Not being much of a musically intelligent person (I can't even clearly distinguish between genres! Yeah, I am that bad!), I just listen to anything and everything except rap! I simply cannot tolerate that. Mostly because I usually don't understand the connection between the verses or rather sentences that follow each other in a lion's share of these compositions. Partial rap is okay. And trust me, you'd never ever, even in your worst nightmare, want to hear me sing or hum. Am not off tune you know, the tune's in a separate planet and I am more than a zillion light years away from it! And that leaves me being not even close to a bathroom singer. Though in the shower, I don't sing, I PERFORM!! Hell Yeah!
So being me, I wasn't exactly starstruck or very elated when I bumped into a shinning star who was visiting my hubby in our office. I had obviously heard him sing before as one of the top twelve contestants in the national, reality, singing competition, 'Indian Idol' in the year 2007. I following his progress in the show had little to do with my interest in upcoming talents of the Indian music industry and more with the fact that I was curious about this guy who hailed from the same part of the Indian motherland as me, i.e. the enchanting north-eastern state of Assam.
As we got talking, I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly 'Paddy' (as his friends call him), is. Not for once did I feel the awkwardness am so prone to feeling in first meetings. I couldn't help but recall how my father used to enthusiastically watch this guy sing in the reality competition and make me sit with him in front of the television set, just so, I could HOPEFULLY learn to overcome my shyness and stage fear watching a fellow Assamese conquer the world! Yeah, such was the impact wished for. From what I can deduce, our older generations must have been hearing this guy since a very long time. Maybe he was their favorite right from the days of his first performance in 1994, wherein he sang the Assam Sahitya Sabha's anthem at the Nabagraha Bihutoli, when he was only in Class 1. It was a duet with his twin brother 'Arunav Bordoloi', who by the way, was known to be a very good tabla player for quiet a long time.
When in Class 4, Paddy was beat in the 'Patriotic Song' category, by a fellow student, which landed him in the second place, though the crowd feasted on his voice to the legendary Assamese patriotic song, 'Biswa Bijoy Nojuwan'. A student of Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Silpukhuri, then, this incident, acted as the turning point in his singing career and taught Padmanav Bordoloi, what the word 'competition' meant.
Having family roots that can be vaguely traced to the famous Gopinath Bordoloi lineage, his immediate household can be labelled as a musically inclined space. His mother, who gave up singing at an early age due to family pressure, is credited as being his first 'guru' and plays a very important role in his life. As informed by his mother, his paternal grandfather was a renowned singer. Padmanav Bordoloi can be seen following his footsteps. Nayanav, his younger brother, is into heavy metal. "My father was a very busy man, who also was a very good listener." Padmanav fondly recalls about Late Mr. Bordoloi.
Many of you may recall Padmanav as being the 'Somoniya Sorah' or Child Artist for A.I.R., Guwahati, till he was in the 6th or 7th grade. This bright and sincere student, though actively participating in panel discussions and debates, did not let his focus quiver from music. When you ask him about this phrase, be ready to hear him humbly highlight how bad he was at sports.
Earning a meager Rs. 240 for one of his recordings at the A.I.R., the excited little Padmanav asked his mother to buy a trophy for him with that money instead of putting it into his account. Such was his fascination with trophies. "Those trophies meant more than the Oscars to me!" he exclaims.
Padmanav with his mother.
Graduating from 'Somoniya Sorah', he went on to become the 'Yubabani' or 'Youth Singer' in the A.I.R. right from class 8th to 11th. But owing to the biological dilemma each guy faces during their adolescence, the voice changing phrase turned out to be a bit dicey, which then distracted him from music and made him focus on fulfilling his parents' dream of molding him into a successful doctor, which in turn, led him to take up the 'Science' stream. However, he still beamed with pride when he was introduced as a singer by the Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khanapara, where he went to study his final two years of school or junior college, as you may call it. This was the year 2005.
And I'll just tell you in a bit why the year 2005, was a heart warmingly important one.
But despite these changes resulting in almost a goal diversion, Paddy continued sharpening his skills in Classical Music, Ghazals, Borgeet etc., with his teacher whom he refers to as 'Jiten Sir', under whose guidance, he learnt to explore his competitive side at different levels, especially district and local among many others.
After he smoothly sailed through Class 12, he was disheartened when he could not clear PMT and saw the 'real world', where fellow students, even those not as bright as him, got in through reservations everywhere.Though suggested by many to take the much disputatious but 'popular' step in such situations, i.e. getting admission through donation, being a man of morals, Padmanav refused to do so, and instead, decided to drop the year and utilise it to mould himself into a capable person so he could crack the medical entrance exam the next year.
However, before he could let everyone know what he intended, he found himself in the premises of the much reputed Cotton College of Guwahati, where his mother had got him admitted into B.Sc. (Zoology) 1st semester. This is where he gained the unwavering confidence you can happily see in him reflect. Known as the 'STAR' of the college, in those short six months of his life that he spent in Cotton College, Paddy was highly inspired by this 'new phase' (as he calls it) in his life, where he basked in the trust people showed on his talent, when his friends there, encouraged him to compete in the famous 'Indian Idol'. Post Indian Idol, he, being a person who wanted to complete education, so that he could see his parents satisfied, went on to become an Engineer (Computer Science).
