'Winning or losing really does not matter' - Anwesha Dattagupta

Anwesha Duttagupta, the contestant in Chhote Ustaad from Kolkata has won many hearts through her soulful singing. Even after coming in the scaryland repeatedly, this girl made sure to make it to the finals through her talent. She won the hearts of everyone on the show with her sweet smile and her melodious singing. A very down to earth girl she is sure to create waves in the music industry is what most music lovers feel.

How has your journey been through Chhote Ustaad?

It has been a great experience. I have learnt a lot apart from the competition. And I enjoyed a lot with all my friends. And most importantly, I got to learn a lot from two very important people Anand Sharma and Anuj Kapoor, who help us train and give us a lot of technical tips.

How do you feel reaching the finals?

I am quite excited about being in the finals. I am workinhg really hard and we will try and give our best so that the finale is a rocking show.

Were you sure of coming this far?

I wouldn’t say that I was over-confident of making it big here, at the same time I was sure that I had it in me to move on in the competition. My mother had always told me to take it one step at a time. And that’s what I did, I started out slowly by thinking that I just hope I reach the top 11 first. Doing so, I have finally reached the finals.

How are you preparing for the finals?

Preparation is going on pretty strong. We are concentrating a lot more on the performance and our singing. Along with the tension of being in the finals, there is also a lot of excitement. We are working very hard to make sure the finale is a good show.

Among the three judges, who is ur favorite?

All three of them are equally nice. They have all been very caring towards us throughout the competition. They have always made their decisions unanimously and their comments usually don’t vary. All three are the best in their own style and genre.

In the usual format of such shows except for the finals, all the ronds are done in the studio. How do you feel going through this changed format? Which format do you feel is better?

Well when it is a live performance, we have to practice a lot more than for a recorded performance. There is a lot of stress and tension associated with a live performance. In fact I was present for the grand finale of Star Voice of India and I saw that there were a lot of rehearsals held. I have never thought on the lines of which format is better. Both the formats are good in their own way.

Who among you two have the best chance to win?

Umm… what can I say about that? Both of us are working very hard and will give our best. Winning or losing is a part of any competition. All I can say is that after coming to this platform, we have received equal adulation and blessings and I don’t think winning or losing really matters, after reaching to this level.

Any incident that touched you and you would be taking with you after the show gets over?

Yeah I do have a special memory. When the Star Voice of India finale was going on, Lata Mangeshkar had come as the celebrity judge on the show and I was quite excited to meet her. I went up to her and received her blessings too.

Future plans after this show?

After Chhote Ustaad, I hope to become a successful playback singer. Hopefully as I grow I become a versatile singer, that’s all is what I wish for.

Actresses you would love to do playback singing for?

I would like to do playback singing for all the actresses.

Shilpa Shetty rocks with the Chhote Ustaad finalists in Delhi

Aishwarya and Anwesha, the two finalists of Amul STAR Voice of India – CHHOTE USTAAD take the capital city – Delhi - by storm with their power-packed Punjabi Dhamal on Fri, March 28^th, 10 p.m. only on STAR Plus. The evening gets the viewers in perfect dancing mood as the rock star Mika and Lab Janjua perform hit numbers like 'Sawan Main Lag Gayi Aag', 'Mauja Mauja' & 'O Pappe Pyar Karke Pachtaya' respectively. To add to the excitement, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is the celebrity guest of the evening.

The show kick starts with the vibrant host, Abhaas coming on stage to perform on hit Punjabi numbers 'Jassi's Dil Le Gayi Kudi' & 'Kudiyan Sheher Diyan'. Anwesha & Aishwarya, the two finalists get into the groove with the song 'Baras Ja' which is dedicated to Shilpa Shetty and is followed by their solo performances. Aishwariya proves her versatility with the foot tapping number 'Soni De Nakhre' while Anwesha gets a standing ovation from all the judges and the crowd for her flawless rendition of the song 'Mahi Ve'. As the final moments close in, Pritam gets emotional about the show coming to an end.

Aishwariya once again strikes perfect notes with her next performance 'In Dino' while Anwesha makes a superb attempt with the song 'O Meri Jaan' in female voice. Both the finalists get Shilpa to dance with them on stage while they do a jugalbandi on the peppy number 'Mast Kalandar'. The final surprise element of the evening is an awesome performance by the Voice of India runner up – Harshit Saxena on the song 'Jab Se Teri Naina'.

