[festive music playing]
'People are lying'
'when they say Diwali is nothing without the lights.'
'In reality, Diwali is not about the lights.'
'The relationships fulfil it.'
'This isn't just the sixteenth season of the Indian Idol.'
'It is the sixteenth Diwali'
'that we are celebrating together.'
[festive music playing]
'Our family gathers from all over the country for Diwali.'
'In the same way, we come back to you every Diwali.'
[festive music playing]
'Let's light up our dreams along with the lamps.'
'On the stage of Indian Idol away from home.'
'Let's celebrate a homely Diwali.'
Happy Diwali!
[festive song playing]
The first contestant is Sugandha Date.
- She is from Indian Idol Junior. - That's right.
'Where are your teeth?'
'I lost them.'
[soft music playing]
Let's not tell Badshah.
Badshah, call the next contestant.
Call them.
- What are you looking at? - Just call the next contestant.
- Call them. - Next!
[fun song playing]
Sugandha Date, please come.
Hello, sir. Hello, madam.
Hi.
Hello.
There is something in her voice.
Yes, there is. There is.
Your earrings!
Thank you, madam.
I am so happy to be here.
I hope you love the way I sing.
- I hope I sing well. - We pray so too.
[audience laughing]
Best ever, bro!
Tell us your name.
Madam, my name is Sugandha Date.
I am from Mumbai.
I completed my graduation this year.
I did BMM from Mithibai College.
I will pursue music full-time now.
- Okay. - Very good. Very good.
We are so bad.
We are grown-ups.
[fun tunes playing]
Okay, which song do you want to sing?
Madam, I will sing Mrs Lata's song. 'Tumhen Dekhti Hoon'.
Wow! That's a beautiful song.
All the best.
Thank you, madam. Thank you so much.
[singing]
Thank you. Thank you, madam. Thank you, sir.
Thank you so much.
You chose such a beautiful song.
This is such a mesmerising song sung by Mrs Lata.
Singing to one of the toughest compositions
is a massive victory in itself.
Thank you, madam. Thank you so much.
You know who she is, right?
Sugandha Date.
How was her singing?
It was good.
This is Sugandha Date.
She had no teeth back then.
Now she has all of them.
She was eight years old.
She came to participate in Indian Idol Junior.
Oh!
She has been a finalist then.
[singing]
She won over many of our hearts.
Every well-known guest we had on the show...
Priyanka went crazy when she heard her sing.
[melodious song playing]
- Mr Bachchan came to the show. - Yes, sir.
'I am surprised to see how talented she is at such a young age.'
Bappi Da gave her a chain.
Do you remember?
- Shah Rukh Khan gave her blessings. - Correct. Correct.
We didn't want to inform you beforehand.
I wasn't even there back then. But I am having FOMO.
It was a lot of fun.
We sang many melodious songs.
All the children were so talented.
Sugandha was the youngest contestant in that season.
Those were beautiful memories.
Both with the contestants and the judges.
But I have one
unfulfilled wish that I would like to make it happen.
Madam, I really want to sing a song with you.
- I would love it. Please, madam. - Come on, Shreya.
Sugandha is requesting me.
Why would I say no?
- Of course, I will sing with you. - Please, madam. Yes.
Thank you. Shall we hear the verdict first?
My verdict is a little bit...
What?
I want you to know...
[tense music playing]
We wouldn't just let you move forward because we know you.
Absolute fairness. Your pitch is too low.
But I know your potential.
Yes.
It is a yes from me. I am still hesitant.
Let's not let this happen again.
- Okay, sir. Promise. - You have to promise.
Definitely, sir.
Your verdict.
I know your potential.
I know the magic behind your voice.
It is a yes from me.
I would like to watch you move forward in this show, Sugandha.
Thank you, madam. Thank you so much.
Sugandha, I don't know how you used to sing.
I would like to see more of you.
- It is a yes from me. - Thank you, sir.
- Okay? - Okay.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
Come and get your ticket, Sugandha. Come on!
[audience applauding]
[gibberish yelling]
Good luck.
[hums softly]
[singing a melodious song]
Nice!
[audience applauding and cheering]
Sugandha.
- I am with you, Sugandha. - Thank you, madam.
You have to sing the way you just did.
