Fans greet Indian Idol 4 contestant Rajdeep Chatterjee in the steel city on Wednesday. Picture by Srinivas

Jamshedpur, Jan. 7: He’s among the top nine aspirants of Indian Idol 4, but Rajdeep Chatterjee has not forgotten his basics: Karm kar phal ki chinta mat kar (Work, work and work and never think of the result).

“I know that if I am true to myself and put in 100 per cent, I can reach where I want,” said the confident singer who has won millions of hearts.

This was the first time Rajdeep was in the city since he had been selected in the Indian Idol 4 in May last year. Already popular and famous in Mumbai and in his hometown, the teenager gave all the credit to his parents and music teachers.

After a gala welcome here by a huge crowd, the 17-year-old singer was busy posing for photographs and signing autographs for the first time in his life. Rajdeep sounded hopeful and was here to appeal here for more votes from his hometown and the state.

“People talk about regionalism but I think if I am here (in the top nine), I will make it to the top. If my people have helped me till here, I hope they would be with me till the end,” said Rajdeep.

On the situation that not many reality show contestants have made it big in the industry, he said that conditions differ from person to person and that the struggle continues for a lifetime.

“If I win Indian Idol 4, it will just help me take a step forward in the industry. If not, I will definitely pursue my studies then. Academics are important but that can take a backseat now. I am focusing on the show first. Thanks to the reality shows, the talent in girls and boys like us comes out in the open,” he said.

As a singer, Rajdeep is confident but what does he have to work hard on? “I think the style of performance is something I have learnt in the show and I am constantly learning it,” added the youngster, who has a passion for motorcycles and tabla. Rajdeep plans to dedicate an album to the people of Jamshedpur if he wins the title. The city has already opened his fan club, which came as a surprise to him.