Javed Akhtar's Interview Source Hindustan Times

Javed Akhtar on judging Indian Idol and the fate of the remaining four contestants of the reality show.

Chang has been evicted from Indian Idol..
Yes.. it's very sad that such a talented singer was eliminated but that's the format of the show.

How do you rank the remaining four contestants?
Ankita's presentation skills are very good. Emon has a beautiful voice.. the kind that touches a chord in your heart. Amit Paul's vocals always evoke compliments. As for Prashant, his main advantage is his popularity in the North East. But don't get me wrong.. he's a good singer.

Do you think voting on provincial lines is fair?
No.. but then what can we do about it?

Why is there this perpetual conflict between presentation and singing?
You've got to understand that Indian Idol is an audio-visual medium. The singers have to be good performers as well. In that department, Ankita wins hand down.

Anu Malik does get quite rude at times..
I can only speak for myself. How other people behave is entirely up to them. "We're getting a lot of new blood. But the contestants should realise that there's space for only one at the top. At the same time, those who don't make it shouldn't lose hope either."

The judges always have differing views on the performances..
See, we are different individuals. I think it's better for the audience that we don't agree with each other. This way they get to hear all sides to the story .

Are such talent shows really a boon for the music industry?
Of course! We're getting a lot of new blood. But the contestants should realise that there's space for only one at the top. At the same time, those who don't make it shouldn't lose hope either.

Don't you think there's an overdose of musical talent shows these days?
Then the TRPs of all these shows should have dropped. I see it as a win-win situation.

The audience gets to see what they like, the channels mint money and youngsters get a platform to showcase their talent.

Is it right for the public to choose the Indian idol? After all, what do they know about sur and taal?
Why not? Doesn't the very same public choose who governs us?

Do you think Chang should be given another chance?
Right now there is no plan for a wildcard entry. But if that happens, I would welcome it - but not just for Chang. It would be for Deepali, Abhishek and Parleen as well.