This is not the first time that Javed Ali has sat on the judge’s seat for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. In fact, the singer has been a part of the show over three seasons. But the moment he heard about the scale of the Zee TV show’s latest season, he knew it was unmissable. He exclaims, “One hundred musicians playing in every episode is something I have never heard or seen!” As Ali takes on the role of the judge for a fourth time over, he discusses with mid-day what he looks for in a contestant and how the show prioritises talent over a participant’s emotional backstory. 

Excerpts from the interview.