Sanchita on her studies and singing

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

History will soon be repeating itself on Indian television, as 'Lil Champs' winner Sanchita once again takes on her former opponents, Diwakar and Sameer. They will all be participating in India's longest running television game show - 'Antakshari'; and Sanchita, who has been busy doing stage shows all this while, will be seen as team leader of the contestant-group Parwane.

We caught up with India's youngest singing sensation to find out more.

How does it feel to be back on another television-competition?
I'm happy to have got another opportunity to showcase my talent on television.

How confident are you of winning Antakshari?
I do not know if I will win Titan Antakshari or not. But I will try my best as I had done for Lil Champs. Let's see what happens.

Any strategies that you will adopt to win the competition?
No I have not planned anything. There are no strategies as of now. Let me see if I can plan out anything.

How was it shooting with experienced singers like Himani and Karan?
Both, Himanidi and Karan bhaiya are such good singers; Karan Bhaiya especially would joke with us all the time - he is so much fun to be with. Naturally, we enjoyed shooting with both of them. For that matter, shooting for Antakshari as a whole was a lovely experience.

Did you also enjoy shooting with Sameer and Diwakar?
I like doing shows with both of them. They are good company but they always tease me and that, at times, is irritating.

Let us now go back in time - tell us how did it feel to have won the championship?
It felt great. I was so happy to have been chosen from amongst so many contestants. I would once again like to thank all the viewers who helped me win.

Since then, have you received any offers for playback singing?
Yes, I have. In fact, I have already sung for a movie called 'Mithya' which stars Neha Dhupia and I am really glad that my songs will picturised on such a wonderful actress.

How does a young girl of your age manage her celebrity status?
I know a lot has changed ever since I won the competition. These days, whenever I go out with my friends, people recognize me and they come over to meet me. Of course, I like that. But I do miss being a normal girl. I guess I would have been fine even with out the celebrity status.

How was it working with Asha Bhonsle?
Well, the other 'Top 5' contestants and myself sung for Asha Bhosle's album called 'Asha and Friends'. Initially when I was told that I would be singing for her album and performing for the video as well, I was very scared... I mean, she is a legendary singer. But she was very good to us and made us feel very comfortable. I really do not have words to describe her.

Were you particularly close to any of the contestants from Lil Champs?
I was really good friends with Neha and Sameer.

Are you planning to shift base to Mumbai?
For the time being, I will be in Howrah. But I do want to come to Mumbai sooner than later. I have spoken to my parents about it and we are all trying to shift. Lets see how soon things work out.

What is your priority at the moment - your career as a singer or your academics?
Since, I want to pursue a career in singing I will not be moving away from it at any stage. But I do want to study further as well. I'm in only class nine now; next year I will be taking my board exams and I intend to concentrate on that wholeheartedly.