Aneek really loves Sumedha?

Love is in the air for Aneek Dhar, one of the final four contestants of Zee's 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007'. And he goes blue in the face denying it.

This young singer has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. It all started with Aneek's candid confession of love for Dia Mirza, when she made an appearance as a guest on the show. Dia herself was quite flabbergasted, but handled it well.

Then he went on record about a 'secret crush on a certain someone'. He calls her his mysterious 'woh'. And the producers leave us with no doubt over her identity, giving us numerous shots of a rather annoyed Sumedha, from Bappi Lahiri's gharana.

Added to that is his guru, Himesh Reshammiya's blessings. Aneek laughs, "It is true Himeshji is trying to make me a groom for Bappiji's gharana, but I have no such intention right now."

There is also the possibility of a third person involved. If rumours are to be believed, then Amanat Ali is the thorn in Aneek's side. Interestingly, Aneek claims that Amanat is his best friend on the show – "I love him very much, and he is my best friend." Aneek has also said that his vote goes to Amanat.

So then, is this young controversial singer in love? "It's a secret, and please, let it remain a secret. People will know the truth one day," he says.

We are waiting.

I am not seeing Mauli Dave: Aditya Narayan

He came, he spoke, and he conquered, against all odds. Aditya Narayan has become a favourite with the audience of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007', and he has hung on, despite all criticism. We ask him how it feels, now that the show is coming to an end.

Q. What was it like, growing up as a famous singer's son?
A. It was great. Both my parents are singers, and my understanding of music began when I was a year old. I ate music, I slept music, and I am proud of that.

Q. 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' is a very successful show, and this is your first time as an anchor. How do you feel about it?
A. I had to fit into Shaan's shoes, and that was a challenge. There were a lot of expectations. I worked hard, so that nobody got a chance to complain. Before hosting the show, I knew that I would not become an extraordinary anchor, but I also knew that I could be good.

Q. Was it your own decision to become a singer? Or did your parents want you to become one?
A. I was never forced into singing. It came to me naturally. Singing is in my genes.

Q. You have a diploma in contemporary English music. You seem to have more on your mind?
A. Yes, I do. You just wait and watch.

Q. Have you noticed any changes in yourself since you began anchoring this show? Do you still get nervous?
A. I was never nervous. I think hosting is my biggest strength. I used to fumble and forget lines earlier, but I have become very confident now.

Q. What do you think contributes to the success of the show?
A. There is more than one reason. Each and every person involved in the show has given it their best – from the director to the producer, to each member of the unit.

Q. What is your equation with the judges and the contestants?
A. Great. They have been a constant source of encouragement for me, and I would really like to thank everyone related to the show – they were with me every time I needed them.

Q. You have received proposals, and contestants have even kissed you. Are you considering any?
A. No, no, no! It is my work that gets the appreciation and love, not me.

Q. You have worked hard to maintain a certain look on the show as well. Any inspiration?
A. I am inspired by hard work. I work out, I eat healthy, and I even go for facials, manicures and pedicures. I am a complete foodie, but every time I overeat, I work out extra. Looking good has become part of my lifestyle.

Q. How have your friends reacted to the new you? Do you give them tips?
A. My friends are with me whenever I have some free time. They are all aware of my style funda. I experiment a lot with my clothes, from suits to jeans, etc.

Q. Your father is a judge on 'Indian Idol 3' and you host a similar show on a rival channel. Do you discuss things related to the two shows, when you are at home?
A. I know my show is the best, although I do not say this to him. Jokes apart, we discuss the shows at home, in detail.

Q. Who is your favourite contestant, and who do you think should win the show?
A. All of them are fantastic. The person who deserves to win, will be the winner.

Q. After this show, will we see you as a singer or as an actor? Or do you want to be successful at both?
A. I wanted to be a wrestler, but things did not work out. Now I want to be not only a successful singer, musician and actor, but anything that is related to the entertainment industry.

Q. You had played Salman Khan's son in a movie. What was it like, sharing the stage with him as a host?
A. He was very surprised to see me, as I am now all grown up. We relived some moments of those days.

Q. Your best friend, Mauli Dave, is out of the show. Are you still in touch with her?
A. I am, since she is in Mumbai, and plans to be here for some time. I never understood why all those rumours floated around.

Q. Any messages for your fans? Especially your female fans?
A. I would want to thank everyone for all the love and support that they have given me. They have accepted me as I am, and for that, I am really thankful.

- Santa Banta

"Himesh is the Laxmikant-Pyarelal of today" - Subhash Ghai

Subhash Ghai has recently sold the rights for his Karz to T-Series. But wasn't Karz inspired by The Reincarnation Of Peter Proud?

“Yes," Ghai admits. "But only in one scene where Peter meets his mother. The rest of the story and script was written afresh as per Indian myths and beliefs. You have to see Reincarnation Of Peter Proud to see how different it was from Karz."

Ask him if Himesh Reshammiya would do as much justice to the main lead as Rishi Kapoor and SG replies, "I'm no authority to judge the future work of any talent. Himesh may even prove better, who knows? I know Laxmikant-Pyarelal did a fabulous job in my Karz. But I'm sure Himesh will do a good job. Himesh is today's Laxmikant Pyarelal ...time brings new people too."

Subhash Ghai is working with Gulzar Saab for the first time in his new directorial venture Main Yuvraj. Why the change from Javed Akhtar Saab? Smiles Ghai, "It's the script that tells a director to choose the right talent and technicians to justify the mood of the film ... its nothing personal .You’ve to wait and watch what we do together. But it has to be unique. Every film of mine has its own rhythm and pattern. Khalnayak came after Saudagar, Pardes came after Khalnayak, Taal came after Pardes; so every film is a new child with a different face for a director and he enters into a new avenue, risk and challenges. That’s the thrill of a good director being on the scene."

But before Main Yuvraj featuring Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anil Kapoor, Subhash Ghai has a smaller directorial venture Black & White ready for release.

Ghai defends the 'smallness' of the venture. "Mukta has given Iqbal and Joggers Park too. They were smaller more intimate films. Yes, Black & White is being made under the Mukta Searchlight banner with minimum budget. It's an issue-based subject with a different approach. Whereas Main Yuvraaj is a full- on entertainer to release in 2008. Let’s see what Subhash Ghai brings to you. May be a surprise if not a shock. He is working hard as usual with a smile," Ghai ends in the third person in true royal showman fashion.