Maniesh Paul, the host of a kiddy talent hunt contest, explains the new normal
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 14, 2020)

Over the weekend, Maniesh Paul returned to the sets as the host of Zee TV’s singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa: L'il Champs. The actor admitted it was wonderful to be back in action, even though a lot has changed. “It’s not about the warm welcomes, hugs and handshakes anymore,” he pointed out.

Prod him on changes in the process of shooting and he informs that there are two-three entry points and they have to go through the sanitisation tunnel every time. “We have a doctor to check our oxygen levels and temperature at the entrance. One has to wash hands before entering the vanity van, as it’s sanitised before use,” Maniesh reveals, adding that it is mandatory for the team of judges and hosts to wear PPE kits all the time. “And we have to be masked until the camera rolls. The saddest part for me is that there’s no live audience anymore.”

The show is judged by Alka Yagnik, Himesh Reshammiya and Javed Ali. In the opening episode, the makers decided to pay tribute to real-life Coronavirus warriors. Maniesh shares, “We had an ambulance driver who had not gone home for the last three months and a doctor who had lost her doctor-husband to the dreaded virus. A couple donated all the money they had saved for their wedding to procure oxygen machines and beds. It’s inspiring to have such ‘warriors’ on the set. We all should be out there helping people.”

Being the host, it was difficult for Maniesh to maintain social distancing. He points out that he has the habit of meeting contestants with warmth but has to keep his jhappis in check now.

He will be shooting every week and while he admits they were all a little scared earlier, he is reassured now that all the precautions are being taken. “It’s not easy being on the set right now but the show must go on. I was happy that now some of my crew members will be able to earn a steady income again. I hope I can spread some happiness,” he signs off on a positive note. 

Musicians filling in for Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan on show
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 7, 2020)

In February, Zee TV returned with another season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs with the ’90s trio of Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan as judges. Within a month of its launch, the show came to an abrupt halt due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now, its team is all set to return to work on July 10, but with new faces on the jury.

Turns out, Sanu and Narayan had to opt out of the show due to other work commitments. Now, Himesh Reshammiya and Javed Ali will be joining Yagnik on the panel.

Javed, who has been a jury member earlier on the 2011 and 2017 editions of Li’l Champs, is excited to return to his “second family”. “Sanu ji and Udit ji are legends with their own signature styles, I have mine. I am emotional about kids, so I will try my best not to upset them. Alka ji, Himesh and I have an amazing chemistry and being a part of this trio will be magical,” promises the singer, adding that the safety of the child participants while working during the pandemic will be of prime concern. “Zee has a legacy to carry forward, so I have confidence in their preparations. It would be a new experience for all of us.”

Javed believes that with no audience present during the shoot, the bond between judges and contestants will strengthen. “They will be singing just for us. Our instant reaction will be the key in encouraging them. So, we’ll be more expressive and find ways to express appreciation to ensure that they feel as much warmth as a hug from us would feel,” he explains.

Himesh, who had co-judged the 2017 edition of the show with Javed and was recently a part of the silver jubilee celebrations, is equally excited to be back. “My association with Zee goes back 20 years, and this is like homecoming for me. I am looking forward to a fresh start with the current season post the lockdown and hope we receive a great response,” he says, adding that he is taking his role as a mentor very seriously. “I would like to nurture the kids’ aspirations and dreams and hope to lay the groundwork for them to enhance their talent.”

Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 23, 2020)

It has been three weeks since the state government issued General Resolution for resumption of shoots in Mumbai. As many as nine shoots, including Kumkum Bhagya (right), Kundali Bhagya (above), Tujhse Hai Raabta, Qurbaan Hua, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Punjabi, were to resume today. But because there is still no clarity on key issues like sanitisation, safety, payment schedule, insurance and shift timings, they have been called off. CINTAA (Cine and Television Artistes Association) and FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) had an online meeting on Monday and issued a statement to the effect. Work has been at a standstill since March 19 and the TV fraternity was hopeful about getting back to work after the government-issued Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs).

