X Factor format not fair, says contestant

The first contestant to be eliminated from the television talent show X Factor, singer Manjeera Ganguly, says she is upset because the elimination came so early in the show and after the judges had passed complimentary remarks on her performance. Manjeera lost in a face-off with the Nirmitee group. She talks to Rajul Hegde about her experience.

Were you disappointed at being eliminated?

Yes. It was unexpected and shocking. I didn't deserve to be among the bottom two especially after an impressive performance that got great comments from the judges.

You got good remarks from the judges but you were eliminated because of the SMS votes. What's your take on that?

I shouldn't be complaining because we are very aware about the format. This show has an exclusive concept where the solo participants compete against groups. But groups can get more votes since each group member can have individual contacts and can add to their vote bank, which I feel is not fair.

How has life changed after your short stint on X Factor?

X Factor gave me good exposure. I learnt how to sing and dance through this show and I would like to thank my choreographer Neerav for this. I am happy that people liked my performance and now I am recognised everywhere. I have also made many friends.

How is Shreya Ghosal as a mentor?

She is very nice and approachable. I got to learn technical aspects of playback singing and also to express myself better.

Is there any chance of you coming back on the show as a wild card entry?

I really don't know whether the format has a wild card entry and whether they would call me again if it has, because there will me more eliminated contestants like me. 

What were you doing before coming on this show?

I have done playback for title tracks of TV serials like Kitni Mohabbat Hai, Choti Si Zindagi, Maati Ki Banno, Chand Chupa Badal Mein and Pavitra Rishta. I have lent my voice to an album called Love bytes. I have also sung for Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Bhojpuri and Gujarati films and also done jingles for advertisements. I have sung for a film called College Campus, with singer Shaan.

Lastly, who do you think is the strongest contender in the show?

Shovon Ganguly and Sahiti G are good signers. In teams, I think Deewane and Nirmitee are good and creative.