He first wooed the audience with skills as a singer on shows like ‘Channel V Popstars’ and ‘Indian Idol’ Season 1. After that, acting took a backseat and Amit Tandon was seen as an actor on some of the most popular shows on television. Now, he is back to pursuing what he loves the most – music. In this interview, the actor-singer, talks about life after ‘Indian Idol’, his two new songs, why he will not act in TV shows any more and more.
How did these two songs (“Checkmate” and “Meri Akhiyaan”) come about?
I wanted to collaborate with somebody who can give me a different sound. I met this music producer from the UK who gave me the idea to create something like a “Checkmate”. After that, I thought of making nice romantic song and that is how “Meri Akhiyaan” happened.
Did ‘Indian Idol’ change things for you?
I think ‘Indian Idol’ was a good stepping stone for me. I knew about ‘American Idol’ and it was a very popular show. When I realised, there were auditions happening for the show, I was very excited as I thought this was the opportunity I was looking for. I had earlier participated in a show called ‘Popstars’ on Channel V. I was one of the finalists on the show along with Ayushmann Khurrana, Surveen Chawla and Manjari Fadnis. After ‘Indian Idol’, I was doing shows as a singer but that was also the time when I jumped into television as an actor. I love being an actor but I wish I had focussed on singing at that time. I was doing one TV show after another and I did not get time to focus on my singing career.
You had released a song called ‘Tanha’ in 2008.
Yes, I had a great time making that song and shooting for the video but I was not very happy with the promotions. I ended up losing out on a lot of money. The song came out in 2008 and the digital age has not arrived by then. Now, we are in a time where you can put up your work on the internet so easily. I am also happy to collaborate with Zee Music Company. I was putting up videos on my YouTube channel but associating with a big label gives a little more credibility to your work.
You had a good innings on television as an actor. You even won an award for the show ‘Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki’.
Awards are a tricky thing. A lot of things happen internally which eventually decide who should be getting the award. For me, the biggest award is the audience liking my work. I got a lot of great feedback for every single show that I did. I have been a part of several successful shows like ‘Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai’ and ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’. There were a show called ‘Dil Deke Dekho’ and ‘Jeannie Aur Juju’ which did not do very well but kids would come and tell me they loved my work.
There are so many reality shows these days. Do you think these shows provide a good platform to young talent?
I hundred per cent believe that these shows are a good platform for them. There is a singer on ‘The Voice’. I messaged him and congratulated him on the work he was doing. He was surprised to see my message and replied back saying’ I cannot believe that you wrote to me’. If he was not on the show, I would not have discovered his work as an audience. A reality show will not make you a star. It serves as a good platform and then, it depends on how you take that opportunity forward.
There is a very popular stand-up comedian called Amit Tandon. When one looks up for your work on the internet, there are many links featuring his work that come up instead.
Yes, a couple of years back I was the only Amit Tandon who was famous but now I have competition (laughs). The funny thing is that Amit and I were neighbours in the same building in Mumbai at one point of time. Sometimes, his courier would be delivered to me and at times, he would get my parcel. He is a very talented man and I am very happy to see him doing so well in his career.
What are you doing next?
I am done with television. Since the last several months, I have been saying no to television offers. I am very grateful to the medium for all that it has given me but right now, my complete focus in on music. The kind of content being made on television does not excite me anymore. I love acting and would love to be a part of a good web show or a film. Right now, the biggest goal is to create more music. I will come up with more singles this year.