Several actors received ‘Declaration Forms’, a copy of which is with Mirror, from their producers. However, CINTAA issued a notification to its members, not to sign up. Amit Behl, senior joint secretary and chairperson, CINTAA, said, “If I’m not going to shoot until these concerns are addressed, how can I expect my association members to resume work?”

Aayam Mehta (left), an actor in Qurbaan Hua, informs that the soap kicked off on February 25. After 19 episodes, it stopped, following the Coronavirus lockdown. Pointing out that discussions between actors, producers’ associations and broadcasters have been on for a while, he reasons that 80 per cent of the unit are daily wage earners and their interests need to be taken into consideration. “As soon as certain issues are resolved, we will start shooting. But till then, we will have to wait a little longer,” he says.

Amir Jaffar, producer of Tujhse Hai Raabta and Qurbaan Hua, added that as of now, TV shoots are scheduled to resume from June 25, subject to all state-mandated SOPs being adhered to, including insurance cover for the cast and crew.
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A day before TV shows were to go on floors, FWICE, CINTAA call off shoot; claim IFTPC has failed to meet insurance demands
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 23, 2020)

With the managing director of Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation (Film City) having granted approval last week, the shoot of several television shows — including Kumkum Bhagya, Kundali Bhagya, Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega and Sa Re Ga Ma L'il Champs — was to begin today. However, only 24 hours before the cameras were to roll again — thus marking the end of the three-month-plus industry shutdown — the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) called off the shoots. Their bone of contention was that the Indian Film & TV Producers' Council (IFTPC) had not met their demands of working in eight-hour shifts and providing insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for workers.

Birendra Nath Tiwari, president, FWICE, reveals that these conditions had been put on the table in May. "Some of our demands, including the settlement of dues and timely payment, have not been met by the IFTPC. They announced Rs 10 lakh insurance cover instead of Rs 50 lakh. So, the FWICE and CINTAA jointly decided that technicians and artistes will not report to work."

Amit Behl, joint secretary and chairperson, outreach committee, CINTAA, indicates that the IFTPC declared that producers can resume shoots between June 23 and June 25, without consulting other cine bodies. "After we discussed our concerns with the IFTPC and broadcasters in a meeting last week, we were waiting to hear from them. The broadcasters had asked for discounts citing lack of advertising revenue, but the budget cuts were not discussed at length. There was no clarity on the COVID cover. [Amid all this] the IFTPC and the broadcasters took the call of resuming work."

J D Majethia, president, TV wing, IFTPC, conceded that the shoots wouldn't take place on Tuesday. "We will decide the insurance cover [soon] and the shoots will begin after that. Working in eight-hour shifts is not possible. The business is built on working 12 hours a day. The producers will take care of every aspect — from monitoring temperature to having medical aid."

Judges Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contestants sent back home, India's Best Dancer makers put them up in a hotel to wait out the Coronavirus lockdown
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; April 1, 2020)

While the March 15 decision of suspending shoots threw the telly world into a tizzy, the reality show participants — who come from across the country to showcase their talents — were among those affected. The reality shows that were on floors included India's Best Dancer, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs and Roadies 18.

A source from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs informs that no sooner had the cine associations announced the suspension than production house Essel Vision and Zee arranged for the participants' transport back home. "On March 19, the children and their parents were sent home," says the source.

The contestants of India's Best Dancer were not as lucky. Choreographer Pratik Ramesh Utekar informs that he was heading for shoot on March 18 when word arrived that the stint was cancelled. While the Mumbai-based participants were home-bound, Frames Production put up the rest at a Saki Naka hotel. Contestant Paramdeep Singh shares, "Seven of us have been staying at the hotel over the past two weeks. The studio has ensured a comfortable stay, even arranging doctor visits for us."

Meanwhile, the unit of Roadies was shooting in Chandigarh till March 15. A source reveals, "The channel heads acted swiftly, ensuring that the participants had returned to their respective cities by Monday [March 16]."


