Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani was one of the judges in the initial weeks on Indian Idol 12 - with Neha Kakkar and Himesh Reshammiya. But when a lockdown was announced in Maharashtra in the wake of the second wave of Covid pandemic and the shoot location of the show was shifted from Mumbai to Daman, Vishal took a break to never return to the show.
Now set to judge another singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Vishal Dadlani has revealed why he did not return to Indian Idol 12. He told Etimes, “My parents are my first priority. Therefore, I decided to move out of Mumbai and look after them and be safe at home. The entire focus of my life during the pandemic was to keep my parents safe. And thankfully, we are healthy and fine.”
Singer-composer Anu Malik was then brought in as Vishal's replacement, and he continued to judge the show till the finale. To this, Vishal added, “I was away for a few months, so obviously, they had to bring a new judge in my place. The show established a certain pattern and it was not economically feasible or made sense to bring me back on the show. I am expensive as a judge and so it would not have worked out to bring me back again.”
About his stint as a judge on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, he shared, “Whether I am judging a show or not, you can put me anywhere and I will find a way to be happy. Music is the centre of our universe and whether I move away from a show for personal reasons or start judging a new show, the main idea or focus is to help and promote young musicians and give them a platform." ALSO READ: Vishal Dadlani Speaks In Support Of Bachpan Ka Pyaar Fame Sahdev Dirdo And His Competition Amidst Online Negativity: ‘Why Can’t They Both Be As Good?'
Image Source: Instagram/vishaldadlani