‘The Voice India’ winner wants to be Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar’s voice

After winning the singing reality show “The Voice India”, Uttarakhand-based Pawandeep Rajan wants to realise his new dream — be a playback singer in Bollywood, and sing for stars as popular as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor.

“I like to sing Sufi songs, but now I’ve started taking interest in other genres too. My idol is Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and I believe in hard work. I would love to do playback singing in Bollywood, and want to sing for Ranbir Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan,” Pawandeep told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Pawandeep, who was announced the winner during a spectacular grand finale of the show on Sunday, is a member of Chandigarh-based band Rait, where he performs as lead vocalist along with Pawan Bhatt, Paras Roriyal and Vishant Nagra.

His victory on the show was beyond belief for him.

“I come from Uttarakhand and music has not evolved much there. So, this is a big achievement for me — to come from a small town and showcase my talent to the nation,” the 20-year-old said.

“Winning apart, I acknowledge the fact that I made it to the auditions. I have received full support from people in Uttarakhand, and my family,” said the fresh talent, who was mentored in the show by celebrated singer Shaan.

Pawandeep, who has won a whopping Rs.5 million as cash prize from &TV, a Maruti Alto K10 car and a deal to record his first single with music label Universal, has music in his blood.

His father Suresh Rajan is a teacher and a folk singer, while his mother Saroj Rajan is a housewife.

During “The Voice India”, the Indian adaptation of internationally known show “The Voice”, Pawandeep showcased his versatility as a singer by belting Sufi, Punjabi and classical numbers with equal ease. His grand finale performance on “Selfie le le” set the party mood on the set.

He is now focussed on learning more about singing from Shaan, and will continue to work with his band Rait.

Inputs by IANS