As the family, like many other Assamese families that 2005 night sat crowded around the television screen watching, smiling and beaming with pride when Debojit Saha won the SaReGaMaPa trophy, Padmanav Bordoloi experienced a moment he would never in his lifetime forget. As his mother sat there, sipping tea, watching Mr. Saha on the screen, she said, "How proud we all Assamese are of this boy. His mother must be even prouder. Today, he has probably made his parents the happiest people on the face of the Earth." Padmanav sat there listening to his mother-his friend, philosopher and guide, awe struck at her happiness and pride. Unable to contain himself, he said, "Don't worry, I'll win too!" Padmanav swears his 'roadasian' pet dogs Jackie and Rinky wagged their tails more ferociously when they heard his reply!
Paddy
Indian Idol happened in 2007, the time during his stint at Cotton College. Still fighting with an immature and different voice, owing to adolescence, it was mainly a phrase of self exploration and soul searching but still being very realistic and connected to his roots. Though he does not deny that he did consider if he was 'cut out' for a nine-to-five job, he knew all through that singing was his sole passion. The frustrated Padmanav Bordoloi, who had decided to put to use his time in hand, went alone for the Delhi auditions, only to return the same evening, disappointed when he realised that his registration number had not been issued. As his equally heart-broken mother tried to console her son, he received a call from one of his acquaintances during the audition, who told him how he, himself, had appeared for the audition without a registration number and Padmanav should do the same. Getting together his unpacked bags, Paddy got back to Delhi the following morning and gave his audition without a registration number. I am sure you can pretty much understand the feeling that welled up inside him when he was amongst the 100 candidates selected. In his next step of the Indian Idol journey, he recalls featuring in the top 28 since public voting started and subsequently in the top 12 out of the 18 candidates that prevailed.
"I burst out crying like a baby who could not express what it felt, when the anchors, Mini Mathur hugged me and Hussain Kuwajerwala was wiping my tears after I cracked the Delhi auditions. I called up mom right away!" says a now beaming Padmanav. "I was more than thrilled. I cannot put into words what I felt. I still remember how touched my family was when the Indian Idol people came home and took shots there. People were looking at me, as if the neighbourhood where I have grown up, had seen me the first time. Those days, they were one of the best phrases of my life." "Indian Idol took me places I'd never been to before" he continues when I ask him about his shows back then. "I was happily embarrassed when I visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, and people looked more at me than the Taj" he laughs. You can see the spark-the happiness in his eyes when he talks about this much publicised show. "Though for me, in life, it has never been only about winning, that day, I realised, I had achieved something that really mattered, it really made a difference. I was more than content. I finally decided what I wanted to be,-a professional singer."
"Even if Indian Idol wouldn't have happened, I was pretty sure I'd do something in the musical field." says this singer, who can flawlessly play the Tampora, Harmonium and the Piano.
This foodie and an extremely gifted cook (you should taste the butter chicken he makes), then went for 'Sitaron Ko Choona Hai', a reality talent show, where he met India's famous youth icon Raghu Ram. Initially, more confused than frustrated at Raghu's presence as a judge at the show, Padmanav, in his head, questioned the validity of Raghu being a judge owing to Raghu's lack of connection to the music industry. What he at that time didn't know was that S.K.C.H. was a talent based show covering all types of talent and not just singing. Another thing he didn't quiet obviously know was, how Raghu would be instrumental in grooming his personality, confidence, addressing the issues of each participant, helping them overcome it and also breaking the ice between the participants. There, Paddy went on to bag the 'Best Performer of the Season' award.
The Foodie
"English songs aren't my cup of tea. Though I really love listening to Whitney Houston and the King Of Pop." Padmanav says at a point in our conversation.
A breath of fresh air and a much needed eye opener, Peter Sir rescued the talent wise stagnant Padmanav who was a tad bit carried away and distracted by the sudden rise in fame, during the beginning of 2010. Peter Sir who trains him for Western Classical Music, recognised his gifted voice and the potential he with-held. Humming a few Bihu tunes when his guru asked him about the regional music of his area, Paddy met his inspiration in Peter Sir who told him he had a good talent and should try fusioning his voice. It was then that Padmanav decided to put together a style, that would be known exclusively as his. "Not having a style of my own, had got me worked up when I auditioned for SaReGaMaPa, where I was told by the voice trainer, that, I needed to have my own style if I really wanted to stand out in the crowd, because India already has many good singers."
Padmanav believes, though he has reached a level where he can express emotions through his voice, he still has a lot to learn and isn't yet qualified enough to write lyrics for some other singer. I was astounded at how grounded he is.
"SaReGaMaPa was fun. Though I really wish I had gotten the chance to sing the Udi Udi song from Saathiya. I am happy this show happened. I learnt a lot." You cannot help but notice how he radiates happiness and is always cheerful.
"Don't you feel disappointed that you didn't win these shows? What were the first thoughts you had when you learnt that you were eliminated?" I ask.