- Give her a big round of applause. - Welcome home.
Yes, sir. Thank you so much.
Bye. Thank you.
[door opens]
Oh, wow! Come on!
One second. A box of sweets.
Sat Sri Akaal, sir. Sat Sri Akaal, ma'am.
- Sat Sri Akaal. - Sat Sri Akaal.
Whatever you say, shall come true.
What's your name?
Ma'am, my name is Akarshit Wadhawan.
- Akarshit? - Yes.
Wow! Akarshit,
what have you brought in your hand?
Ma'am, I went to my Gurudwara Sahib in the morning.
There, I prayed
to Wahe Guruji
for my audition to go well.
That's why I've brought this offering for you.
- Please bring it. - Please bring it.
Bring it.
- Wow! - Wow!
Thank you, sir.
[background song playing]
We've got divine blessings. What else do we need?
When you came...
- You have a very positive vibe. - Yes.
I really liked it.
Ma'am, I also felt great
coming to this stage.
Especially after seeing all three of you.
- And my Badshah Paji. - Wow!
- After seeing him,
I felt so proud that our Punjab's own brother is sitting here.
- Akarshit. - Yes, Paji.
I am just like you.
If I can come this far,
you can go even further. Just remember that.
Absolutely!
- What are you going to sing? - Today,
- I am going to sing 'Dil Haara'. - Oh, wow! Come on!
Wow!
Vishu Sarkar!
[laughter]
I'm ready.
- The pure of the Lord are victorious. - Wow!
[singing]
- Wow! - It's good.
It's good!
Oh, wow!
Oho!
[singing]
[music playing]
[singing]
Wow!
Amazing!
That was awesome!
Your bow at the end was amazing.
Yes.
This song needs a lot of range.
Low notes are low, high notes are high.
There was a bit of a lack in both places.
[intense music playing]
For now, it's a no from me.
- Okay. - Okay!
Akarshit.
- Yes, Paji. - You missed
your notes.
- But you didn't miss the connection. - Okay.
Sir, he has
a beautiful foundation.
And Indian Idol is all about the journey.
And the boy has a vibe, sir.
He has a vibe.
Sir, I...
You keep quiet, don't speak.
[laughter]
- Your work is going well. Don't mess it up. - Yes.
He is setting, wait.
Stay back.
He has a vibe, sir.
And it's such a tough song, sir.
It's such a tough song. He is doing a good job, sir.
I agree with both.
Can you sing something else?
Yes.
- Come on, brother. - On a high note.
- Yes. Correct. - Sure.
[claps]
[music playing]
[singing]
[music playing]
[singing]
Okay.
- Keep the musical notes for later. - Okay.
- We'll do something later, right? - I will.
- Why not? - I will.
- You will? - I will.
You won't?
- I will. - You don't understand.
Listen to the question properly.
- We'll do something later, right? - Yes.
Yes.
- I'm going ahead. - Yes!
[laughs]
If you get selected, what will you do?
- Ma'am, I'll call my mother. - Oh!
Wow!
My mother has been sitting
in the Gurudwara since morning.
I'll call her first to tell her I'm selected. You eat something.
Oh!
If your mother is sitting
without eating, then how can you feed us? That's wrong.
Your mother has the first right.
- Of course, sir. - Right?
- But anyway, it's okay. - I ate.
- Of course. - But I'll feed aunt next time with my own hands.
Because it's a yes from my side.
Wahe Guru!
You're coming to the theatre round.
Take the golden ticket.
[song playing]
Congratulations! Oh, my God!
Oh, my God! Congratulations! Yay!
A kiss from you to mom!
Whatever you say, shall come true.
Come on in.
Don't be scared. Come in. This is your home.
What's your name?
Sir, my name is Dharmesh Nayat.
Where are you from?
Sir, I'm from Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Very good. What song are you going to sing today?
Sir, today, I'm going to sing 'Ae Zindagi'.
- Sorry, sir. - Why? What happened?
[soft dramatic music playing]
You can relax.
Take a five-minute break and breathe. No need to stress.
Relax. Calm down.
What's going on? Are you not feeling well?
No, ma'am. I'm fine, ma'am.
Take a deep breath. Do you want to drink water?
