Reality shows are truly entertaining. From being overly sentimental to sometimes downright bizarre, they have become the sure shot recipe for gaining TRPs nowadays. But in the tumultuous race of who is going to win the title for various things, there are some hidden gems who win our hearts, no matters who takes the title. The first type of talent hunt that began in India was probably in the field of music. There was no guaranteed prize back then nor was there SMS voting, and people competed for the sake of showcasing their talent. The oldest type of talent hunt began with “Meri Awaaz Suno”, and continued with “Sa Re Ga Ma”, “Indian Idol” and the likes. Let us take a look at some of these melodious voices who came out of nowhere and became known for their sur and taal.
Sunidhi Chauhan, Meri Awaaz Suno
The then teen singer had no idea, that she would soon move on to become a great singing sensation. With her unique and hatke voice amongst the honey dewed ones, she became the first choice for quirky and foot tapping numbers. Don’t be fooled though, she is equally charming when she croons a romantic number.
The ‘Ruki Ruki’ Girl
Shreya Ghoshal, Sa Re Ga Ma
She was a protégé of Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the show, and soon wowed us as the voice of Paro in Bhansali’s magnum opus, Devdas. We loved her ‘Ish’.. act in Bairi Piya. She received numerous accolades, including the prestigious National award, and a Filmfare and has not looked back since.
Of ‘Jism’ Fame
Arijit Singh, Fame Gurukul
Remember the show which came right after the first season of Indian Idol? We don’t, and we certainly don’t remember the winners. However, there was one seedha saada boy who went to become the heart’s voice for everyone. Yes, Arijit was the 6th to be evicted, and we are sure he remembers it, because that was the stepping stone to his later fame.
Best Known For ‘Ashiqui 2′
Monali Thakur, Indian Idol
One of the contestants in Indian Idol, Monali had a uniquely sweet voice which could mesh as well with a dance number, as with an amorous love song. She went on seduce us with Touch Me from Race and still continues to wow us.
Of ‘Kiss Me’ Fame
Neeti Mohan, Channel V Popstars
She started with Ishq Wala Love from Student of The Year, which had quite a few puns mocking it, but her voice was universally loved. She quirked up for Anushka Sharma, for the song Jiya Re from Jab Tak Hai Jaan and got the prestigious R.D.Burman award for both these numbers.
Her Ishq Wala Love
Harshdeep Kaur, Junoon: Kuch Kar Dikhane Ka
The emerging sufi sensation in Bollywood, Harshdeep won the title of Sufi Ki Sultana in the reality show Junoon. Her distinctively soothing voice breaks the monotony of sugar coated ones, and gives us sufism from the soul.
Of ‘Kabira’ Fame
Some of them won the respective titles, and some did not. However, we are just thankful that these gems were extracted from the realms of anonymity and brought to the world of Bollywood Glitz. Our playlists have never been more thankful.