"Yes I was sad. But this just proved that I needed to learn more. I was thrilled that I survived all the three shows. They are one of the most positive and cherished points of my life. I strongly believe in the quotation, "Kuch paane ke liye kuch khona padta hai." Every rejection I receive, I promise myself to work harder, to polish myself." He says. "When I was eliminated in the Indian Idol show, the very first thought that hopped in my mind was 'Oh, another rejection!', and that was it. Infact, I was busy consoling a friend who had also got eliminated along with me. I was busy giving him 'pep talk'! But about SaReGaMaPa, I was sort of prepared." he concludes in between giggles.
"I read spiritual books a lot, they help me cope." says the emotional Padmanav.
"What kept you going after all the 'half-way successes'?" I ask.
"Don't laugh" he says, probably already accustomed to my sarcastic sense of humour, "It can sound silly, but the movie, '3 Idiots' inspires me. I knew I would follow my dreams, my goals, after I watched that." He smiles, waiting for me to laugh.
"Ever Starstruck?" I ask the reclusively extrovert rockstar.
"Yeah! I didn't know how to respond when I met the legendary Gurdas Mann. He's a great man. And oh-my-God Shahrukh Khan. I've never had more fun on stage than the episode where SRK had come to meet us during SaReGaMaPa. His charisma is amazing."
"Best friends?" I enquire through my half question.
"Apart from my mom, it has to be Kashish Thakur" he says with a smile. Probably memories of a friend not long met I think to myself. "She puts up in NYC. I met her during S.K.C.H. Amazing lady. I love the fact that she understands, admires and also criticises me when needed." I smile. He probably knows am gonna ask about his love life next. But I change my question. I like throwing in surprises you know.
With a straight cold face, I ask the singer, "What if one day you woke up and realised your voice is gone? Nothing can get it back What would you do?"
Taken aback, he composes himself and smiles. "You know, no-one's asked me that before. I haven't thought of it either. Like EVER! But yes, if it does actually happen, umm.., it's going to be the worst nightmare you know. I hope the three people (his mother and Kashish) closest to my heart understand and help. I'll take inspiration from Stephen Hawkings. I will channelise my voice through instruments."
Hmm..I say, impressed at how well he tackles difficult questions.
The happy and confident Padmanav
"Five people who've made a difference in your life?"
"My mother," he says. "Everything I am, is because of her. I feel blessed to be her son. After her, it would be my teacher, Madhuri Shahastrabudhai Ma'am, back in Maharishi Vidya Mandir. She was a Marathi lady who'd been staying in Assam for more than 15 years when I met her back then. She encouraged me a lot. Third would be Jiten Sir, my other guru. I am a singer because of him."
"Umm..I had this Hindi language teacher, when I was in class 7, who I will not name. Sir, wasn't a teacher in my section but I met him frequently during the morning assemblies. I remember it was prize distribution day. A fellow student had got an award and I missed out the announcement about which award he had bagged. So I asked this Hindi language teacher, who was standing near me and he retorted, 'Why do you want to know? You are just a singer. Do your own work.' I was hurt and shocked. I repeatedly questioned myself if I was being underestimated. My self esteem had taken a blow. People don't realise, not only actions but words destroy too. That student had received the award for extemporary speech as I later got to know." He says with a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"I also had this friend, who used to sit behind me in Maths tuitions. Once, while I was humming during the teacher's absence, he pounced on me, 'Why are you singing, you aren't the Indian Idol!'
'Why can't I?' I said.
'Have you seen your face?' he retorted back.
But yes, he did call up after Indian Idol and apologise." Paddy concluded. I didn't probe him about what he replied to the second question, by this so called friend. I didn't want to see this hurt side of the otherwise cheerful Padmanav. But let me tell you, if anyone ever says that to you, tell them, you've seen your face in the mirror and it's obviously better than theirs.
"Your favorite song?" I attempt to drive away the gloomy clouds.
"You know I'd sound very self absorbed, but I really really love the title track, the 'AAMI' song and 'Teri Jo baatein Hain' from my upcoming album 'Raastein (Aalibaat)'. These songs touched my heart. I'd love it even if they were made by someone else. Hey! and I like 'Tum Hi Ho' from Aashiqui 2." He laughs between the blushes at the idea of being self absorbed.
In the studio For Raastein (Aalibaat)
"Okay. So you're sitting on your rocking chair. Your verandah bursting with soothing sunlight. You are 92 years old and thinking about your life-everything you've achieved, all the failures, the awards, everything. How'd you like to be remembered by the busy active world then?"
"Hmm..that's interesting" he says, "Never thought of it you know, but firstly, I'd love to live to be 92. And at that time, I'd like people to term me as a 'ROCKSTAR'. Yeah. I want to earn that label. I may not be heroic or macho and all that, but I hope they all remember me for being me, for my voice, my singing. I hope they think of me as a singer. I hope they feel my presence in their lives at least once. If they remember me for even one song of mine, after am gone, it's gonna be awesome. But yes, at that time, I'd still have an aim-to reach the ultimate spiritual world i.e. obviously if I haven't till then."
"Thanks, we're done." I say. Too introvert to tell him all that I've learnt from his journey and that 3 Idiots motivated me too.
