Indian Idol, one of the most beloved music reality shows in India, has lost one of its most cherished judges, Vishal Dadlani. After six memorable years, Vishal announced his departure from the show following the finale of its 15th season. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the singer-composer revealed his reasons for leaving and bid a touching farewell to his co-judges and the production crew.
A Sentimental Goodbye
The finale of Indian Idol season 15 marked the end of Vishal Dadlani’s journey as a judge. As the show wrapped up, Vishal posted a behind-the-scenes clip featuring his co-judges Shreya Ghoshal and Badshah. In the video, he candidly shared that the finale would be his last appearance on the show. He explained his decision to step down, stating, “I’m literally only leaving because I want my time back. Can’t stay stuck in Mumbai for 6 months each year.”
This statement from Vishal reflected his desire to reclaim control over his personal time and creative pursuits, which were often affected by his demanding schedule on the show. The music industry veteran expressed his gratitude to his fellow judges, crew members, and the show’s entire team for making his time on the show so memorable.
Gratitude to Co-Judges and Crew
Vishal’s message was filled with heartfelt thanks to those who had been part of his journey. He acknowledged the efforts of his co-judges Shreya Ghoshal, Badshah, and other members of the production team, as well as the musicians, sound engineers, lighting crew, and photographers who had been instrumental in creating the magic on Indian Idol. In his words, “Only LOVE to each and all of you with an added apology to anyone I’ve left out here.”
His appreciation extended to everyone who contributed behind the scenes, from the technical teams to the cleaning staff. With his signature humor, he also made it clear that he was ready to return to his roots as a music creator and performer. “Time to get back to making music, playing concerts and never putting on make-up!” he quipped, signaling his return to his true passion – creating music with his long-time partner Sheykhar Ravjiani. The duo is known for their popular collaborations as Vishal-Shekhar, and Vishal’s departure from Indian Idol means more focus on their music projects.
Messages of Support from Industry Friends
Vishal’s exit didn’t go unnoticed, with many of his colleagues and industry friends sending their best wishes for his future endeavors. Aditya Narayan, the host of Indian Idol, expressed his gratitude and sadness at the departure of his friend. He wrote on Instagram, “The end of an era. Indian Idol will never be the same without you, big brother. Grateful for all the great times together.”
Badshah, Vishal’s co-judge, also shared his emotional farewell, saying, “Jaane nahi, denge tumhe,” a message that resonated with fans and followers alike. This phrase, which translates to “We won’t let you go,” highlighted the strong bond the two shared throughout their time on the show.
Hazel Keech, who had appeared on Indian Idol in various capacities, commented on Vishal’s post with a personal touch, reminiscing about their time on the show. She shared that Vishal’s use of an audio clip from the animated film “All Dogs Go to Heaven” made the moment even more poignant for her. “Makes this post really heart wrenching, my mother will be sad not to see you getting emotional on TV anymore,” she wrote, adding an emotional layer to the farewell.
Vishal’s Legacy on Indian Idol
Vishal Dadlani’s association with Indian Idol was not limited to season 15. He had been a prominent judge since season 10, leaving his mark on the show with his honest feedback, dynamic personality, and occasional wit. Vishal was also part of the judging panel for the popular Indian Idol Junior seasons 1 and 2, where he mentored young talents. His presence brought a unique energy to the show, and his contribution was central to the show’s success over the years.
Throughout his tenure, Vishal was admired for his constructive criticism and his ability to nurture emerging talent. His deep understanding of music and his no-nonsense approach made him a respected figure among both contestants and viewers. As a judge, he not only evaluated performances but also inspired contestants to push the boundaries of their musical abilities.
The Rise of New Talent
While Vishal’s departure marks the end of an era for Indian Idol, the show continues to celebrate musical excellence. The finale of season 15 saw 24-year-old Manasi Ghosh from Kolkata claim victory, beating out Subhajit Chakraborty and Sneha Shankar. Manasi’s win brought a fresh wave of excitement, and her powerful vocals earned her a well-deserved place in Indian Idol history.
With the legacy of judges like Vishal Dadlani and Shreya Ghoshal, Indian Idol remains a platform that fosters new musical talent, ensuring that the future of the show continues to shine brightly. However, it’s clear that Vishal’s absence will be deeply felt, and his departure signals a significant change for the show, leaving fans wondering what lies ahead for one of India’s most successful reality TV formats.
In the meantime, Vishal’s fans will eagerly await his next musical ventures as he returns to the world of concerts, music creation, and collaborations with Sheykhar. As he bids adieu to Indian Idol, his legacy on the show will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
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