vishal and Salim on the Indian Idol Junior journey. The show kicks off in June. 

 

SALIM MERCHANT

What’s new this season?

The Digital Ace campaign. People can log in to send entries. It cuts out the time standing in queues.

What are you looking for in the kids?

We look at taal, voice quality and the ability to grow. Some singers are not so good, but they have a beautiful voice. There are some voices where we know that if they go through correct training, they can be good singers. 

Were you interested in music from childhood?

I was very spoilt. I was not into music. I loved sports and having fun. At the age of 11, I started learning music. 

Sonakshi Sinha will join you guys as judge. What will she bring to the show?

Sonakshi is a nice person. Sometimes that’s more important than actually being a musician. But I think Vishal (Dadlani) and I can handle the music part and Sonakshi can be the neutral one. She can provide confidence to the children and bring in a lot of fun.

 

VISHAL DADLANI

What are you looking for in the kids?

My expectation from Calcutta is always big. Anything the kids produce is great for me because when I was six or seven, I didn’t know that I would become a musician. Till I was 19, I didn’t know that I would become a musician and these kids know so much about music! I am sure they know much more than me. I always say that I will teach them as much as I can, but more than that, I will be learning from them.

What’s your equation like with Salim and Shalmali?

Salim is a dear friend. It is a strange coincidence that in 1999, there was a film Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi..., where Vishal-Shekhar did their first song and Salim-Sulaiman also did their first song. So we started with the same film. We literally started on the same day and we have been friends ever since. We have worked together. Salim-Sulaiman have arranged songs for us. Salim has sung for us. I have sung for Salim innumerable times. We hang out together. 
We bully Shalmali quite a bit. Salim has done Indian Idol and I have done Indian Idol Junior, so it is our home ground. Today, at the auditions, we made Shalmali our first contestant! (Laughs) 

What will Sonakshi bring to the show?

Sonakshi has a lovely voice. She is a cool person. She is great with kids and will be enjoyable to watch.

 

QUICK 5: VISHAL

The music show I have grown up watching: I watched the original Sa Re Ga Ma, which used to be a classical-based music show. The show was much more musically intensive. That was the baap of all music shows. All of it has come from there. 

My music fix: I like eclectic music. There is some music that isn’t available in India at all. Sometimes, it isn’t even available on iTunes. I have no choice. Many a times I know the artiste personally and I tell them that I am going to download their albums. 

A song that puts me to sleep: There are a million such songs. It is a musician’s curse that there is always music in his head. 

The first album I bought: Michael Jackson’s Thriller. 

I am listening to: A band called Expose and the soundtrack of the TV show Suits.

 

QUICK 5: SALIM

The music show I have grown up watching: I liked American Idol. I like music reality shows. 

My music fix: I only buy music. I don’t download. We have a Salim-Sulaiman app that I use extensively. Also, I like apps like iTanpura and Garage Nº8.

A song that keeps me awake at night: My own song that I haven’t finished! 

The first album I bought: Planet Drum.

I am listening to: Dirty Loops.