Ravjiv sings his way to Arabian Center Radio Star 2009 award

Last night Rajiv Sapru was declared Arabian Center Radio Star 2009. The UAE-wide competition was organised by 89.1 FM radio and its finals were held in front of live audience at Arabian Center, Mirdiff. After warming-up with 'Sawariya', he sang 'Mitwa' to clinch the top honours. There was a tie between Rajiv and another participant for the final place, which was decided through a tie-breaker. Rajiv kept his cool in the tie-breaker, while singing another power-packed song ‘Main Jahan Rahoon’ and came out on tops.

Rajiv would like to thank all the Bhagnaris from UAE who voted for him during semi-finals and final.

Asked as to why he chose a difficult song like 'Mitwa', which has classical under-currents, Rajiv said "Once you know that the competition is top notch, you have to prove yourself to be better than the best and the selection of song plays a very important role". Rajiv entered the competition with the name of Rajiv Kusum - Kusum is his mother's name whom he considers as his lucky charm. He had earlier dedicated his semi-final song to his mother. The song for the final was dedicated to his Guru, Ustaad Ajmal Ali Khan Sahab of the Patiala Gharana, who is the first cousin of Shafqat Amanat Ali, the singer of Mitwa.

For those who don't know Rajiv, he is Soni and Kusum (Papo) Sapru's son. Most of us have heard his father Soni singing during get-togethers and now its Rajiv's turn to enthrall us with his singing. Rajiv says that his father is his best critic as on several occasions when he feels that he has sung well, Soni still manages to improve him.

Rajiv has also formed a rock band by the name of Dreamz. Many of us had the pleasure of dancing to its tunes during the Bhagnari Holi party this year.

Keep it up Rajiv; the community is proud of your achievement.