Malaika Arora with a contestant on India's Best Dancer

Dharmendra recounts the time when he had to hide his poor performance in college from parents
MUMBAI MIRROR (March 28, 2020)

After veteran music composer Pyarelal, Dharmendra is the next guest to appear on the eighth season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs. During his guest turn on the show, the veteran actor went down memory lane to recount incidents that changed him as a person. “Being the son of a teacher, my school life was disciplined. I worked hard and aced my year-end exams, but college changed all that. It was full of fun and frolic. However, I am sad to admit that I paid no attention to studies and my exam results reflected that,” he revealed, adding that his results were so bad at one point, that he had to bribe the college head clerk to ensure that the mark-sheet wasn’t delivered to his father.

However, the arrangement fell apart soon after. Dharmendra added, “The head clerk could no longer stop my mark-sheet registration from being sent home. I realised my mistake and confessed to my mother. I felt immensely guilty for deceiving my father,” Dharam said, adding that he felt a sense of relief after coming clean to his father.

Set to share the judges' panel on a reality series with Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik on how their similar music sensibilities will enhance the show
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; January 20, 2020)

If it wasn't for the slate of live gigs and tours that brought them together over the past few months, Alka Yagnik admits that the idea of roping her, along with Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu for a singing reality show, would have been far-fetched. "It's not easy to get the three of us together," she says, matter-of-factly. But with the past few months having seen them associate for a string of concerts across South Africa, Dubai, US and Canada — along with an upcoming set in Australia in April — Yagnik says the trio has forged a bond that's as enjoyable as it is nostalgic.

The reigning trio of the '90s is set to form the judging panel of the upcoming edition of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs. A quick scan of their repertoire will reveal that as far as mentoring participants of a reality show is concerned, Yagnik is the senior.

"The first reality show I [judged] was for children too. Apart from being immensely talented, kids have a lot of love to offer. They also have the will to learn. Unlike adults, they can be moulded easily. If guided [correctly], they are sharp, and correct [their mistakes]. Adults are not easy to mould. I prefer working with kids; it's an enjoyable experience. Adults can be manipulative."

That the relationship she shares with them extends beyond the proceedings of the show is evident when Yagnik says she's still in touch with the participants she had mentored on the show in 2006. "They have grown up now, but, once in a while, they call me. If they have sung [at a concert], or have recorded something, they send some bytes, and ask for my advice."

The rapport she shares with them behind the scenes is important for her. But on the set, Yagnik admits children have to be dealt with sensitively. "They are sensitive and impressionable. Even when pointing out a flaw, we must be careful and must sugar quote comments and say them with a smile. They're easily disheartened. Even if a child has earned a 10 for past performance, and gets a nine in the next one, s/he gets [discouraged]. So, [we] have to befriend them. Also, more than the kid, it is the parents who have to be handled; sometimes parents are too ambitious."

As far as the upcoming edition of the show is concerned, Yagnik is certain there will be as much tomfoolery on her side of the judging panel, as there will be among the kids. "[Narayan, Sanu] and I are the same. There's the same extent of teasing and leg-pulling [as there used to be in the past]. They trouble me a lot and I'm always sandwiched between them. I'm their punching bag." But, as far as their music sensibilities are concerned, she admits they always find common ground.

"There are few songs today that are of the kind that the three of us appreciate. We wish similar tracks were created more often. But [for the most part] we find [today's] music noisy and nonsensical."

In conversation with Harshdeep Kaur, Armaan Malik says unlike many users, social media frenzy doesn't distract him from honing his craft
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; December 30, 2019)

Harshdeep Kaur and Armaan Malik bond over a generous dose of bad jokes. Malik refers to his mother, who inadvertently comes into our video frame, as 'momnipresent', while Kaur reacts to his make-up man's interruption to fix his 'shiny face' with: "Star hai, shine to karegaa." You may thank us later for editing the rest of the lame jokes from this excerpt.