[tense music playing]
Ma'am, I wanted to say something.
I wanted to say that
I'm dedicating this song to my daughter.
Because whenever I listen to this song
or sing it,
I remember her in every line
and word.
Sing it well.
[music playing]
[singing]
[music playing]
[singing]
Okay, brother. Thank you.
[pauses]
The notes aren't reaching.
[tense music playing]
And I'm sorry, it's a no from me this time.
Sorry.
It's a yes from me.
[tense music playing]
I really liked your song.
I felt it.
Especially the verse was sung very nicely.
So, it's a yes from me.
[tense music playing]
- I have known it... - No, it was nice.
- Have you prepared any other song? - Yes, sir.
Which one?
Sir, 'Alvida'.
Are you comfortable with that song?
- Yes, sir. - Sure?
Yes, sir.
What's wrong with you guys?
Did he sing that badly?
Which 'Alvida', brother?
- KK sir's. - Nice!
Be relaxed now.
You actually liked it?
I liked it.
Dharmesh, you said you're singing for your daughter.
Yes, ma'am.
You dedicated this song to her for whatever reason.
But
that song really touched me.
Actually,
I haven't seen her for five years.
What? Why?
How old is your daughter?
Ma'am, six years.
[ambient music playing]
Sorry, man. I didn't know.
Alright, don't cry now.
You have to sing.
Relax. Chill! Calmly.
You're okay? Do you want some water?
Water.
[clucks tongue]
[ambient music playing]
[pats on chair]
Come on, Dharmesh.
[singing]
[tense music playing]
Relax, brother.
- Don't stress. - I'm sorry, sir.
- No! - No! Don't be sorry.
We're worried about you.
- Okay? - Yeah
In competition,
there are good days and bad days.
Whoever it is,
there's no need to take so much pressure.
[tense music playing]
I'm there.
What happened?
He's just too shaky with emotion right now.
[tense music playing]
Dharmesh, there's a lot in your heart,
you're going into flashback. Something's happening with you.
I think you can sing.
But right now, you're too overwhelmed.
True.
- Dharmesh. - Yes, sir.
Please... hear me out. Listen.
Don't do this.
[tense music playing]
Turn your emotions into your strength.
How does a person succeed? By working hard.
This is the moment of your life. You can't be overwhelmed.
Do you understand?
Don't let your emotions
take over you. I know what this emotion is.
I also stay away from my child.
[tense music playing]
Be a man.
You're going to the theatre round. It's a yes from me.
Don't let me down.
Don't let a father down.
Do you understand?
- Do you get it? - Right.
Do you understand?
[ambient music playing]
Come here.
Dharmesh.
[ambient music playing]
Come here, brother.
[ambient music playing]
[song playing]
I was feeling weak.
No, turn this into strength.
Why feel weak?
I'm with you. Everyone's with you.
They all want you to win.
[song playing]
Well deserved!
[song playing]
- Are you okay? - I'm okay.
[music playing]
[music fades out]
You know, not everyone has strength.
Strength develops slowly. Some people aren't born with it.
They are not made like this.
- Bro. - Yes.
- Your daughter is eight now, right? - Yes.
- Where is she? London, yes? - London.
When did you last meet her?
- I met her recently. - Recently?
Now we can easily make video calls.
We have a great space now.
Is she sensible?
Yes, sensible and grown up.
She's become my friend.
Right.
Next contestant, please.
[vocalisation]
Hello.
- Hi. - Hi! Hello.
Hello.
What's your name?
My name is Ankita Pradhan.
Ankita Pradhan, where are you from?
I'm from Contai, East Midnapore.
- Fantastic! - Where is it?
- In West Bengal - Oh, okay.
I've been there once. I had a concert there.
I have already met you before.
- Oh, really? Right there? - Yes.
- When I came? - Yes.
Oh, how lovely.
[song playing]
- How old are you? - Sixteen.
Oh, sweet sixteen.
You're on the Idol stage, how does it feel?
I feel really good.
- Excited? - Yes, very excited.
- Not nervous? - No!
Have you learned music?
I've learned
semi-classical.
My main genre is versatile singing.
Okay, I like that.
Ankita, in your form, you wrote,
what do you want to do before the year ends?
You wrote, to be a finalist.
