Sourabhee Debbarmaa has become very boring

Surprised? But that is what the rock star from Tripura says. She feels she is more focussed on singing and less interested in forging new relationships. But that doesn’t mean she’s not having her share of fun. Read on.

How does it feel to be in the galas?

I’m really excited because I never expected this from myself. Now, whatever I achieve, I will be very happy with that.

Who is your toughest competitor?

As far as singing and voting goes, I am scared of Kapil Thapa. I like his voice quality and he sings well, especially romantic songs. And he gets a lot of votes from the Army and the gurkhalis.

Now that you have had a makeover, do you feel more confident?

After getting my haircut, I couldn’t recognise myself. I feel I look much better when compared to my old look. Now I will try to keep reinventing myself.

How have you changed as a singer and as a person after you entered Indian Idol?

I have changed a lot as a person. Earlier, I was a fun loving and frank girl. Now I have become really boring. I am very reserved—something I am not really. The people here are totally opposite to what I am and my nature. So I don’t really mingle too much—I stick to my rehearsals and riaz and when I get the time, I sleep.

Who is your favourite judge? Why?

I like Javedji. He is never rude and whatever he says is always right. He is also very polite.

Which judge''s comments do you fear the most? Why?

Of course, Annu Malek. Everyone is scared of him. If you look at his face you can never predict what will come out of his mouth. [Laughs.]

You have become small celebrities already. Has that affected you in any way?

I was a nobody. Now I have reached the galas, and, yes, I am a small celebrity. People recognise me. I guess that has affected me. Earlier, when I went out I would do all my pagalpanthis—I would shout and over react. Now I am more calm and composed. I am also careful of what I say.

The galas are going to be tough. How do you plan to tackle the competition and get more votes?

I think I perform a little better compared to the others. So I am going to concentrate on that, along with my singing. Earlier, I used to stand in the middle of the stage and not move. Now I’m trying to use the whole stage, including the ramp. I will also try to connect better with the audience.

Who do you get along with the best among the Top 14?

Remo and Kapil. They were my friends throughout the journey on Indian Idol.

Is there anyone here who you feel does not belong in the Top 14? And if you could bring back an eliminated contestant in his/her place, who would it be?

I feel Mohit doesn’t deserve to be here. I like his performance, but I didn’t like how he performed in the wild card round. I feel Charit was better and that he deserved to be in the Top 14. But if I were to bring someone back it would have to be Roshan. He is much better than Charita and Mohit—he has more experience and sings well.

Why do you think we should vote for you?

This is the first time that a girl from the North east has reached the galas. I feel I deserve to be in the Top 5—because I sing and perform well. I am working on my Hindi and I also have confidence. So they should vote for me.