Armaan: Like me, you started working young. Does the child in you feel cheated?
Harshdeep: Not at all. If I was in a profession that I wasn't enjoying, I'd possibly feel [that way]. But, [as a kid] I loved going for music classes, competing and performing. My parents would ask me if I was having fun, and that I should tell them if I felt tired. I never missed my studies, though. I'd carry books in the car, and study. In fact, I always felt special. My friends would say, "Oh, we saw you on TV."
Armaan: [When I was young], I wanted to do all [the things that kids do]. My mother says I'd always [sulk] before going for a recording, because I wanted to go for [birthday] parties instead. At that age, a child [can't comprehend it] when he is told to make music a priority so that he can become [capable] in the future. A child just wants to hang out with friends. Since my career took off early, I never had time to make friends. I wasn't around [children] enough at the age when [bonds are forged]. So, now, my friends are those who belong to the industry. But, [everyone] wants his/her group of friends; that never happened for me. Yet, I am glad I prioritised singing; it made me the person I am.

Harshdeep: What according to you is the role that parents play in an artiste's life?
Armaan: Sometimes, parents may not believe that a certain career is apt for the child. People feel [music] is not a viable career. I belong to a music family, so, they understood that this is a line that can be pursued. My mother was initially against it, because she saw my dad struggle, and did not want that life for her children. We were told we had to be educated, and that we would attend [music] classes, but [we shouldn't] treat it as a career option. It so happened that opportunities came my way, and my mother realised that if we let them go, I wouldn't grow into [a fine] artiste later. When I wanted to audition for the [singing reality show] Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs, my dad was hesitant because no one from the family had done that. But, mom wanted me to understand what it was to compete. I would know where I stand [as a singer]. Even though I made it to the eighth position in the show, my confidence [got a boost]. I realised that if I've reached here, [I am able]. Of course, she also had to make me study, so she'd carry my books to the set. She'd wake up early and prepare breakfast and lunch, and take it to the shoot. So, I know that if parents truly support their kids, it goes a long way in helping them.
Harshdeep: But, nowadays, parents push it too far.
Armaan: Yeah, because now, the motive is different. Over the years, social media has got an impetus. When people see that [others have] followers, they want their children to also be famous on Instagram. So, they're like, 'You do it too'. They push kids into doing things that they may not want to. I started singing for the love of it; not to get followers.

Harshdeep: Do you think things would be different if you were practising at a time when social media wasn't as big as it is now?
Armaan: I know a lot of people who are my inspiration, and who have lesser followers than I do. That doesn't make them [lesser artistes]. Social media has helped us reach a bigger audience. For instance, I wouldn't know I had fans in Turkey if it wasn't for social media, where they reach out to me. But, if you rely on the platform, and not on your craft, that's a down-point. A lot of people tell me, "Oh, you're so popular on social media." And I'm like, yeah, but if you give me a mic, I can also sing.

Armaan: I do riyaaz by listening to artistes, and then singing [the way they do]. Have you heard a song again and again, only to replicate its intricacies?
Harshdeep: Often, you wish you could pause a song and see its notations. There was Sukhi ji's [Sukhwinder Singh] Thayya thayya from Dil Se. He did something [interesting] with the alaap. [I began to] sing it slowly, then [matched] the actual tempo.

Harshdeep: As someone who is the younger sibling, I understand how the older sibling can sometimes act like, well... the 'older sibling'. What happens when there's a difference of opinion between you and Amaal [Malik, brother-composer]?
Armaan: Amaal and I have a lot of fights in the studio. He throws books and headphones at me. Recently, we were recording Chale aana, and Amaal was hammering me, telling me I was singing badly. It led to a point where I was ready to storm out. Then, I decided to let it go, because he had a delivery to make. I went in, and sang the song with a lot of anger. That apparently brought out the energy Amaal wanted, and we finished it in one take. So, I'm usually the one who solves [issues].

