'Reality show winners don't always disappear'

Amritsar-based "Indian Idol 6" winner Vipul Mehta, who has already recorded an album with three contestants from the show, and is also working on a solo album, says he wants to prove that reality show contestants can make space for themselves in the industry.

Mehta won "Indian Idol 6" in September. He got a winner's trophy, a cash prize of Rs.50 lakh from Sony channel, a Nissan Micra car, a Suzuki Hayate bike, Rs.3 lakh from Max Life Insurance and a contract to record his own music album.

The young, versatile singer has shifted base to Mumbai and wants to make a mark in the industry as a playback singer.

"I want to change the perception and mindset of people that reality shows' winners disappear after a time and people forget them," Mehta told IANS.

Life has changed after "Indian Idol 6", he says, adding: "I am very happy. I am happy that I completed my graduation and feel lucky that god gave me the title of 'Indian Idol' at a very right time. I finished my final year exams of college and entered the show. Then there was no looking back."

Before "Indian Idol 6", Mehta had also tried his luck in singing reality show "Voice of India - Season 2" in 2008. But there, he couldn't make it to the top three.

A mass communications graduate, Mehta has recorded his first album "Indian Idol - Fabulous Four" with his co-contestants Amit Kumar, Devendra Pal Singh and Poorvi Koutish. It was launched last month by Universal Music.

He awaits his other projects too.

"I have worked on a project with Anu Malik, which will be releasing next year. I hope things go well and I reach my goal of being a playback singer," said the 21-year-old.