Mussarat is a big fan of Kishore Kumar and R D Burman.

"I have not gone through any formal training and started singing at the age of 10 after listening to the songs of Ghulam Ali," he says.

Mussarath auditioned from Lahore for SaReGaMaPa. "My friend told me to give the audition. I had typhoid but did not wanted to miss this opportunity. It was Ghulam Ali Khan who selected me," he says.

Mussarath has completed his degree in journalism and is now doing a diploma in music. He couldn't give his third semester exams, thanks to the show.

"When I first came to Mumbai and gave my first performance in SaReGaMaPa, I got a good response. Himeshji (Reshammiya) selected me for his gharana. I performed well every week and was in final 10," he adds.

"I went to Lahore recently and met my family and friends. My family was happy, though my friends complained that I do not call them. But they are happy for me," he continues.

He says every day is a learning experience. "I have learnt the techniques of singing here that I wouldn't have learnt anywhere else."

"Ashaji (Asha Bhosle) felt I was singing in the same style. She and Himeshji had a small argument over that. Finally, when I sang a song of her choice she was happy."

His most memorable moment was when Viday Balan, Salman Khan and Dia Mirza came on the show. "Vidya gave me the best compliment," he says.

He says he doesn't have any offers yet but if he does get one, he would sing only after getting permission from Himeshji.

Regarding the controversy when the Pakistanis refused to sing the India patriotic songs, he explains, "We had decided Pakistanis will sing Pakistani patriotic songs and Indians will sing Indian patriotic songs. I don't know where the media got the news that we refused to sing the Indian patriotic songs.

"I just want my fans to support me like they have been doing all this while," he concludes.

Also read: My big, fat, filmi wedding

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