Picture by S.H. Patgiri

She has a bubbly and youthful personality, which spreads cheer among those around her. She is the very talented Prajakta Shukre, who has carved a niche for herself in the world of music by becoming one of the 10 finalists of the immensely popular television show Indian Idol. She is also a singer to look forward to in future.

Teaming up with another finalist, Rahul Vaidya, Prajakta recently mesmerised hordes of her fans at the 12th International Guwahati Trade Fair at Sonaram field in the city.

The audience jived to some of the popular Bollywood numbers churned out by the duo.

This was her first sojourn to the city, which she utilised fully by visiting most of the famous tourist destinations here, accompanied by her mother and Vaidya.

?I am amazed at the natural beauty of the place. I am simply in love with the mystical land of the Brahmaputra. With the towering Kamakhya temple atop the Nilachal hill, the green city is truly a paradise for any nature lover,? she says.

A crowd of nearly 300 people caught up with the young singer during her visit to the Kamakhya temple. The people conversed with the singer for nearly an hour regarding her experience and tryst with fame.

?The people of the city are full of warmth and love and that is something, which will touch anyone?s heart immediately. I love meeting people and have, in fact, met a lot of them from across the country. But the love and warmth bestowed on me by the people of the city are unforgettable.?

A Class XII student of science at Jabalpur Central School, Prajakta wanted to be a playback singer since her childhood. And when she came across the advertisement for Indian Idol some months ago, she immediately rushed to fill up the form.

From that day onwards, she has not looked back. She went on to win one round after another at Indian Idol and missed the chance of winning the coveted crown of being the Indian Idol only by two rounds.

?I regret losing,? she confesses. ?But winning and losing are parts of the game and I think that the best should always win. Hopefully, I will soon win a big award in the coming days.?

Prajakta, who started learning music at the age of four, believes in the mantra of hard work and practises for hours, both in the mornings and evenings.

Her mother was her first guru, who taught her the nuances of the craft. She is currently under the tutelage of Prasanta Chamandar.

?My gurus are my source of inspiration and without their unquestionable support and help, I could have never come this far,? she says.

?If one has the blessings of his guru and guardians, then no one can stop him from achieving success,? she adds. Since assignment after assignment have started flowing into her kitty, Prajakta has shifted base from Jabalpur to Mumbai.

?My mother has left her job to stay with me in Mumbai to help me build a career as a singer,? she says. ?Hopefully, I will be able to fulfil my dreams and become a playback singer. Otherwise, all our efforts will be lost.?

Prajakta enjoys playing badminton with her friends. But she loves watching television, especially when there is a football match. She is also a great fan of cricketer Irfan Pathan.

?Sports is a great energy booster. I unwind myself by playing games and so I never miss a chance to play with my friends,? she says.

?I think everybody should play some game or the other to keep fit,? she adds. The 17-year-old is a great foodie and freaks out on aloo paratha and chaat.

Asked how she handles the love and adulation showered on her by her fans, she says, ?Everything is the same, expect for the fact that people recognise me now if I walk down the streets in my locality. Otherwise I don?t feel as if any great change has occurred in my life.

?Success and failure are all momentary. What is important is talent and hard work and I want to be known to the world for those only.?

With dreams in her sparkling eyes and loads of talent, Prajakta is determined to keep on trying till she reaches her goal.

Maitreyee Boruah