Sourabhee Debbarma was at Music World on Park Street to release the album Meherbaan. Picture by Aranya Sen

Not a star yet, but this one sure is shining bright. Hardly two months after she was crowned the country’s first ever woman Indian Idol, Sourabhee Debbarma has already cut her first music album, Meherbaan.

“Meherbaan is the result of a lot of pyar, lagan and mohabbat. I have poured my heart and soul into the songs,” smiled the Agartala girl.

Comprising eight songs, Meherbaan has two originals, of which the title track is already rising the popularity charts. The rest of the album consists of Bollywood chartbusters like Shakalaka baby, Zooby zooby and Aao naa. “All the numbers are young and peppy. I sat down with Sony-BMG (the recording company behind the album) to choose the songs,” said Sourabhee.

But isn’t an album predominantly consisting of Bollywood hits bad news for a debut? “I know that the album majorly consists of cover versions, but at the end of the day I am happy that I have at least got the opportunity to cut my own album. How many people can boast of that?” asked an unfazed Sourabhee. Was the rush to release the album a reason for the Bolly beats? “With so many reality shows doing the rounds, it is important for me to capitalise on the Indian Idol success. I am sure my album will ensure that I remain fresh in people’s memory,” smiled Sourabhee.

An audience and jury favourite from the beginning, Sourabhee — touted as the Indian Shakira on the show — has made sure that a lot of her musical influences have found their way into Meherbaan. “I have been singing since the age of four. In fact, during my childhood, I only sang Rabindrasangeet and Nazrulgeeti on stage. I graduated to Bollywood songs much later,” confessed the RD Burman fan.

And though playback-singing offers haven’t come her way yet, Sourabhee has already decided who she wants to sing for one lucky day. “Anu Malik is a marvellous music maker and he stood by me like a rock on Indian Idol. But it’s always been a dream to work with A.R. Rahman,” said Sourabhee.

Unlike Abhijeet Sawant, the first ever Indian Idol, it’s not Bollywood calling for Sourabhee. “I am only interested in singing. Acting is not my cup of tea yet.”

Yet.