'Can't stop thanking my stars after winning Indian Idol!'

Vipul Mehta, 21, is still reeling from his big win over the weekend.

The young singer from Amritsar won the sixth season of Indian Idol last weekend and walked away with a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh, a Nisaan Micra car, a Suzuki Hayate bike, Rs 3 lakh from Max Life Insurance and a contract to record his own music album.

He beat other finalists Devendra Pal Singh and Amit Kumar.

Vipul gushes about his win in this chat with Rajul Hegde.

So, how do you feel?

The feeling is yet to sink in. I blanked out for two minutes after I saw my picture rolling down (when the winner's name was announced). I couldn't believe it was me.

I feel out of the world right now.

I was quite apprehensive till I was declared the winner. But the day was mine!

Did you expect to win, or even be among the top three?

No. When I went for the auditions, I realised I was among great talents. But I had a gut feeling that I would make it to top 10. I was trying to make into the music industry, and Indian idol gave me that platform. I desperately needed to win.

I would like to thank our vocal trainers Raju Singh and Anandji, the audiences and the jury for the support and encouragement. I had a lot of pressure on me this time as I couldn't win Voice of India, where I had participated earlier. So I really worked hard and it paid off. I can't stop thanking my stars!

What will you do with the prize money, the car and the bike?

I will gift the car to my grandfather, who is 83, because he has been a huge support and sacrificed a lot for me. When I wanted to try my luck as a singer in Mumbai, he came with me. He accompanied me to music classes, cooked and also slept without a fan because he thought it would affect my voice.

There was no lift in the building where we were staying but he never complained. My grandmother passed away some time back and it was a big setback for him. I am glad I have made him happy by winning the title.

There was no place for him to sit during the finale, so I did not ask him to attend it. He watched from home with my family and friends.

I will donate some amount to an old age home and a blind institute. I am crazy about cars -- I already own two! I want to buy a Toyota Fortuner SUV for myself.

Is singing in your genes?

Yes. My grandfather and father are singers.

I first learnt music from my grandfather. We live in a joint family, and run a family business. I always wanted to sing, and every member in my family has encouraged me. They never forced me to join the family business. My elder sister is a Kathak dancer and I am proud of her.

How are you planning to celebrate your victory?

I am busy with the media now. My parents have already visited Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai. I will go back to my hometown (Amritsar) and party with my family and friends. They really helped garner votes for me.

What next?

I want to shift to Mumbai to try my luck as a playback singer. I have to utilize my victory and make place for myself in the industry. 

Apart from singing, I want to compose music as well. Before I came on Indian Idol, I used to compose music for my songs. Now I will work harder on my singing.

I also want to complete my post graduation degree simultaneously.

Which actor would you especially like to lend your voice to?

I really like Sunny Deol but it would be challenging to lend my voice to him.