'Singing and dancing is done to death'

The talented Shaan returns with the second season of Amul Star Voice of India, as its fun host. A musical reality show, the 24 contestants will be judged by singer Sukhwinder Singh, and music directors Monty Sharma and Ismail Darbar.

Shaan tells Rajul Hegde more about the show.

You have stayed away from Star Voice of India: Chhote Ustaad.

Yes. I wanted a break from the daily routine and needed time to do my own things.

Personally, I don't believe in competition between children, or to make children a part of entertainment. They grow up fast, and lose their innocence. Parents also tend to put a lot of pressure on them. If they are really talented, they can wait until they are 20 and decide what they want to do. If my children wanted to be part of a reality show, I would never encourage them. But I cannot say the same for someone, who needs this platform.

How will the second season of Voice of India be different from the first?

We have selected 24 best singers from different states. Apart from music, we will discuss youth-related issues, and also educate them. As an anchor, I will use simple words. Last time, most of my words were complicated and went over everybody's head, including mine. You will see me in a new hairdo and with more smiles.

Do you comment on the performances of the contestants?

As an anchor, my job is to make them comfortable and not to pass judgements. But backstage, I do talk to them about their performance and tell them what I feel.

Do reality show winners get a chance in the industry?

These shows give them a platform to showcase their talent; to make it big takes time. They cannot expect the industry to welcome them as soon as they win the title. If they don't get playback singing, they at least get live shows and private albums. The industry still works on who-sings-better and not on who wins the title. People have seen our success, not our struggling days. Because of these music shows, they are easily accessible to composers and singers, which we never had.

When will we see you judge reality shows?

I am happy singing and anchoring. Every time, Gajendra Singhji comes up with new music show, he asks me to be a judge. But I am not ready for that. I still feel I don't have the kind of skill to be on the judge's seat. The participants, whom I thought deserved to win, barely made it to top five in the last season of Voice of India.

If you were to have your own reality show, what would it be?

Singing and dancing is done to death. I would go for a fitness show for people like doctors, journalists and actors. But the finals would be between Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan. [laughs].

Watch Amul Star Voice Of India on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm on Star Plus.