Public is best judge: Kapil Thapa

"The public is the best judge", says Kapil Thapa, an Indian Idol finalist.

New Delhi, Feb 20: From being part of the army orchestra to the coveted stage of the popular talent hunt show, "Indian Idol," Kapil Thapa has come a long way, and he is not shy of crediting his fans for the success.The aspiring Indian Idol, who hails from Dehradun, is of the opinion that the public is the best judge for any artiste as they are the ones who ultimately buy their works.

"The public is the best judge, the judges at the show do a great job of mentoring the contestants but it should be the viewers and their votes that should decide the winner so that the public gets the singer it likes the most. At the end of the day they are the ones who buy the records," says Thapa who was recently in the capital. Thapa who spent five years in the army before being selected for the fourth edition of the popular TV talent hunt says that he has no plans to quit the army for a singing career. "Army is my first love, that is where I first realised my potential as a singer, when I started singing for the army orchestra. I want to take both things together without being forced to quit either," says Thapa whose father and brothers are also a part of the army. "I met some jawans at India Gate, and they told me that they are proud of my achievements and vote for me. I received great support when I was in Dehradun recently. Wherever I go, people recognise me and that is the best part of being in the show," says the finalist who is fondly called `Fauji Bhai` by his fellow contestants. Unlike, the last three years when none of the female contestants could make it to the finals, it is Torsha Sircar and Saurabhee Debbarma who will give Thapa competition for the coveted title, this year. With a new judge on the panel, actress Sonali Bendre being vocal about her desire to have a girl win the contest this time, Thapa says he does not feel intimidated by his two fellow contestants. "All three of us are talented singers and that is why we have reached the finals. I don`t think a judge`s opinion can influence who the winner is, as it is the public`s vote that matters. At the end it is not about gender but talent," says Thapa. Thapa credits the show for making a confident person out of his former shy self, adding that he could never have got to meet his favourite actors like Abhishek Bachchan if not for the show. But when asked about his favourite celebrity judge,Thapa does not have to think twice before answering, it is none other than Bollywood`s rising star Deepika Padukone. Bureau Report