Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Amazing Kids with Amazing Future?



I'm so addicted to the reality show "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil champ" on Zee TV. It has nothing to do with the fact that I enjoy music or am a musician, and it has nothing to do with my profession. The only legitimate explanation is that Indian children are so talented and sing so well that adults on other reality shows are not as good as youngsters.


I have observed that the majority of the children on the show do not come from affluent backgrounds, but their dedication and drive to achieve their goals is incredible. Parents are sacrificing their work and time because it is difficult to leave everything for three to four months and stay with their children while dealing with constant stress. I experienced this when my daughter participated in Zee TV's "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champ International." I took leave from work and traveled to India all the way from Fiji. Every day was stressful, from selecting the song to rehearsals, from rehearsals to the stage, and finally to the results. Every parent believes that his or her child is the best because they work from dawn until midnight every day.

After so much effort, are these children reaping any rewards? They enter the competition with aspirations of becoming successful Bollywood singers.

Where is Pawani, Sanchita, Diwakar, etc.? Have you recently seen them in any stage or television productions? How many Shreya Ghoshals are so fortunate to be able to make a name for themselves in the industry after winning the Sa Re ga ma pa awards? Our television and film industries are among the largest in the world, but the talent pool is so vast that these industries cannot accommodate everyone. The question is, What will become of these children? Can something be done to support their talent?