Harshdeep: How important is it for a good singer to also be a good performer?
Armaan: Audiences don't want to hear songs in the way that they already have, in the recorded versions. They have few options to see you live, and what you present to them at that point is important. So, I may arrange songs in a different way [for live shows].
Harshdeep: In the early part of my career, I would sing a song, then introduce the next one, sing it, and then introduce the next again. When I'd see the recordings, I realised that something was missing. So, I began watching other artistes to notice what they were doing on stage. I realised that when someone pays money for a concert, they want to have a good time. So a singer must think about what the audience wants, and how to involve and interact with them by talking to them, and making them sing along.

Harshdeep: I've heard you sing a lot of English [songs]. Do you plan to release material in it?
Armaan: I've been singing English [songs] since childhood. There was a time when my father had to sit me down and tell me that I had to sing Bollywood [songs] because I live in India. But, I've grown up listening to [international] artistes. Alongside Indian classical [music], I've also learnt Western music. I plan to release English songs [next year].
Harshdeep: I too am trained in Indian and Western classical music; so, I learnt opera singing and the piano. When I was [on] tour with [A R] Rahman sir, he called me and said, 'Why do I feel you can also sing Western music?' He played the piano, and I sang in English. And then, he said, 'Okay, good.' A few months later, he was assigning singers for Slumdog Millionaire, and for [the English track] Dreams On fire, he remembered me. When you don't go about flaunting a certain skill, but are recognised for it, it feels good.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 11, 2019)

Long-time friends and frequent co-stars Ajay Devgn and Tabu recently made an appearance on the Zee TV show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs along with Rakul Preet Singh, who shares the frame with them in their next, the romcom De De Pyar De.

And while shooting for their turn, Tabu inadvertently served as a buffer for Ajay, when the show’s judges - Amaal Mallik, Shaan and Richa Sharma - requested the actor to sing a song. Instead of obliging the trio, Ajay immediately pointed out that Tabu is a talented singer, saying, “Not many people know that the Bollywood diva sitting among us has a beautiful voice and is a fabulous singer. I think everyone would want to listen to her instead. I am such a bad singer that I don’t even sing in the bathroom. The only reason I agreed to sing in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 1999 film), was because I was portraying a character who was a terrible singer.”

Ever the sport, Tabu sang her “all-time favourite”, “O Saathi Re” from Ajay’s Omkara, followed by “Ankhiyan Jo Hanju” from Ayushmann Khurrana’s Vicky Donor. She rounded off the brief gig by jokingly requesting Amaal to give her an opportunity as a playback singer in his next, to which the composer readily agreed. 

Dhaval Roy (DNA; February 10, 2018)

There is a lot of banter at Amaal Mallik’s new pad in Versova as we sit down with the composer and his younger brother, singer Armaan Malik, for a tête-à-tête. While the younger one teasingly accuses his elder bro of getting too competitive as he’s singing more songs, the music director is quick to rattle off names like Vishal Dadlani, Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, and his own bhai who have lent their voices to his compositions.

Together, the duo has delivered hits like Naina (Khoobsurat), Buddhu Sa Mann (Kapoor & Sons), Sab Tera (Baaghi), and Hum Nahi Sudhrenge (Golmaal Again) among many others. The brothers, who have the lineage of music composers, grandfather Sardar Malik, father Daboo Malik and uncle Anu Malik, talk to After Hrs about making their own mark against all odds and sibling rivalry.

Which is the next song that we will hear from both of you?
Armaan: I have sung a track for Nikkhil Advani’s Baazaar, which has been picturised on Rohan Mehra. It’s a love song-cum-club number, which not many people associate with my voice. Tere Mere from Chef was the last composition we did together, so it was great singing for Amaal after so long.
Amaal: It will be a surprise for our fans because we have mostly done stuff like Bol Do Na Zara (Azhar) or Buddhu Sa Mann, which are more like car-drive and live-in-the-moment songs. This is the first time Armaan has rendered a tropical electronic dance number for me.

Do you have clashes while working together?
Armaan: Yes, we have a lot of fights (laughs). They are usually creative differences. When I’m singing for Amaal, it’s one of the toughest recordings for me. He sets the bar too high and if I don’t achieve what he wants, he goes berserk. But that’s great because he wants excellence and it prompts me to work harder.
Amaal: Armaan has a simple approach and understands what a composer wants. I tell him, ‘Give the song your own vibe but I will still come and fight with you and change it’ (laughs).