To ad to the entertainment quotient, Pritam brings the musically charged evening to an end with a stellar performance on "Mere Sexy Lady" (Unreleased Album) and 'Hare Ram Hare Ram' with Shilpa Shetty and everyone else dancing to his tunes.

Stay tuned and don't forget to miss your favorite Chhote Ustaads perform with the gracious Shilpa Shetty on Amul STAR Voice of India – CHHOTE USTAAD, Fri, March 28^th, 10 p.m. only on STAR PLUS!!

Chhote Ustaad celebrates a Royal Holi

After creating frenzy in Bhopal Amul Voice of India Chhote Ustaad contestants Aishwarya Majmudar, Prakriti Giri and Anvesha Dattagupta flocked to the pink city of Jaipur to enthrall the crowds with their mesmerizing performances. Its was like a Royal parade with Maharani of Jaipur, Padmini Devi, Maharaja Savai Bhavani Singh, Princess Diya Kumari and Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia gracing the occasion.

With elephants, royal guards and the eminent guest, the Amul Voice of India Cchote Ustaad set literally looked like a Royal palace, with musicians and the girls dressed like Rajput women. Voice Of India star, Toshi, the boy from Rajasthan was a surprise guest who set the mood for the evening. He found a great admirer in Maharani Padmini Devi who confessed of having supported Toshi during Voice of India and said that she was very disappointed on his elimination.

While the girls performed on folk galore with Aishwarya singing Kesariya Balam from Lekin, Anvesha reciting Rang De from Takshak and Prakriti setting mood for the onset of basant with Rangilo maro Dholna, the judges comment gave outburst to parents dismay. For the first time on Chhote Ustaad, a parent had an argument with the judges. Prakriti's bua, Mrs Rita responded to the harsh comments of the judges last Saturday by saying that the girl was very disturbed by the comments. She told them to explain their point to the child with kindness. What have the judges to say about this?

First time in the history of reality television, three girls have reached to finals vying for the most coveted title. In the times when people spoke of gender biases and boys getting more votes in all reality shows on television, Aishwarya, Prakriti and Anvesha have managed to win hearts over and establish themselves as the most strongest contenders of the title Chhote Ustaad.

While stylebhen Aishwarya Majmudar from Ahmedabad exemplify confidence with impeccable singing and outshines her earlier performance, the pride of Kolkata- Anvesha Dattaguptta gives her tough competition with her divine nodes; flawless and rapturous recital week after week; Prakriti Giri stuns all and sundry with her pop quotient.

It is going to be a big dilemma for the viewers to decide who should they vote –Aishwarya, Prakriti or Anvesha. In the meanwhile the viewers will also have some great music, mellifluous performances and a musical tussle to look forward to.

Pritam Ko Gussa Kyu Aaya?

eality shows, super sensationalized AV's on participants, dramatic overkills and walkouts all go hand in hand. It gets very hard to say when an incident is scripted and when not! The shoot for this week's episode saw a shocking incident on the sets of SVOI which made one of the judges - Pritam Chakraborty, stage a walk out in protest. Telly Buzz decided to catch up with Pritam to get to know all about the incident..

When we inquired as to what exactly had happened, Pritam explained, "What happened was very bad. Suddenly this girl from the audience comes down and kisses Emraan Hashmi. The worst part was that, Emraan was my guest. He had come for the promotion of my album. Even he was bit shaken with the incident and that's very natural too."

But how could the girl breach the security, reach Emraan and indulge in such a bold act is the biggest question Pritam wants to ask the Production house. And on asking if the whole fiasco was scripted he firmly states, "I don't want to get into that, but if this whole act was scripted, then it was a far worse situation and totally disgusting. I cannot fathom why such dramas would be required to promote a talent hunt show." He was quite vocal about his displeasure on the whole fiasco. "This is a show for kids and such things should not have been allowed to happen. When Mika Singh goes and kisses Raakhi, I am least bothered. But when there are kids around, some basic aesthetics and decorum needs to be maintained," is what the Music Director and Judge of the show had to convey to all.

