Indian Idol would-be winner: Anuj Sharma

A brilliant singer of folk songs and a post-graduate in music, Anuj Sharma has proved to be the dark horse of the Indian Idol contest.

BY A CORRESPONDENT

16 March 2006
MUMBAI, INDIA

One of the oldest contestants in the Indian Idol talent show, this young man from Himachal Pradesh was told by Anu Malik, "Tumhari aawaz Himachali seb ki tarah meethi hai." He has made it to the final three despite some lukewarm performances in previous episodes. He had been asked by the judges to improve his singing. In fact, many had expected Anuj to make his exit instead of hot favorite Amey Date.

Anuj was always interested in singing. However, it was only a few years ago that he decided to seriously pursue singing as a profession. 

Today, Anuj learns music from Pandit Baldev Raj Verma in Delhi. He has also completed his post-graduation in music and is said to be learning sound recording as he feels understanding music arrangement is essential for singing.

Anuj’s favorite artists are Sonu Nigam, Ustad Ahmed Hussain, and Ustad Mohd Hussain. Very adept at himachali folk music, he prefers it to popular film music although he loves old hindi film songs. 

Before Amey Date was unceremoniously chucked out, he was Anuj’s biggest worry. Says Anuj, “Amey is a good singer. He has the X factor and appeals to the image of a perfect Idol."

Anuj Sharma, NC Karunya and Sandeep Acharya


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