Have the fights ever turned ugly?
Armaan: I’ve walked off from the recording and said, ‘I’m not doing this anymore. I’m done with this...’
Amaal: Sometimes, I’ve shut the door and said, ‘You can’t leave.’
Armaan: And then he asks the driver not to get my car...
Amaal: But we fight to make a good song. He sees reason that the track has turned out much better. So, ladaai karna zaroori hai (smiles).

What has been your most gratifying song together?
Amaal: I was moved by the way he sang Tere Mere. There were notes that had to be rendered like an ustaad and some that needed a contemporary voice and he did both equally well. That has been my toughest composition till date.
Armaan: The track’s antara had to be sung in a single breath and he didn’t let me take a break even though we have the technology. He okayed it in one take and I slept really well that night (laughs) because usually after a recording with him, I need good, unhealthy food to comfort me. Our single Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon is the other composition that we are proud of.

Do you turn to each other when things get rough?
Armaan: All the time! And we do it over food, which is an integral part of our lives.
Amaal: No gaana without khana (laughs). Things in the industry get too competitive. In that pressure, you tend to lose yourself. So, it’s important to have someone to turn to and vent out. Thankfully, we have each other.

What about sibling rivalry?
Amaal: He’s a complete mama’s boy while I’ve always been closer to my father. So, the swords were always drawn. 
Armaan: He was the bully as a kid. But I was sly. I would pretend to be this seedha saada guy and always get him into trouble by complaining about something he hadn’t even done. On a serious note, as musicians there’s no rivalry.

Did you face a lot of pressure because of your lineage?
Armaan: Everyone wanted to know what we were going to do. If I was on the stage, I represented my dad, uncle, dada, and Amaal.
Amaal: For people, we were never Dabboo Malik’s kids, we were always Anu Malik’s nephews. Our dad didn’t see the limelight and success that our uncle enjoyed. So, we had the fire in us to do well and take his name to the same position. People think we just got a chance three years ago but no one looks at our 10 years of struggle. I assisted Sandeep Chowta, Salim-Suleiman, Pritam, etc. while Armaan went the reality show way (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs). We sang jingles and did voiceovers. Even when we got Jai Ho (2014), it wasn’t like we had arrived. On the contrary, the industry was harsher. People started writing me off when I was 23 and said I wasn’t the chip off the old block as a composer.

How do you see your career now?
Armaan: We have our own repertoire and style of songs. I think we have made a name because we have striven for it.
Amaal: Due to the comparison with our dad and uncle, the expectations were humongous. From that to people saying that my music has my signature has been a long journey. The fight has been worth the while.

Armaan, is there a song Amaal has composed with another singer that you wish you had sung?
Armaan: Mostly, he ends up releasing a song in my voice even if other singers have rendered it. But, I wish I had sung the non-film version of Chal Wahan Jaate Hain. It’s a beautiful track and when he was releasing it with Arijit (Singh), I asked him to take my version because it was close to my heart. I think the song was lost in the midst of a lot of other releases but we may do a version of it again.

What are you both working on now?
Armaan: We are collaborating on a single. We will shoot the video mostly by this month-end.
Amaal: We want to release more non-film music this year. We will also be touring together more.

Also asks reality show judge Neha Kakkar to forgive him for misbehaving with airline staff in Raipur
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 7, 2017)

Earlier this week, Aditya Narayan made headlines for threatening airline officials at Raipur airport (Mirror, October 3) after he was told to pay Rs 13, 000 for extra baggage.

After receiving flak for the viral video that captured the incident, the 30-year-old actor-singer issued a public apology during the latest episode of the children’s reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs, which he hosts, on Thursday.

