Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs 2017 contestant Sonakshi Kar who took part in the previous season of the singing competition was in Kolkata to provide support to the talents who will be participating in the auditions this year. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the talented singer in an exclusive chat. Excerpts..

How was the experience of participating in such a prestigious singing show?

Sonakshi Kar- The experience was extremely good and that widened up my knowledge. The mentors were exceptionally good and they shed light on our strengths and weaknesses so that we could perform to our utmost level.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a contestant on the show?

Sonakshi Kar- The biggest challenge was getting the Hindi right. As a Bengali, we have a certain style of speaking Hindi. That was corrected in the course of the show and that helped me a lot during singing the various songs in the show.

From which age did you learn singing?

Sonakshi Kar- I have been learning singing from three years under Jayanta Sarkar. Sir only provided me the support to go and participate in the competition. My parents were not so keen initially. They knew I had the talent and hence they took me to singing classes. But it was Sir who motivated me to go as that would give me a good experience. However with God’s blessings, I was in the top two and that was a huge achievement for me.

Did you also have the latent desire to participate in a relaity show or was it solely the wish of your teacher?

Sonakshi Kar- I didn’t have any idea about such shows as I watched very little television. I used to listen to the songs of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Whenever I heard a new song sung by these legendary singers, I used to note them down and later listen to them. My Sir knew this and he just asked me to participate to widen my knowledge. The only wish I have is to become a playback singer.

So which heroine do you want to give your voice to?

Sonakshi Kar- Deepika Paudkone (Bollywood) and Srabanti (Tollywood)!!

Who is your favourite playback singer?

Sonakshi Kar- Lata ji is my idol and Shreya Ghoshal is my favourite.

What are Sonakshi’s next plans?

Sonakshi Kar- I am in my tenth standard. My selection is going on. After the class ten examinations get over, my parents want to go to Mumbai and see what is in store for me as a singer. Let’s see what happens!!

The Kolkata auditions will take place on 12^th January on Sunday from 8 am onward at NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata. The age limit is up to 15 years old.