He justified his walkout saying, "Yes I made a walk out because I was very annoyed. That girl after all this goes and sits down as if nothing had happened. I told the show producers to throw her out and only after that, I joined again". But with all this, he is also quite miffed with the production house for promoting this incident. "The whole incident is finally a disgrace to the show. Why advertise such a thing? It's more disgusting this way," says an annoyed Pritam.

Yes, indeed it is sad that a kid's show had to witness such a shocking incident. Whether all this was staged or was an impulsive act by a crazy fan, only the show producer and his crew can tell.

'I am amazed at the response in Hong Kong' - Abhaas Joshi

Abhaas Joshi, the young and vivacious host of Chhote Ustaad is a happy man as he recently visited Hong Kong for his first ever international concert. He is equally excited like his other friends and participants of Star Voice of India, Ishmeet, Harshit, Toshi, Sumitra and Priyani who also gave scintillating performances in the concert. It was also a special treat for the Indian community in Hong Kong as they welcomed the Chinese Year of the Rat with this concert comprising of melodious classics of the 1970s all the way up to the contemporary favorites of today.
Abhaas is quite excited to have performed in Hong Kong. "I had a great time in Hong Kong and was memorable as it was my first ever international show. The experience and response has been so over whelming. All the Indians present there, made it to the show, all the tickets were sold off. It was an honor for me to witness this and be a part of this event. This was a one-time achievement for me", says Abhaas. Abhaas is also amazed at the response for the concert. “I was shocked seeing the craze for bollywood music there and was glad I could make a mark for my self. It was hard for it to sink in that I am internationally known as well. It's going to be one experience I can never forget. It was truly a touching moment for me", adds the young talent.

When quizzed about his future ventures he said, “Other than hosting Chhote Ustaad, I am coming out with an album with my elder brother, for Polio infected kids, called - Bawara Fakir. Whatever funds we get for the album, we'll donate it to the kids. It's a composition of various Bhajans. We've done this for a good cause and hope it works out”.

The Super Six Journey begins on Chhote Ustaad

The stage is set. The magic is about to begin. Chhote Ustaad's Super SIX are on center-stage. The popular reality singing challenge Amul Star Voice of India Chhote Ustaad now moves to the most exciting phase with the Super SIX. The journey ahead brings with it grandiose sets, glitz, glamour and loads of talent. The Top SIX will put out their best performances week after week, in a do- or-die effort, to win over the viewers and their votes in order to move to the next round. With performance every week, followed by the result episode, these gifted contestants will be moving closer to making their dream true.

Due to no eliminations for the second week, the kids on Chhote Ustaad are less stressed and are enjoying their singing on the show. Fridays are no freakier! This Friday, Chhote Ustaad brings you fond memories of the dancing Diva Helen as the Ustaads celebrate Helen's special on the show. To increase the glam quotient, Amrita Arora opens the show with the legendary 'Piya Tu ab toh aaja' followed by Aishwarya singing "Chhori ki Baatein" from Fight Club; a song which featured Amrita and Anwesha singing "Aa Jaan-e-Jaan". Amrita lip-synchs for both Aishwarya and Anwesha as they put her in dilemma in deciding who among them will give her playback for Golmaal returns in which Amrita and Kareena play the leads.

Catch the tidbits and juicy anecdotes from the legend Helen's life and mellifluous performances like Yeh mera Dil by Sonia Sharma, O haseena Zulfonwali by Vyom Kapoor, Mehbooba Mehbooba by Rigved, kitty Kelly by Prakriti Giti, aa Jaane ja by Anwesha and Karle Pyar by Aishwarya Majmudar on the Friday episode of Amul Star Voice of India Chhote Ustaad at 10 pm.

The show is now in its most important & crucial stage! 'Chhote Ustaad' promise the viewers never–seen-before entertainment and an unforgettable viewing experience. With raw, young & genuine talent emerging on the show this year, the viewers will go through a tough task of selecting the most deserving contestant. In the coming weeks, watch the making of another musical icon… a true 'Amul Star Voice of Chhote Ustaad chosen by million of Indian viewers.

Jungel Theme On Voice of India

This Saturday the Chhote Ustaads go camping in a jungle as they sing to the Jungle theme on Amul Star Voice of India Chhote Ustaad at 10 pm.

