I am living my dream, says budding singer Pawandeep Rajan

How does it feel to be in the top 10 contestants?

I have been dreaming about this since my childhood — that one day I would sing on the stage of Indian Idol. I have been following this show from season one and still remember the first winner — Abhijeet Sawant. His life changed after he won! I am so happy that I am able to reach the top 10. It’s like living my dream.

Since when have you been pursuing music?

Since I was two-and-a-half years old, I started playing the tabla. My father, Suresh Rajan, is a singer and my late naani was a folk singer; so, music is in my blood.

Which all instruments can you play?

I can play the piano, dholak, drums and guitar as of now. I remember there was an orchestra band that came to our village. I heard the sound of Octopad and loved it. I enjoy playing different instruments.

When did you start singing?

It actually happened accidently. I had come to Chandigarh with a musical band to play dholak in a show. This was around 2013-14. There was an issue and the band’s singer backed out. That’s when I took the opportunity and sang on stage for the first time. The audience liked it and that’s how I started singing. I share a special connection with Chandigarh. It’s like my second home.

Have you taken any formal training in music?

No. I learnt how to play instruments by watching videos. I used to listen to various singers to learn singing. Every singer has a style; I try to know their style, their voice texture and why they have been liked by their listeners. I try to discover!

How has Indian Idol changed your music sense and enhanced your quality?

It’s a great learning platform. This show is actually preparing you for the playback genre. I can see the change in me already. We all have got so much exposure that after the end of the show, we will be very confident of our craft.

What do you have to say about the three judges?

They are very talented and stalwarts in their own way. Whether it is Vishal Dadlani, Himesh Reshammiya or Neha Kakkar, they are experienced and I am following their suggestions to improve my singing.

Who do you think is your toughest competitor?

I personally don’t think of all these things. Our bonding has been great even when we were 15 contestants. During the show when someone sings well, we actually feel good. The friendship among us is very pure.

If you win the title of Indian Idol what would be your future plans?

If I win the title, it will be like the first stepping stone. I will be concentrating on making music and singing.

Who is the one singer whom you adore and follow?

Arijit Singh.