Manisha Karmarkar on her Indian Idol elimination

When Kolkata native Manisha Karmarkar was eliminated from Indian Idol 5, the 19-year-old female contestant showed remarkable composure and grace.

Perhaps it's because the youngster is experienced on the talent show circuit: Manisha won Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2007 and also participated in Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma Challenge last year.

She spoke to rediff.com about her experiences. Excerpts:

You were composed when your name was announced. Did you expect to be eliminated?

I didn't expect to get eliminated, but was prepared for it because I was in the bottom three. Every week someone has to get eliminated. That is the format of the show. So, it's okay.

Do you think you got eliminated because you failed to impress the judges for the last couple of episodes?

For the last few weeks, I was feeling a bit low, had lost my confidence level and was frustrated. I really don't know the reason for it. I would perform well during my rehearsals but wasn't up to the mark during the studio performances. It was my bad luck that I couldn't impress the judges and viewers.

How was your Indian Idol experience?

It was a new platform to showcase my talent. I am an only child, and this show taught me to live with other people under one roof. I got tips from the judges and got to meet musicians like Pyarelalji and Pritam Chakraborty. Pyarelalji taught me some basics of playback singing.

Any memorable moment on Idol?

I got a huge compliment from Anu Malik after my performance of O Solemiya. He said I deserved to be in the Indian Idol top three.

What do you think of the judges?

Anuji looks very strict but he is a sweet person.

Every time I meet Sunidhi Chauhan I get to learn something new from her. I have been following her for so many years, and it was nice to watch her come and dance during my performance.

Salim Merchant is humble and soft spoken.

Did you make any friends?

I am very close to Arpita, Shahsi, Yashraj, Tia and Rakesh. I will miss them.

Tell us about your background.

I am an only child. My father is a head school master and my mother is a homemaker. Music is my life and I have been learning Indian classical music from a very young age. 

I have sung (solo) for two Bengali films (Prem Amar) and (Challenge). Both were big hits.

What are your future plans?

I will go back to Kolkata and give stage shows. I am planning to shift to Mumbai after I earn some money. I want to get into playback singing. Anuji and Salimji have promised me some work.