'Junoon made me a face'

Harshdeep Kaur from Sufi Ke Sultan was crowned the winner of NDTV Imagine's Lux Junoon Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka at its grand finale last weekend.

The episode featured a spectacular battle between the three finalists: Abhas Joshi (Bollywood Ke Badshaah), Malini Awasthi (Maati Ke Lal) and Harshdeep. Harshdeep left everyone spellbound with her matchless performance that got the maximum number of viewer votes.

A graduate in Mass Communication, this 21-year-old playback singer had also won the MTV video GAGA contest 2001, at the young age of 14.  She is also the voice behind the beautiful Sikh prayer Ikon kai Onkaar in the blockbuster, Rang De Basanti.

Harshdeep talks to Rajul Hegde about her win.

How was the experience?

It has been a fantastic journey. In the beginning, we were just enjoying the activities. But it got tough towards the end, and we got more serious. The judges were critical of my singing but the public always supported me.

So you think you won only because of public voting?

Yes. I have nothing against the judges. I have learnt a lot from them. I am thankful to them because their comments helped me improve. The public must have voted for me because I always experimented. We hear Hindi songs everyday and they become repetitive.

When I was offered this show, the first thing that came to my mind was I should sing Sufi because I am a big fan of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. My voice suits Sufi music and I had never tried this before.

Did you think you would win when you entered this show?

I was confident about winning the show and today, I am very happy that my hard work has work paid off.

Who has been your inspiration?

A R Rahman! He is my idol and has inspired me.

How has Junoon helped your career?

Junoon was an important platform for me, as it gave me recognition. I have sung many songs as a playback singer, but this show has made me a face. Today, people not only know me for my voice, but also recognise me by face. That is good.

Your most memorable moment on the show?

When my mentor Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was asked to save one singer, and he chose me. I thank him for supporting and believing in me. The second time was when we had to perform in front of Amitabh and Abhishek Bachahan at the grand finale. 

Junoon has not fared as well as the other musical reality shows.

I agree. But it did well with a certain set of audience. We got good feedback from the viewers.

What next?

I will cut a Sufi album very soon.

Also, I am getting acting offers in films, and I am considering that. I have sung the title song for Himesh Reshammiya's Karzzzz and two songs for Kajraare. I am getting offers for musicals.