The set looked like a jungle. The kids sit in a cozy huddle near a bonfire. Abhaas and Kids opens the episode with a musical skit on the song Mere Paas Aao from Mr Natwarlal. Keeping the mood of the jungle, Aishwarya sings 'Aawara Bhanvre' from Sapnay; Vyom sings 'Aane Pe Uske Aaye Bahar' ;Soniya "Kahin Aag Lage Lag Jaaye"; Prakriti sings 'Jungle Hai Aadhi Raat Hai' from Biwi No 1, Anwesha 'Chhoti Si Kahani' from Ijazzat and Rigved sings 'Do Pyar Karnewale' from Jungle.

Also Vyom mimicks the participants, judges which adds to the whole humour on the sets. This time the senior Voice of India Contetants Ismeet, Priyani, Irfan and Toshi visit the camping Chhote Ustaad to support them and give them some advice on their performances. Ismeet supports Sonia and appeal the viewers to vote for her. Similarly Irfaan back Prakriti Giri, Priyani backs Aishwarya, Toshi supports Vyom and Abhaas hoots for Rigved.

Chhote ustaad seeks baa's blessings

Sudha Shivpuri, popularly known as Baa of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was injured on the sets a month back. Thankfully the ever popular grandmother escaped with some minor bruises and a hairline fracture.

The Amul Star Voice of India Contestants paid a casual visit to Baa on Wednesday and prayed for her well-being and health. The kids told Baa how they are staying away from their home for more than three months now and meeting her is like meeting their own Nani. Some of them told her how their mothers cry and weep when they watch Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

The kids told Baa about their schedules and their riyaaz and busy routine in Mumbai compared to their lives when they are in their city. Baa was chocked to hear the tiny tots' strenuous routine away from their homes. But also she was delighted that the kids from Gajendra's show visited her like this.

While leaving, the kids invited Baa to their Chhote Ustaad sets. Baa expressed her gratitude over the invitation and said she will definitely make a trip to their set in the coming weeks.

Voice Of India - Himesh Reshamiya Style

This weekend the 'little wonders' watch out for an extra musical bonanza on the popular music talent hunt show, Amul STAR Voice of India – CHHOTE USTAAD, Fri & Sat, Feb 15th & 16th only on STAR Plus. The freaky Friday will see fears and apprehension as one of the eliminated contestants amongst 8 wild card entries will be back in the game. Lori being the theme of the evening all the contestants will be decked up as pretty angels in lovely nightclothes. The honorable guests of the dreamy evening - music director Anand Raj Anand & India's first anchor Tabbasum ji who will grace Chhote Ustaads with their presence.

Saturday has more in store as the child actor turned dashing Bollywood hero Kunal Khemu appear on the show to woo the contestants. And to add the double dose on entertainment, the theme this Saturday 'HR night' - the contestants will sing the best of Himesh Reshamiya's songs. Watch Abhaas dress up like Himesh in a long black shiny coat, a vest and black jeans, with a cap to top it off.

The evening will get a kick start as Anwesha, performing on the song 'Soniye'. The cute girl Soniya will mesmerize the judges with 'Nam Hai Tera Tera' while the pahari dragon Prakriti sings 'Odhni Odh Ki Naacho'. Aishwarya will turn the crowd mesmerized with her song 'Jhoot Nahi Bolna'. The Delhi boy Vyom will make the judges deewana with his song 'Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye'.

Also watch Shreya, Kunal and Pritam get together to sing a medley of Himesh Reshamiya's hit numbers like 'Afreen Tera Chehra, Loot Jayenge, Tera Mera Milna, Ashiq Banaya and Jhalak Dikhlaja'.

To catch all the excitement and to taste the real musical flavor don't miss to watch Amul STAR Voice of India – CHHOTE USTAAD, Fri & Sat, Feb 15th & 16th, 10 p.m. only on STAR Plus!!

Alka Yagnik on SVOI Chote Ustad

As the show takes a more serious turn with seven nanhe stars singing away to glory in the race to become Amul's Star Voice of India Chhote Ustad

, the show sees more stars and celebrities gracing the sets and wanting to meet these singing prodigies.

