We had to knock on doors for work: Abhijeet Sawant on struggles after winning 'Indian Idol'

Singer Abhijeet Sawant, who rose to fame after winning the inaugural season of "Indian Idol" in 2004, says reality show contestants of his generation struggled to establish themselves in the playback singing industry despite gaining immense popularity through television.

The 45-year-old singer, who is returning to the platform as a contestant on "Indian Idol Legends Return", said winning the competition opened several doors but did not guarantee opportunities in an industry dominated by established singers and music directors.

"During our time, it was too difficult because it was a restrictive industry. Everything was set; all the singers and music directors were established, and everyone was doing their work.

"We came in and started knocking on the door, saying, 'Please give us entry, give us work'," Sawant told PTI in an interview.

𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆

Sawant claimed that the sudden popularity of reality show contestants also created insecurity among some members of the music industry, who viewed the emerging singers as competition.

"We had many positive and negative sides. For instance, people were insecure that we, the reality show contestants, had become so popular and were now becoming bigger than even playback singers. So, that was also a thing. And everyone had to face it, and we had to handle it," he said.

The singer said criticism continued to be part of his professional journey even after spending more than two decades in the entertainment industry.

However, he believes maintaining the right mindset and focusing on creative growth are more important than responding to criticism.

"People will taunt you. People will teach you right and wrong, even when they have no experience. But even after tolerating all this, you have to keep your mind right. More than achieving something, the journey is the most important part," he said.

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴

Reflecting on his career, Sawant said the recognition he received through "Indian Idol" allowed him to explore opportunities beyond music.

Over the years, he has participated in television programmes including "Bigg Boss" Marathi, "Celebrity MasterChef" and "Comedy Circus", besides acting in films.

"After winning the title, people don't count me just as a singer; I’m a television personality. So, doing so many things is possible when you become popular on a face level, and that popularity 'Indian Idol' has given us," he said.

Sawant pointed out that several other reality show contestants had similarly expanded their careers into different areas of entertainment.

"And that's why there is not just one star; there are others like Rahul Vaidya. Sriram Chandra is doing films in the South and hosting shows as well," he added.

The singer said he identifies more strongly as a pop artiste than exclusively as a playback singer, citing the popularity of his independent songs, including "Mohabbatein Lutaunga" and "Junoon".

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

Sawant is currently concentrating on creating original music and has five songs in the pipeline.

These include two original tracks, a Hindi-Marathi fusion number featuring a Marathi rapper and two songs being developed in collaboration with Saregama.

He said his return to the "Indian Idol" stage offered an opportunity to challenge himself creatively while learning from younger singers and musicians.

"Now, I've competition with myself. I want to learn from this platform. I want to work with the younger generation, and I'm getting a chance to work with these young musicians and singers," he said.

"Indian Idol Legends Return" airs on Sony Entertainment Television.