It happens to almost all winners of talent shows. After the public hysteria dies down, and a couple of albums are released, the winners just seem to disappear.

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Remember Abhijeet Sawant, the first Indian Idol [Images]? Or the second runner up, Amit Sana? He was last seen strolling unnoticed in a suburban Mumbai shopping mall.

"Unfortunately, we haven't found a single singer from these talent hunts who has clicked big time," says Bhushan Kumar, Managing Director, T-Series music. "We haven't produced any big singers so far, like Himesh Reshammiya [Images], from these programmes. It will take us time to produce a genuine super singer from these contests."

One can't deny, however, the fact that many have made it big as playback singers. Some like Kunal Ganjawala, Bela Shende, Shekhar Ravjiani (now a music director), Mohammad Vakil, Rishikesh Ranade, Shreya Ghosal and Sanjeevani Bhelande, for instance.

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In fact, Vidhu Vinod Chopra heard Sanjeevani on television and offered her a chance to sing for his film, Kareeb. Sanjay Leela Bhansali [Images] gave Shreya a break in Devdas after hearing her on Zee SaReGaMaPa Challenge. 

Says Shekhar Ravjiani, music director of Vishal-Shekhar fame, "These talent hunt contests are a wonderful platform for aspiring singers. They are a fantastic opportunity for those who want to showcase their talent."

Shekhar, who was himself an aspiring singer on a talent show, adds that they give opportunities to many unknown faces in India. "Vishal and I have already signed on some aspirants from our show (Zee SaReGaMaPa Challenge). We will produce an album with them," he adds.

"These programmes give people a platform, as well as a chance to prepare themselves," says Shaan, who hosts Amul Star Voice Of India, another reality talent show.