Kailash Kher is set to judge Indian Idol 4

Kailash Kher, known for his soul singing, is set to judge Indian Idol season 4 along with Sonali Bendre, Javed Akhtar and Annu Malik. Indian Idol’s fourth season is going to start from next month, registration and audition for Indian Idol 4 is already started. This season, Indian idol has retained its previous judges, Annu Malik and Javed Akhtar, while roped in new pair - Kailash Kher and sonali Bendre. Here is what Kailash Kher says about his new role…What got you to join Indian Idol?

I have been associated with Indian Idol before (Guest judge last season). It’s
a very good platform to find new talent. Have we not heard of cases where
people have sold their land to make albums and are now on the street? Here we
don’t charge a single penny. But there is one problem and that is to separate the good from the ordinary. Many non singers also land up at the auditions with false hopes. And when they
get rejected, they create a scene. But we have to focus on only finding true
singers.

One major criticism of reality shows is that the winners disappear after some
time?

The channel gives them so much exposure, what more can they do. Now it’s the
singers’ responsibility to start working hard. Their real journey actually begins
after the show ends. But it’s sad to see that instead of concentrating on their
music, these guys pay more attention to their hair, (applying gel) clothes (wearing
torn jeans) and shoes. They even start making girl friends. And this
criticism that reality shows dump their finds is totally wrong. Forget the
winners, even those who make it to the finals have managed to buy their own houses
in Mumbai, which is no small task.

Your take on the SMS voting?

Agreed SMS may have some biases but then similar mistakes can be made by the
judges as well. Even if we accept the argument that the best singers do
not win, they alone will survive in the long run, for this industry only
recognizes talent.

Public perception is that the judges’ fight is all staged?

Pubic perception is very short lived. As for differences of opinion,
they are bound to happen. Don’t our MP’s make big scenes in Parliament,
but no one accuses them of drama?

Don’t you think reality shows have been done to death?

Yes given the large number of similar shows, quality has dropped.

Your previous reality show, Mission Ustaad bombed..

I am very proud to be associated with that great show, for it stressed on the
UN Millennium Development goals, a hope, I sincerely believe in. As for
the show not doing well, these things happen. Firstly 9X is still a
fledging channel and secondly when you have to compete with scantily clad
girls, your ratings are bound to suffer.