This Chota Champ has big dreams
Being one of the top 30 finalists in Indian Idol 11 is no mean feat. Harman Singh, a 14-year-old boy from Sangrur, has done it. After having cleared the theatre round, which was held in August, he is home for a Diwali break.
It’s not his first time in Mumbai as a reality show participant. He enjoyed limelight in Voice of Punjab and Rising Star, and tasted success as the winner of Chota Champ, Season 5. His talent was discovered by his father when he was all of four.
“My father is retired from the Army. During one of his postings in Gujarat, we were all with him and I participated in one of the cultural shows. My journey started from there. It has been the hard work and dedication of my father and uncle that I have come so far.”
Harman learnt the basics of music from his uncle who is a Ph D in classical music. In fact, in the initial years, he harboured the dream of joining the forces, just like his dad. “I took it casually in the beginning, would sing in family get-togethers or some functions at school or society. I wanted to study a lot and become an Army officer like my father. But the environment at home was such, everyone appreciated me, I would get all the attention and I started enjoying it. So, my interest in music grew gradually.”
Today, he has no backup plan; all he dreams of is to become a playback singer. And he knows the commitment this dream requires. “I start my day at 4am and spend two hours in riyaaz with my father, then I go to school, followed by tuitions and when I come home, I practise for at least three hours in the evening.”
—Gurnaaz Kaur
