Aditya Narayan: New Sa Re Ga Ma Pa challenge host on Zee

Mumbai, May 4 (UNI) He made his debut in playback singing as a ten-year-old with veteran Asha Bhosale in 1995 in the blockbuster movie 'Rangeela' about tension of going to school and drinking milk.

Child singer Aditya Narayan, son of well-known playback singer Udit Narayan, later went on to act in films like 'Pardes' and 'Jab Pyar Kissi Se Hota Hai' as a child artist.

The 20-year-old singer now will host the Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007, which goes on air from tonight.

In an interview to UNI, Aditya says he has followed the programme which has been synonmous with Zee TV's programming for more than a decade when playback singers Sonu Nigam and Shaan hosted it in two different seasons.

''I believe in being myself. Even Sonuji and Shaanji followed this concept when they hosted the show. I would like to continue that legacy,'' the youngster said.

After having shot four episodes and bonding well with the participants so far, Aditya says it is challenging for him to anchor the show which includes panel of judges like music composers Himesh Reshamiya, Vishal-Shekhar, Bappi Lahiri and Ismail Durbar.

''I was a little nervous on the first day,'' he admitted.

''I began shooting since last week. Producers of the programme approached my father asking how old I was. They said they were looking for a new and young face. After discussions with my father, I signed the dotted line as the anchor,'' he said.

Aditya has just completed a diploma in English Contemporary Music from London and earlier learnt classical music from pandit Satyanarayan Mishra. When asked about the clash of Indian Idol on Sony TV which also goes on air from tonight where his father is one of the judges, Aditya said ''My father is very happy with my decision to be the anchor for the show. My father had come to wish me on the second day of the shoot.'' Aditya's young, fresh look and clothes have been designed by Narendra Kumar. For the first time jeans and cargos are being worn by a Sa Re Ga Ma Pa anchor.

Aditya says he loves to eat, sleep and work out. ''I am a fitness freak and am passionate about video games. I like to play the latest games. I also enjoy watching TV and films and would like to work with Jiah Khan,'' he said.

''I have been signed for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa for a year,'' he added.

UNI