Allu Arjun Declares Soujanya Bhagavatula as Telugu Indian Idol Season 2 Winner

Singer Soujanya Bhagavatula of ‘Arjun Reddy’ fame, who also got Chandra Bose’s pen with which he wrote the Oscar-winning ‘Naatu Naatu’ song, on Sunday emerged as the winner of Telugu Indian Idol Season 2 on Aha.

Her first reaction was shock. “I was shocked. I didn’t expect to be the winner of the show. When I reached the Top 12, my reaction was the same as I got an opportunity to prove myself after a long break. Each step was like an exam for me. I was focusing on the next step and not much. When I came to Top 5, I was happy that I could make it up to the last episode of the season. So I was happy. Winning and getting the trophy from Allu Arjun sir was amazing. I didn’t expect that,” said Soujanya in a chat with ‘Deccan Chronicle’.

It may be recalled that in an earlier interview with this newspaper, Soujanya had said that winning the show was not her goal. “Yes. Judges had expectations from me right from the first episode. They wanted to see me in the Top 5. So, it was important for me to reach the finale.”

So, what worked for her? Soujanya said, “I can’t say I have done something better than the other participants. I knew how to practice. My sister is already a playback singer in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. I looked up to her and I knew how she practices. So, I had the opportunity to understand what the playback singers are doing to keep their voices in condition. I also have the habit of writing down each and every song they gave me to perform.”

Talking about the road ahead and professional plans after winning Telugu Indian Idol Season 2, Soujanya says, “I always wanted to be a playback singer since childhood. Unfortunately, there was a break of five years. I thought this is the right platform to showcase my talent. Thaman sir recently gave me a chance in his movie. I think this is the beginning of my second innings. I want to continue without a break now. Winning this show will help me establish myself as a playback singer. That’s the reason I participated.”

Fondly recalling memorable moments from the show, Soujanya listed compliments from singers Chitra and Shreya Ghoshal as her favorite moments on the show. “Shreya Ghoshal (mam) sent me a video clipping of one of my performances. Also, Chitra (mam) gave a standing ovation for singing one of her songs in front of her. It was a very tough composition.”

Earlier, Soujanya was in the news for winning the ‘Naatu Naatu’ pen. “I still have the pen with me. I have framed it and kept it for display in my drawing room.”

Quiz her about what she is going to miss after the show, pat comes the reply, “For three months, all the contestants lived together in a hotel. We had a lot of fun, late-night jamming sessions, pranks, etc. I will miss all the fun I had with my fellow contestants. Apart from that, there was a schedule that we had to follow. Practice, shoots, etc. I will miss that discipline also.”

Soujanya goes on to add, “Also, I always looked forward to getting tips on my performances from the judges. Now, it won’t be there. How I wished it was not a competition and a regular performance that went on forever!”

What was Allu Rajun’s feedback? “He said there was a lot of clarity in my voice. He also appreciated the fact that I managed everything despite having a young daughter. He said it’s an inspiration to other women,” she signs off.