'I thought I could still win VOI'

He missed the crown by a narrow margin.

And though Harshit Saxena may be down, he's definitely not out. Just two days after he lost the title of Star's Voice of India to Ishmeet Singh, an upbeat Harshit speaks about his future plans.

So close but so far, how are you feeling now?

Yes, it was very close. I'm doing fine now. Initially I was a bit hurt. But now two days have passed and I'm doing okay. There was a moment when I wanted to win so much but everything is in perspective now.

The fact remains that I've come so far because of all my hard work and talent, and that I lost Voice of India by a very small margin. I've achieved a lot. And I will continue doing so. Meeting Lataji (Lata Mangeshkar) and receiving the gold watch from her was incredible.

What was your family's reaction?

Initially, I guess everyone was shocked and hurt especially my grandmother. She was very sad. She really expected so much out of me, so when I lost it was unbearable for her. But now she's fine. In fact she called me and said that whatever I've done so far is something to be proud of, and the rest of my family agrees. They are all very happy for me.

When you heard that you were ahead in three zones vote tallies, did you think that title was in the bag?

When I found out about the first two zones, yes I was excited that maybe I'll win. But when I heard that I was in the lead in the third zone too, the nervousness was back. I suspected that with only North zone remaining there were some shocks still in store for me.

So when Lataji was about to announce the winner's name, you basically figured that Ishmeet had won?

Not really. I thought I could still win. But I also knew that there was no way that I could have a through and through victory. I knew that Ishmeet had an incredible support from Punjab. So I don't know...

After the names were announced, Aadesh Srivaastav hugged you. What did he say to you?

He told me not to worry and that he's there for me -- that they are all there for me. He said that I will get many opportunities to sing for him and I shouldn't despair because I lost today. Later Jatinji and Lalitji said the same thing to me.

Could you explain what went wrong? You were in the lead nearly till the end. And like Ishmeet you hail from the north zone, how is it that you just got 37 per cent of the votes?

I really don't want to get too much into this issue.

See, if we just go by the lead I had from the initial three zones, then yes, I should have won. But the fact is that I didn't. The complete official tally shows that Ishmeet is the winner. But truth be told, the real test starts now.

Lets see how far we both go.

And I understand this experience has been an emotional one for my fans too. I just hope they know that I'm happy even though I didn't win.

Why do you think your own state let you down in the finals?

They didn't. I've had their support from the start. It's because of them and their love that I even reached the finals.

Do you think that the fatal incident (blast) that occurred in UP just a few days ago could have affected the voting?

I didn't want to bring this up but it's a possibility. I was so sad when I heard the news. And to be honest if I had been in the city at that time, even I wouldn't have voted. My focus would have been on the city and it's people and not voting for a singer.

What do you think of the sms voting system? Do you think it's fair?

It doesn't matter what I think. It's the format of the show and I respect it. But perhaps the judges should have the right to intervene when needed. The judges who are also our mentors in the show have a great knowledge of music and singing. But really, who am I to say anything? I mean this show has given me a name, an identity. I was nothing before this show.

You always seem very confident and self-assured while performing. Are you the same in real life?

I'm a very calm person. I don't get tense easily. I won't say I'm a confident person. But yes I do have confidence in my ability.

Do you see any changes in yourself; from the person you were six months ago and the person you're now?

No, I'm really the same person. But as a singer and performer I've changed a lot. Initially I wouldn't move while singing. I slowly learned to loosen up. I used to dance as a kid but I was too shy to explore that initially. It was after the Khaike paan Banaras wala, that I really started performing.

What about your future plans? Any offers to sing?

Yes. Very soon you'll hear me sing in Mukesh Bhatt's film Raaz 2. I'll have about four to five songs there. I'm also working with Daboo Malik. In fact I've had offers to sing even before the finals. I've been approached by Sajid-Wajid, Aadesh Srivaastav, Jatinji and Lalitji

Any artists in particular you'd want to perform with?

The one artist I've always dreamed of performing with is unfortunately no longer with us, Kishoreda. (Kishore Kumar) Woh mere bhagavaan hain. I would have loved to perform with him on stage. From today's singers it would have to be Sonu Nigam. And then there's Lataji. I've performed in front of her, now I'd love to have an opportunity to sing along with her.

What would you like to say to Ishmeet?

I'd like to congratulate him and tell him not to waste this opportunity he has been given. Also that he should stay grounded and not let all this glitter and glamour get to his head. He needs to stay down to earth and work hard.

What message do you have for your fans?

I want to thank them for their undying support and their love. I know I had the support of the entire nation and I'm grateful for it. This show has been such a great platform for me to start my singing career. I want to promise my fans that I'm going to work even harder and they will hear more of my songs very soon.