This Saturday, the viewers are in for a treat as Alka Yagnik takes her seat as a celebrity judge in the Retro Raat which celebrates the golden period of Indian music and pays tribute to the legendary Kishore Kumar, Rafi , Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsale, Manna De and many more who have become immortal with their everlasting music.

To keep up to the mood of the evening, the judges and the little kids were dressed colourfully with bell-bottoms and bumble-bee glasses; like the stars from 70s and 80s. And it didn't stop at this; Abhaas and Kunal Ganjawala went into the Sholay trance and did the Jai-Veeru act while Shreya Ghoshal, usually known for her soberness, quickly image changed into Basanti and mimed Hema malini. Also Yaadon ki Baraat was recreated as Abhaas, Kunal Ganjawala and Pritam did a small parody on the title song. Truly the mood was retro!

Amongst all this fun, Alka Yagnik referred to Shaan and Abhijeet whose presence was missed on the Star Voice of India sets. "Coming on Star Voice of India Chhote Ustad is like coming to my home ground. I had judged the first season of Star voice of India and coming back here is like coming back to my family. I am missing Shaan, Abhijeet here", she said.

Anvesha, Prakriti, Jayant, Vyom, Sonia, Aishwarya, Areeb rocked the stage as they sang one melodious songs after another leaving everybody nostalgic with the musical and titillating number from 70s and 80s. While all the kids performed their songs par excellence, Alka yagnik who was completely floored by Aishwarya's singing, promptly removed her gold chain and gave it to Aishwarya. "In fact, I rang up Gajendra Singh to say that Aishwarya is an excellent singers and I am looking forward to hearing her in person", said Alka Yagnik on this emotional moment. She was also happy with fact that girls are finally recognized unlike earlier when she was judging the show. Also she congratulated the Chhote Ustad team for giving this platform to young kids who are the future of the music industry.

Stay tuned for more excitement and music on Amul STAR Voice of India – CHHOTE USTAAD, Fri & Sat, Jan 18 & 19 at 10 p.m. only on STAR Plus!!

Ghazal singer Ghulam Ali On SVOI Chote Ustad

Another fun-filled evening is on the anvil as the little wonders of Amul STAR Voice of India – CHHOTE USTAAD are set to enthrall everyone with their mesmerizing performance. Friday’s episode will be filled with palpable tension and anxiety as the elimination will be announced whereas Saturday will have a surprise in store for the contestants. On Saturday, the Chhote Ustaads will have an opportunity to render their songs in the presence of the renowned Ghazal singer Ghulam Ali.

Ghulam Ali’s presence on the show leaves everyone indebted as he cancelled his trip to London to be a part of the show and meet the talented contestants of the show, especially Jayant Singh, who also aspires to be a Ghazal singer. The evening kick starts with a performance of the final eight contestants on the narrative song ‘Jame Raho’ from the bollywood blockbuster ‘Tare Zameen Pe’.

Abeer, fondly known as Pendulum, gives a dashing performance on the romantic number ‘Deewana’ while Anwesha performs her best on Shubha Mudgal’s song, ‘Dere Dere’. Pritam is thrilled with her performance and bestows her with the title of Bengal’s pride. The pahari dragon, Prakriti enjoys herself while performing on Asha Bhonsle’s peppy number ‘Janam Samjha Karo’. On the other hand Areeb who hails from an ‘ustad’ family sang ‘Teri Dewaani’ which earned him many accolades.

Aishwariya yet again proves her caliber with a stunning performance on Farida Khannum’s ‘Aaj Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo’. Vyom sings the club hit ‘Channa Ve’ and has the audience swaying on their seats while Soniya sang Nusrat Farteh Ali Khan’s ‘Piya Re’. Jayant, the last of the lot to perform sang Ghulam Ali’s famous Ghazal ‘Yeh Dil Pagal’ leaving the Ghazal maestro completely floored by his flawless performance. Closing the day’s episode, Jayant requests Ghulam Ali to come up on stage and sing his famous Ghazal ‘chupke chupke’.

The evening offers all the contestants and specially Jayant a memorable time as he gets a chance to meet his dream singer.

Stay tuned for more excitement and music on Amul STAR Voice of India – CHHOTE USTAAD, Fri & Sat, Jan 11th & 12th, 10 p.m. only on STAR Plus!!