A source from the sets revealed to Mirror, “Neha Kakkar, one of the judges, wasn’t on the sets when the team started shooting the episode. When Aditya called her up, the singer admitted that she is upset with him for what he had done. Aditya instantly went on stage and asked for her forgiveness. He also appealed to the audience, who would watch the episode from their homes, to forgive him. “I am very, very sorry. I am extremely sorry. Aap shayad jaante hain ki main aisa nahi hoon. And India, thank you so much for the support over the years,” Aditya said, at a loss of words while trying to convey the magnitude of his guilt.

DNA (August 4, 2017)

Shah Rukh Khan recently visited the sets of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs to promote his film Jab Harry Met Sejal. While all the kids put their best foot forward, it was Yumna Ajin’s performance that left King Khan with goosebumps.

The bundle of talent from Kerela sang Jiya Re from Jab Tak Hain Jaan. Completely taken in by Yumna’s singing abilities, Shah Rukh Khan said, “I am very pleased to experience the best talent of our nation on this platform. Yumna, you were amazing and trust me, I don't have words to describe my true feelings."

He then said, “Actually promotions are just an excuse. I wanted to come on Li’l Champs and be inspired. I’m so inspired right now after hearing these talented kids sing that I will be working for another 100 years surely.”

DNA (July 14, 2017)

Anil Kapoor has revealed a fun fact about his co-star of at least a dozen blockbusters (Tezaab, Jamai Raja, Beta, Rajkumar etc), Madhuri Dixit. While shooting for the reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs, Anil said that on Mads’ request, he would every so often talk to producers and directors of their films asking them to delay the shoot or have an early pack up. Reason: Madhuri would want to come in late or go early. As a result, Anil used to cover up for her and tell the producers that he wanted to come in late or leave early! After all, what are friends for?

Jayash Kumar, who is considered a miracle boy, has predicted that Salman Khan will get married soon
Upala KBR (DNA; June 2, 2017)

Salman Khan was a celebrity guest on Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs and he was blessed by the youngest contestant of the show — five-year-old Jayash Kumar, who is fondly called Chota Bhagwan.

Divine powers
The li’l Champ stole the Khan brothers’ hearts by mimicking Salman Khan’s iconic dialogues. When Jayash went up to seek Salman’s blessings before his performance in the show, Salman turned around and took blessings from Jayash instead as he had heard of the child’s divine powers from one of the judges, Himesh Reshammiya. Jayash put his hand on Salman’s head and gave him his ashirvaad.

Standing ovation
According to an eyewitness, “Jayash performed to Salman’s hit song Tan Tana Tan from Judwaa, after which Salman gave him a standing ovation, rooting for an encore. Sohail and Salman even joined the participants on the stage, after Jayash’s performance, and shook a leg on the song Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche from the Shammi Kapoor-starrer Brahmachaari.

Salman’s Shaadi
Himesh has faith in Jayash ever since he blessed the singer-actor-composer just before his father was to go for a surgery, and Reshamiya Sr made a miraculous recovery without going to the operation theatre. Himesh asked the little boy to predict Salman’s wedding. Jayash told them that the actor will get married soon and then recited Salman’s Ek baar jo maine commitment kar di dialogue from Wanted.

Dancing with Jayash
Himesh adds, “It was wonderful to see Salman with Jayash. The way he sings and remembers the lyrics for someone so young, is amazing. It was amazing to see Salman interacting with the children. ”

MUMBAI MIRROR (December 30, 2016)

After several stints as a host of singing reality shows spanning over ten years, the last being Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs in 2015, singer-actor Aditya Narayan is set for a comeback with the new season of the show that will have Himesh Reshammiya, Javed Ali and Neha Kakkar on the judges’ panel.

“It’s an honour to be associated with the most prestigious and definitive singing platform on Indian television and I’m grateful to Zee TV for choosing me once again to host its latest season. This will be my sixth season as the host of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. This platform is my home and I’m excited to start shooting, interacting with the new kids. This show is a learning ground for everyone,” Aditya told Mirror.

Meanwhile the singer-actor who has acted in films like Shaapit, and the Salman Khan starrer Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai as a child artiste, among others, launched his latest song, “Yaara”, recently. He features in the music video with international model Evgeniia Belousova.