Music is my life partner and I can stay with it forever, confesses Ameya Date, a singer with an unquestionable dedication for his profession. A common face from the world of reality shows, Ameya, a disciple of renowned playback singer Suresh Wadkar, rose to limelight after Indian Idol Season 2 and has been consistently striving since then to live up to the expectation of his fans.
Suresh Wadekar Academy
Music was always in my genes. My mother is a classical singer and my maternal grandfather was a percussionist and also a part of RD Burman’s orchestra. So, singing came naturally to me. But seriousness dawned the day I enrolled in the academy at the age of 11. With my guruji reposing immense faith on me, I realised music and me were inseparable. And, no sooner had I completed my graduation, I had made a decision to pursue a career only in music.
The turning point
Indian Idol without fail is the biggest thing that happened to me although my first attempt at reality show was with Sa Re Ga Ma in 1999. I had reached the mega finals. But Idol changed everything. It brought me fame, people started recognising me, I started doing plenty of concerts and my life completely changed. I have also been a part of Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar and Music Ka Maha Muqabla but I will always maintain that Indian Idol was the turning point in my life.
Concerts & playback singing
After Indian Idol, I have been travelling for concerts all over the country and even abroad. That’s the reason, I am in your city too! And, even in so many years, the energy I get when I am on stage hasn’t changed a bit. It gives you a different high performing before a live audience. Honestly, I enjoy it much more than the recordings! Playback singing is another ball game altogether. I have sung for many regional films, Marathi, Rajasthani, Gujarati and even Odia. Love, Sex and Dhoka gave me my first Bollywood break. Though I haven’t signed many Hindi films post that, I continue to get good work and I am grateful to God for that.
Plans for future
I don’t plan anything. I have always believed in focusing on my work and enjoying the journey rather than waiting for the destination. I strongly feel that though the key to success lies in hard work and luck, I also believe that time is a very important factor. A time will come when you would know that you have to climb high. Keep working hard and good time will come. This is my mantra for life and also my future.
Amazing Odisha
Odisha is a beautiful place and I have come here several times in the last four years. And, every time, the crowd amazes me. They are big time music lovers. They understand music, so that is a motivation for any singer to perform well. And, of course, I cannot be talking about this beautiful state without mentioning about my bond with Enter Ten Events. I think they are going to be the next big thing in entertainment events in a couple of years.