X Factor changed me as a person, says winner Geet

Geet Sagar from Shreya Ghosal's team emerged the winner of the first season of X Factor India, on Friday. He won the coveted title leaving behind Seema Jha from Sonu Nigam's team and the Sajda sisters from filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's team.

Twenty-seven-year-old Geet has won Rs 50 lakh, a Tata Manza car and an opportunity to sing a song in a Karan Johar film.

This is not the first time Geet has participated in a TV reality show; he was among the top 130 in the first season of Indian Idol. A radio jockey by profession, Geet was pushed by his father to take up singing and now intends to concentrate more on singing.

He talks to Rajul Hegde about his big win.

How did you feel when your name was announced?

It was beyond my imagination, I was blank and speechless when my name was announced. It took some time to sink in. There were many singers in the contest who were better than I and had formal training in singing. However, I believe this show is about spotting the 'X factor' in a performer. That worked in my favour.

How are you going to celebrate your victory?

I am enjoying every moment of it. I am going to my hometown Gwalior on Sunday. Rani Sahib Priyadarshini Raje Scindia messaged me and congratulated me on Facebook. I know people are waiting for me back home. I am expecting a grand reception there. I am also planning to visit my native place in Uttar Pradesh. This win has given me the confidence to move forward in life.

You are not a trained singer?

No, I am not. I was an RJ for two-and-a-half years but later quit to pursue music. I have studied music as a subject, but I never took lessons in singing because of a throat problem. However, after entering this show, I constantly worked on improving my singing skills. Just a few months before I got selected for X Factor I was learning the basics of singing. Now I intend to take training in music. I was keen on taking lessons from Sonu Nigam but due to his busy schedule, things might not work out.

How would you sum up your experience on the show?

The journey has been adventurous and a learning experience. I believe the reality show provided me a platform to show and enhance my singing besides giving me an identity. X Factor was not only about singing, but a search for a complete performer. The show has changed me as a person. It helped me to grow not only professionally but personally as well

What did you think about the judges?

Shreya is a wonderful person and was more like a friend than mentor. She made me feel comfortable and bucked me up and gave me the confidence to perform. Sonu is my idol and Sanjay sir is my favourite judge as we both are very emotional as individuals. When you meet them and talk to them you get to feel the positive vibes.

Do people recognise you when you go out?

I haven't gone out after I have won. But, yes, a couple of months back when I had gone for a CT scan for my broken nose, the staff was excited to take my autographs and pictures.

What will you do with the prize money?

I haven't thought about it. I will give it to my parents.

What are your future plans?

Right now I have not planned anything but I want to continue singing. Playback singing is not my priority; if something comes my way I will definitely give it a try. I want to be a good singer and travel across the globe and give live shows. Interacting with the audience is important for me.