- Yes. - No.
You'll have to change it to, be a winner.
Okay?
But the winner will be next year, right?
She can't be a winner this year.
[laughter]
- Alright! - So,
what will you sing?
- 'Jo Haal Dil Ka'. - I love that.
- All the best. - Thank you, ma'am.
[music playing]
[singing]
[crowd cheering]
Wow!
[singing]
Thank you.
I really like your confidence.
The way you came,
there was no fear in you. And we need people like that.
I think you can really improve because of that.
Okay? So, it's a yes from my side!
- I'd love to see you. - Thank you so much!
Ankita, firstly, I love this song.
I really like this song.
Jatin-Lalit's music, sung by Alka Ji and Sanu Da.
It's a very beautiful song. And I really liked your voice.
The more beautiful you are, like a 'laddu',
the more beautiful your voice quality is.
Thank you so much, ma'am.
You've unlocked a playlist of memories.
- Oh, wow! - It's a yes from me, too.
Thank you so much, sir.
Come!
[song playing]
[music playing]
Let's dance!
Hello, judges!
[chuckles]
What is this, Lord?
Surprise!
My song is about to launch.
It's called '31st Guitar'.
So, what's your plan?
[quirky music playing]
Can you make your entry again?
- Yes. - I missed it.
- Please do it again. - For all of us.
Come on.
[song playing]
Hello, judges!
My song will be released on October 31st.
What's your name?
- My name is Preetishq. - What?
Preet plus Ishq.
Wow.
Preet plus Ishq.
Preetishq.
What happened to you, Preetishq?
[laughing]
He's here to launch his song. What do you mean by that?
What's the title of your song?
Sir, I'm dedicating this song to you.
[laughing]
I'm a big fan of yours.
The track was composed
while taking inspiration from your music
in the bathroom.
- Bathroom? - You mean while bathing? - Yes.
[funny music playing]
Who'll take care of me after hearing this song?
I want to collaborate with you.
I'm about to collapse.
- Can I hear it? - Yes.
Before that, I want to show you the hook step.
[funny music playing]
The hook step is very important.
The song starts with it.
- In fact, a song begins with the hook step. - Indeed.
[funny music playing]
The step involves...
Lift your index finger.
The left one.
- The left one? - Yes.
- Okay. - Demonstrate 31.
- Okay. - Oh.
Okay?
Show three fingers on your right hand.
Three fingers.
After that...
Do this.
Rotate your arms above your head.
- Okay? - Alright.
- Once more. - Okay.
Then jump,
and do this.
One, two, three, four.
The problem is that he dedicated this to me.
Everything, the one finger, three fingers,
and rotating the arms above the head...
- This too. - Were you trying to replicate his video style?
Sir, you haven't seen his hand gestures yet.
[funny music playing]
- Preetishq, sing while performing the step. I'm eager to see. - Okay.
Hmm...
Not bad.
The tempo!
[singing]
[applause]
It's a hit.
Ladies and gentlemen, this just made my day.
Preetishq, did you compose it?
Did you compose it? Amazing.
It's a banger.
- My God, it's a superhit. - It's a superhit song.
I'll try my best
to release this song.
Thank you so much, Preetishq.
Don't take it lightly. It's a serious song.
Yes, 100 percent.
He doesn't care.
He used the audition platform
to promote his song.
Please call the next contestant.
[upbeat music playing]
[song playing]
My name is Manraj Veer. I'm from New Delhi.
Five things that define my music are love, energy,
feel, style, and confidence.
I've always been fascinated by fashion,
especially trying out new trends.
I also listen to rock-romantic music.
They define both my music and style.
I dream of working in Bollywood and the Hindi music industry.
I believe I can achieve that dream through Indian Idol.
[song playing]
Greetings, sir and ma'am.
- Greetings, sir. - Greetings.
That's a lovely turban.
Thank you so much, sir.
Your height and personality are equally impressive.
- What's your name? - My name is Manraj Veer.
- Where are you from? - I'm from New Delhi.
- I see. - And...
I'm also a music composer and producer, besides being a singer.
- Wow. - Very good.
Thank you so much.
That's always great to hear.
Where in Delhi do you live?
I live near Janakpuri.
Wow, it looks like everyone lives in that area!
Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Pushpanjali, Pitampura...
Everyone seems to come from those neighborhoods.
- Those places are adventurous. - And they have great panipuri.
[laughing]
- Are you ready? - Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Check.
[singing]
He sounds like Zubeen.
A bit higher in pitch, though.
There's potential.
Three, two, one, sound!
[upbeat music playing]
[singing]
Oh, 'Phirta Rahoon'.
[singing]
[upbeat music playing]
[singing]
Woah!
Wow.
- Very good. - Really nice.
[singing]
[applause]
Wow.
- Very good. - Well done.
Thank you, sir.
Manraj...
You have my heart.
- Woah! - Thank you so much, ma'am.
Wonderful.
You know, in audition rounds,
we don't usually give much importance to pop singing.
But delivering a refined, commercial performance...
that's a big achievement.
Thank you so much, ma'am.
Your voice is absolutely beautiful.
It fits really well in rock arrangements too.
With the drums and power chords,
your voice stood out even more.
There's a distinct edge to it.
You also brought back a lot of memories.
This was a song I once sang
with the late KK.
[upbeat music playing]
My memories have been reloaded.
Fabulous.
Thank you, ma'am. It means a lot.
Brother,
your voice is so clean and beautiful.
Rock music isn't merely about
singing those high notes.
Rock music demands tremendous energy.
Every time you hit a high note,
it struck straight to the heart.
[singing]
Incredible. And as Shreya and I were discussing...
besides the late KK, your voice also reminded us
of Zubeen Garg, who recently passed away.
Both were iconic vocalists.
Two of the greatest this country has known.
And your voice...
evokes both of them. That's something truly special.
As a young musician,
make them your inspiration and keep moving forward.
Congratulations.
It's a yes from me.
Thank you so much, sir.
That was a controlled performance.
There are so many places you could've gone wrong...
but you didn't. Loved it, Manraj. So proud of you.
- It's a yes from my side too. - Thank you so much.
Woah!
I'm lifting a dumbbell.
- Wow, you actually lifted it! - Oh no!
- Yes. - Yes!
- Oh! - Oh!
I'm at a loss for words.
Fantastic.
What a voice!
Truly fantastic.
[song playing]
It's alright.
- You're going straight into the Top 15. - Ma'am!
Words can't express how happy I am.
I might cry later.
I'm overwhelmed. This moment is so joyful.
Look at his outfit!
Yes!
Look at his shirt, pants, and shoes!
- The watch too! - It's fully branded. Oh God!
Your watch is shining.
It must be worth
at least a million rupees.
The mic and watch look so good together.
- Isn't it? - Oh goodness!
Wow, original?
Janakpuri, Delhi.
While it's original, it doesn't belong to me.
I borrowed it from my friend.
But I'm fond of wearing original watches.
I came here with a dream to own an original watch someday.
Wow.
Manraj.
May God bless you with abundance.
- Wow. - Definitely, sir.
Thank you so much, sir.
Although Badshah never gave me a watch.
Never?
I'll be waiting till the end of the season.
Pray for me.
If he can't give you a watch, you do.
Sure.
Please do.
- You have to. - So be it.
Go away. Why are you humiliating me?
[laughing]
[song playing]
The atmosphere is lovely.
What a vibe!
[singing]
Oh man.
[singing]
Woah!
How did you like my welcome song?
Greetings.
What's your name?
My name is Aaroh Shankar.
Ma'am, his name is Aaroh Shankar.
His nickname is Aaru.
His educational qualification
is B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.
You seem to know everything.
What's his Aadhaar card number?
[song playing]
Let me tell you his journey.
He must've prepared for the IIT-JEE.
- Okay. - He might have failed it.
Very few people manage to do it.
He must have joined a tuition in high school.
Generally, people make plans for the weekend,
But he's solving the sample test.
And then he'll have an engineering degree.
- He has even written music production. - Yes, sir.
So, did you have a laptop or did you use a friend's?
Sometimes a friend's, sometimes mine.
And all of that used to be pirated.
Cracks, baby. Cracks!
[laughter]
You need to produce your own music in thirty minutes,
or else you're out.
The story would've gone like this.
Yes, sir. Exactly like this.
Just as you said.
