Indian Idol Legends Return: Abhijeet Sawant recalls days of singing for Rs 50, says people would give him money to buy food

Popular Singer Abhijeet Sawant, who won the debut season of Indian Idol, is returning to Indian Idol Legends Return, premeiring October 17. Now, in a latest interview, Abhijeet recalled his early days of performing at small events and pandals. The singer shared how even small earnings and words of encouragement from the audience made him happy.Speaking about his musical journey, Abhijeet Sawant shared how he would cherish every opportunity to perform. “Jab mujhe chhote-chhote stage par gaane ka mauka milta tha uss din mera sabse happiest day of life ho jaata tha. Mujhe aaj bhi yaad hai jab main chhote-chhote performances karta tha, chhote pandaalo mein gaata tha, aur kabhi-kabhi 100 rupaye milte the, kabhi-kabhi kisi ne khushi-khushi 50 rupaye tika diye, aise pocket mein rakh dete the ki jaa beta jaa aaj, you know, aaj kuch kha lena aisa karke..”The singer further opened up about going through several ups and downs in life over the years. However, he added that the love and encouragement he has received during difficult times has continued to inspire him.“Life mein ups and downs rahe. Kai baar aise din aaye jab utne acche nahi rahe. Bhale hi mera bura time kabhi bhi kahi agar aa jata hai ya kuch bhi din bura ho, us waqt main wohi emotions ke baare mein sochta hoon jinhone mujhe us waqt pyaar diya tha, jinhone mujhe ek hope di thi ki tu accha kar sakta hai. Woh hope mere dil mein abhi bhi hai..”(There have been ups and downs in life. There have been many days that weren't so good. Whenever I go through a difficult phase or have a bad day, I think about the people who gave me love during those times and gave me hope by telling me that I could do well. That hope is still in my heart)Abhijeet Sawant also described his audience as a source of strength and compared their presence in his life to that of God. He said their support motivates him to keep working hard and improving as an artiste.“Agar bhagwan hame kabhi dikha nahi hai, toh hamari audience hame dikhti hai... aur woh bhi mere liye bhagwan ki tarah hi hai. And that's why I'm working, always working hard for myself.”(Even if we have never seen God, we can see our audience, and for me, they are just like God. And that's why I'm working, always working hard for myself)For the uninitiated, Abhijeet Sawant went on to win the first ever season of Indian Idol two decades ago.Get the latest TV News, TV Shows and more. Download the TOI app.