He was one of the strong contenders for the trophy since the very beginning, and on Sunday, Salman Ali was officially announced the winner of Indian Idol 10 on Sony Entertainment Television. He took home the grand trophy, a cheque of Rs 25 lakh, and a car.
Hailing from a small village in Mewat, Haryana, this 20-year-old has proved the saying, ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ Although his humble beginnings — singing at small wedding jagrans with his father since the tender age of 7 for a living, were talked about on the show, it was his talent that won him audience votes and judges’ love.
Salman was the 1st runner-up in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs in 2011. Before Indian Idol happened, he also sang a song for the film Sui Dhaga and television show Chandragupta Maurya. Here’s more from the boy...
- How has your journey been so far and what are your future plans?
It has been a great journey so far. People have showered me with so much love and support.
It is nothing but a dream come true. Inshallah, I’ll be a part of the Bollywood industry soon. I would really love to do something for everyone who stood by me throughout my journey. Making a music album is in my bucket list for sure.
- You’ve been away from your family for a while now. What are your plans after you go back home?
First of all, I will be going back to my village. All the people there have already started the celebration and I can’t wait to see them. The success which I have received would have not been possible without my people. It’s not just my success, it’s ‘ours’. And I am really looking forward to celebrating it with my whole village.
- You were the judges’ favourite throughout the season. How did they guide you?
To be honest, they’ve treated me like their little child. I’m so thankful to them. All I can say is, I love them all to bits.
- You had earlier participated in Sa re ga ma pa L’il Champs in 2011. Why did you disappear from the showbiz for all these years?
There were a lot of struggles that my family and I had to go through. I was at a stage where I’d lost all hopes. But this platform brought a good turning point in my life.
- Your favourite genre seems to be Sufi. Apart from that, what genres do you like the most?
I don’t have a favourite genre in particular, but Sufi is something I enjoy. Besides that, if I have to pick a genre, it has to be Bollywood. Actually, it’s singing which is my favourite and it can be any song. You name it and I will sing it.
- How are you planning to use the prize money which you’ve received?
First of all, I have plans of improving our living conditions back home. Now that I have some financial stability, I will be able to give a good life to my family members. Apart from that, I have to create a music album for my supporters.
- Not many people get the platform that you got. What would you like to advise those who are still struggling and not getting the exposure?
I want to tell all of them to never lose hope! No matter where you are in life, never give up. Work hard because this is the only life you’ve got. Everything can be achieved with hard work and hope.
- You’ve won the title of 1st runner-up in Sa re ga ma pa 2011, and also sung a song for Sui Dhaga and TV show Chandragupta Maurya. So even when you had not won the Indian Idol trophy, you had got opportunities. Did this thought play on your mind when you participated?
I believe it is fate that has got me here. We’ve all worked very hard, you know. The audience decided the winner. Being able to perform at such a grand platform itself is such an achievement; on top of that, winning the trophy meant the world to me.
- Who was your favourite fellow participant?
Nitin Kumar has been my dearest of all the friends I’ve made.
- You were ragged so much about your broken tooth by Manish. How did you react to it?
Manish is the sweetest person. To be honest, I’ve never taken his jokes to heart.
