15 October,2026 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Rachel Pereira
Prajakta Shukre. Pic via Instagram
Prajakta Shukre, who rose to fame with the first season of Indian Idol, has opened up about her equation with fellow contestants Rahul Vaidya and Abhijeet Sawant, two decades after the show brought them into the limelight. In an exclusive interview with mid-day, the singer revealed that while she is no longer really in touch with Vaidya, she continues to share a close bond with Sawant.
"Not really in touch. He is busy with his own things. And I kept my contact more with Abhijeet. I always had a beautiful bond with him," Shukre said when asked about her equation with Vaidya.
The singer added that she occasionally exchanges greetings with other contestants, including Amit Sana, Aditya Narayan and Harish Mayal. "I mean, hi and hello works with everyone. But being in touch, Abhijeet and I are the most in touch," she said.
Shukre and Vaidya were a much-talked-about pair during and after Indian Idol season 1. While their equation attracted attention at the time, Shukre's latest comments suggest that she has stayed closer to Sawant over the years.
The singer is now reuniting with Amit Sana for Indian Idol Legends Return. Speaking about performing with Sana, she explained that knowing someone personally and sharing the stage with them are two different experiences. "Being friends is a very different thing. Or knowing somebody is a very different thing. And singing together is a very, very different thing," she said.
Although their familiarity made it easier to communicate, the singers had to navigate their individual vocal ranges and song preferences. "Two individuals can be very amazing individually. But coming together sometimes is great, sometimes it's not. So, now that you will see in the show, how it is going. I definitely feel that we have done our best," she added.
Prajakta Shukre was in Class 12 when she auditioned for the first season of Indian Idol. At a time when singing reality shows were still an unfamiliar career path, her parents' support played a crucial role in her decision to participate.
Recalling how her father encouraged her to follow her heart despite the show's commitment clashing with her board examinations, she said she never had to convince her family to let her pursue music. "I never wanted to just study for a stamp. I never believed in that. If I wanted to pursue my career in education, I would have definitely made sure that I do it. But I wanted to pursue my career in music," she said.
Returning to the platform after two decades has also changed how she views the experience of being judged. "For us, listening to them was giving respect, or not saying too much to them was giving respect. Now, it has changed a lot," she said, reflecting on how today's contestants are more confident about expressing their opinions.
For Shukre, Indian Idol Legends Return is an opportunity to celebrate the platform that shaped her journey and reconnect with audiences who have followed the show over the years. Indian Idol Legends Return premieres on October 17 at 8 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
