'I’m happy being myself,' says Emon 8 Sep 2007, 0000 hrs IST,ZINIA SEN ,TNN Print Save EMail Write to Editor Emon Chatterjee (TOI Photo ) More pics "Indian Idol was more of a personal choice" Were you always musically inclined? Always. After learning from my aunt when I was a kid, I was put under the tutelage of Chaitali Roy Gupta. When I won an all-Bengal singing competition, I was admitted to a music school that boasts of some of the best musicians Kolkata has. Taking part in Sony Entertainment Television’s Indian Idol was more of a personal choice. One of my friends, Akash Agarwal, stood overnight in the queue for registration forms to get me one. I’m here because of him. You’ve always earned flak from Javed Akhtar who thinks you sing like Sonu Niggaam... I can’t help it if a veteran like Javedsaab thinks that way. But Sonu Niggaam has himself said my voice isn’t remotely similar to his. I’m more than happy to know this. Singing style can be emulated, but voice... That’s exactly my point. What about the earlier Indian Idols? Isn’t their fading into oblivion demoralising? I really don’t know why whether something was lacking somewhere. I admire Abhijeet Sawant a lot. He’s made a brilliant comeback with his latest album. I’ve heard that even Sandeep Acharya is planning to cut an album. I won’t let Indian Idol be my stint with 15 minutes of fame. I’m dedicated and would continue to do good music. What has been your most memorable experience in Indian Idol so far? Sharing the stage with Sonu Niggaam. Earlier I’d dream of him. But never in my dreams had I thought that I’d someday share the stage with him! Would you dream of Sonu Niggaam? Yes... as in he’s around and sorts. Do you want to be like him? Not really. I’m happy being myself -Emon Chatterjee. So, is Bollywood the next big stop? I’m interested in playback. But I know that the journey is difficult. How does it feel to see Alisha Chinai and Anu Malek fighting over you? It feels great. Anu Malek has been a great support. Even in his criticisms, he has been friendly. Alisha Chinai is the sweetest of the lot. The clashes between judges and the budding romance between the contestants are perceived by the mass as gimmicks... I’ve reasons to believe that these are true. They root for certain contestants and are disheartened when the performances are not up to the mark. About Chang giving a rose to Deepali, it was a part of the choreography. He needed to give flowers to someone as it was going with the song that he was singing. He couldn’t cross a whole lot of other people to give flowers to anyone in particular. Deepali was sitting on one side and it was easier to hand her the rose. Who do you think is the best singer in this year’s Indian Idol. Deepali is the best of the lot, but then she got ousted. Amit too is a great singer. What do you feel about the voting system? It’s been fair and unfair at the same time. Some good singers got ousted and again it’s because of the votes that I’m here today.