By Ruchika Kher

New Delhi, Apr 18 (IANS): Popular playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan does not feel that music talent hunt reality shows can guarantee the winner success in Bollywood, though she herself appeared on the Hindi film scene thanks to a talent hunt on TV.

"I don't think it's got anything to do with singing. Success comes to you if you are talented and at the same time are seen and heard enough. I think reality shows give you this opportunity and platform. It can give you that initial visibility towards success in the industry, but at the end of the day what sustains you is sheer talent," Sunidhi told IANS in an interview.

Sunidhi had in 1996 won the "Meri Awaaz Suno" music competition on Doordarshan and later went on to give Bollywood hit numbers like "Dhadak dhadak" ("Bunty Aur Babli"), "Bhaage re mann" ("Chameli"), "Mehboob mere" ("Fiza"), "Dhoom machale" ("Dhoom"), "Beedi jaliale" ("Omkara") and "Chor bazaari" ("Love Aaj Kal") among many others.

The 26-year-old is now set to make her debut as a reality show judge on popular series "Indian Idol 5" on Sony Television. And she says she won't be judging the contestants but only encourage them.

"The judges, by which I mean, me, Annu-ji (Annu Malek) and Salim (Merchant) are merely voicing our opinions. We're not judging, we're merely encouraging the talent that we consider praiseworthy. So it is very comfortable yet thrilling," said Sunidhi.

So what will she be looking for in the contestants?

"I'm going to try my level best for that one singer with the best playback singing voice. I would rather not concentrate on the package but if I come across someone with a great playback voice and the chemistry, zest and looks for that perfect package, then why not? But singing would be my prime focus," she said.

The singer said she had a great equation with fellow judges Annu Malek and Salim Merchant.

"Annu-ji is absolutely great...without him this show cannot go on. Salim is also a lot of fun...he voices his opinions well and talks sense. I'm gelling well with both of them and as usual when you put together three strong personalities, there's bound to be a love-hate scenario brewing," she said.

She has sung around 2,000 songs in different languages and has no qualms in saying that she has no competition in the industry.

"I don't consider anyone my competition in the industry. My voice and singing are unique to me and me alone," Sunidhi said.

Any plans to explore other options in Bollywood like acting?

"I don't think I can ever turn to acting. Singing is everything and the only thing for me," she said.