All of a sudden, my father realised I might not be able to do it.
"If you want to pursue music, then chase your dreams."
Wow.
And by chasing my dreams, I reached here.
[music playing]
It happens only in India.
You're born, go to school,
become an engineer, and then decide your future.
What are you going to sing?
*Najaa-Kai-Hum-Najaa.'
- Oh! - Sung by Mohammed Rafi.
Wonderful.
- I'm going to sing it. - Wow! Great choice!
Thank you.
[vocalising]
[singing]
Love it.
- Wow! - Wow!
[singing]
Amazing!
Amazing.
Wow!
The song is wonderful.
Unexpected.
[singing]
Amazing.
- Take my heart and go. - Amazing.
Take my heart and go.
- Arun. - Take it away.
You've changed the whole vibe. Amazing.
I'm so, so thrilled.
Thank you so much, ma'am. Thank you.
You have such depth,
and that is the most important thing in music.
Thank you so much.
I'm really happy for you. Congratulations.
Thank you.
God bless you.
- Come on! - Hello, sir. Hello, ma'am.
Come on! Who's good, maaji!
- Who's good, man! - Now reply to him.
Now answer...
...Badshah's questions.
- He's getting worried. - Please, don't respond.
- Hi, what's your name? - My name is Parinay Jain.
- Parinay. - That's a beautiful name, my dear!
- Thank you, sir. - Why are you calling him 'Maaji'?
'Oh, Maaji Re'!
[laughter]
I'm so sorry, man.
I swear, we're all professionals here.
I swear, we know our work.
- Let it be, sir. - Come on.
- Okay, sir.
Come on.
- Hi Parinay, we'll do a restart. - Hello, ma'am.
- Yes, no problem. - Okay.
- Where are you from? - I'm from Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Oh, lovely.
Parinay, break it, brother!
[vocalising]
- Nice. - Lovely.
[singing]
Woah!
[vocalising]
[singing]
- Woohoo! - Thank you so much.
- Oh! - Wow!
- That was amazing, Parinay. - Thank you, thank you.
You tried something different in this performance.
Very smart improvisations.
I was actually surprised by the rap.
[singing]
This is different.
Because trying to rap...
I'd say it's a very difficult territory to enter.
If you don't do it smartly, it can fall flat.
But you handled it really well. It sounded rhythmic, musical, smart.
You really played it well.
Rhythmic, musical. Very clever.
So, it's a yes from me.
Thank you, ma'am. That means a lot. Thank you.
As soon as you finished 'Hum-Dum',
it was a yes from me too.
Thank you, sir. Thank you so much.
So what's his result?
Parinay's result is that...
you can hand this to him and he'll greet you.
[laughter]
- Parinay, come here. - Well, greet her.
All right. You're through to the theatre round!
[music playing]
- Ah! - Hey!
Happy Diwali.
Whoa!
I am so happy to see all of you.
My sweet faces have returned.
- And that too with sweets. - Happy Diwali.
Oh, wow.
- I am so happy to see you. - We are too.
[music playing]
Hello, Shreya ma'am.
- Hello, Vishal sir. - Hi.
Bad Boy Shah.
Oh God.
My name is Sachin Sanwani.
- Sachin, is this your voice, or are you deliberately changing it? - No.
My voice is like this only.
My God!
What are you going to sing today, Sachin?
The song that I am going to sing for that
I'll need my jewellery.
Can I get my jewels?
- Please get your jewels. - Of course.
[song playing]
Especially for Shreya ma'am.
- Oh, wow. - Take it.
I need your jewels.
This is for you, Vishal sir.
[song playing]
Oh, my God, Bad Boy Shah, you are looking amazing.
It is all due to the jewels that you put on me.
Pookie, Pookie Shreya Ghoshal.
- Oh... - Pookie. Oh!
OG Vishal sir.
OG. Oh God!
I prayed for you that hair will grow on your head.
I didn't imagine that there would be fur on your head.
Wow!
Oh, wow!
What type of question is this?
Wow!
[singing]
[music playing]
[singing]
- Mind-blowing. - Whoa!
Sachin, I want to hug you.
- And I want to serve you sweets a hundred per cent. - Can I?
[singing]
Wow, Sachin, you rock.
It is so good, I loved it.