Difficult to judge children, says Vishal Dadlani

Apr 16, 2013 IANS

Mumbai, April 16 (IANS) Composer Vishal Dadlani, who is one of the judges on upcoming singing reality show "Indian Idol Junior", says he finds it difficult to judge children.

He has earlier judged singing reality shows like "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge" and "Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star".

"It's very difficult to judge children as you have to handle them in a gentle way. Besides, you have to tell them everything truly," Dadlani said here in an interview.

"Most importantly, you have to motivate them, their love and dedication for the music, so that when they come next time, they sing even better," he added.

It's the first time that a children's version of Sony's flagship singing reality show "Indian Idol" is coming up. Children aged between 5 to 15 years can participate in the show.

Besides Dadlani, the contest will be judged by Shekhar Ravijani and singer Shreya Ghoshal.

Ghoshal, who is herself a product of a reality show, says she is impressed with the versatility of the child contestants.

"There is so much variety in their singing, some are inspired by Nusrat (Fateh Ali Khan) saab, some by Kishore Da, Lataji (Lata Mangeshkar), Ashaji (Asha Bhosle) and some by Abida Parveen," she said.

"It is not that they (children) are singing only one type of song, they also have versatility," added Ghoshal, who has earlier judged the show "X Factor India".

Ravijani, who composes with Dadlani, said the trio of judges is being careful that children do not sing songs they cannot understand.

"When the child is not able to sing a song having lyrics that he cannot understand, we don't listen to that song, and give an option to him to sing other song that he (or she) wants to sing," Ravijani said.

"Indian Idol Junior" will be hosted by actors Mandira Bedi and Karan Wahi. The show will commence in the first week of June.