Latest news with #AbhijeetSawant


Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
This middle-class Indian Idol winner rose to fame and now lives in a minimalist Mumbai home with a beach view
Fans might not remember all the winners of the singing reality show Indian Idol, but it's hard to forget the first-ever champion who lifted the trophy in 2004 — Abhijeet Sawant. Since then, he has remained active in the industry, releasing albums, doing playback singing, acting in films, and appearing on various reality shows. Recently, the singer opened the doors of his minimalist Mumbai home to Mashable India, offering a glimpse into how hard work and perseverance can turn dreams into reality in the maximum city. Right from the entry, Abhijeet's home is a reflection of his journey in the industry. At the entrance sits a Ganesha idol that was gifted to him by Sony, who produced his first album. His nameplate at the entry of the house is the same one that was used in Marathi Bigg Boss, where he was a participant. From the entry itself, the house looks spacious and is designed with a minimalist aesthetic — a conscious decision by Abhijeet. He shared that while he earlier had a bigger sofa, he replaced it with a smaller minimalist one to give more space to the house. He recalled his earlier days, when he lived in a small apartment with his family, and how that space used to feel cluttered. To avoid the same in his current home, he kept the interiors minimal. The singer also showed the Japanese art that is put at display in his living room. The actor also showed a separate section in the living room that displays all the awards and trophies he has won over the years. Abhijeet's house features an open floor plan where the living room and dining space are part of one big room. The dining area includes a small table with four chairs. The actor shared that this small space is the heart of his house, where everyone gathers for meals and conversation. Abhijeet has two daughters, and their room is the most colourful part of the house. Adorned with multi-coloured, jungle-inspired wallpaper, the room gives off a vibrant vibe. His daughters also share a study table and a dressing area. Abhijeet admitted that though the balcony of his house doesn't offer a full ocean view, a part of the beach is visible from his home. This spot brings in the fresh ocean air, filling the entire house. The balcony is beautifully decorated with plants and features a swing where Abhijeet begins his mornings, sipping coffee and taking in the view. Following the balcony, Abhijeet shared a glimpse of his music room, where a harmonium is always within reach — lying right on the sofa — and where he often breaks into impromptu performances. The room also has a corner for recording music. However, the singer admitted that while this is a small space, he also has a professional studio where he works. The house tour concluded with Abhijeet proudly showing off the painting skills of his daughters, who painted the electric box and transformed it into what looks like an antique piece.


Hindustan Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Abhijeet Sawant feels Arijit Singh, Neha Kakkar got more success than Indian Idol winners: ‘Talented artists lose…'
Singer Abhijeet Sawant, the winner of Indian Idol Season 1, believes that staying relevant is more crucial than just winning reality shows. He points out that Arijit Singh and Neha Kakkar, who didn't win a reality show, are more successful than the winners today. Also read: Abhijeet Sawant reveals being on Tinder even after marriage, speaking 'a lot' with 2-3 women; 'bichari' wife didn't know During an interview with Galatta India, Abhijeet was asked what's more important for him -- winning a reality TV show or staying relevant after the victory. To which, Abhijeet said, 'I believe reaching somewhere is the real challenge. Winning the trophy isn't the ultimate goal. It's great if you win, but the real achievement is when people start recognising you, when you rise above your background and build a career from there". As per him, victory is not the key but the visibility that a reality show gets. Talking about fan following playing a bigger role, Abhijeet shared, 'Many times, we've seen winners chosen based on popularity, not necessarily skill, and sometimes, talented artists lose simply because they lack a fan base... Take Arijit Singh or Neha Kakkar, they didn't win, but they reached a far higher position than many winners. I say this very honestly and modestly: being noticeable and building an identity matters more than a trophy.' Neha Kakkar was a contestant on Indian Idol 2 where she was eliminated early, while Arijit Singh finished 6th in Fame Gurukul. Abhijeet Sawant became the first winner of Indian Idol in 2005. The singer's first solo album, Aap Kaa Abhijeet Sawant, was released in 2005, followed by other albums Junoon in 2007, Farida in 2013 and Fakira in 2018. He also did playback singing for films such as Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005), Chittagong (2012) and Dishoom (2016). Abhijeet was caught in a controversy earlier this year when he called out Indian Idol for favouring sob stories over actual singing talent.

Pink Villa
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Here's what late Balasaheb Thackeray did when Abhijeet Sawant was labelled 'homeless'
Abhijeet Sawant, the winner of Indian Idol 1, recently had a lengthy chat with Pinkvilla's Hindi Rush. While speaking to us, the talented singer recalled meeting the legendary politician Balasaheb Thackeray. He mentioned how once he was tagged as 'homeless' on one of the newspaper's front pages, after which Balasaheb called him to meet and even offered him a home to stay. Abhijeet recalled denying the offer. While exclusively speaking to Hindi Rush, Abhijeet Sawant recalled living in BMC quarters with his family when a journalist visited them. He added, "Udar ek hai ki bahar notice lagi hui hai ki 'Ye building asurakshit hai. Aap apne bharose par reh rahe ho.' Aaj bhi jaaoge, aaj bhi voh building ke niche voh poster milegi. Building abhi bhi sahi hai. Voh aadmi voh padh ke upar aa gaya (There is a notice outside which reads, 'This building is not safe. You live on your risk.' Even if you go today, the poster will still be there. The building is still there. That man read that and came up)." Abhijeet revealed how the journalist then inquired about the poster that he saw on the building after the interview. The singer mentioned that he informed the journalist that the notice is there, but they are planning to shift and had a brief discussion with him. Abhijeet said that he told the journalist that he is hunting for houses. Watch Abhijeet Sawant's exclusive interview with Hindi Rush here- The Bigg Boss Marathi 5 fame shared that the journalist then printed on his newspaper's front page that he was homeless. He shared, "Photo liya. Mumbai ka bada newspaper hai voh, aisa vaisa nahi. Front page chappa, 'Abhijeet Sawant Homeless.' (laughs)." (He took a photo. It was Mumbai's big newspaper. On the front page he printed, 'Abhijeet Sawant Homeless.')." Abhijeet disclosed that he won Indian Idol and had money to purchase a house, but as it was printed on the front page, Balasaheb Thackeray called him. He recalled, "Balasaheb Thackeray unhone muje ghar bhi offer kiya uske baad (Balasaheb Thackeray offered me a house after that)." Further, he recalled that Balasaheb had called him and asked him to come to his house. Abhijeet shared that when he reached Balasaheb's house, the politician told Sawant, "Aisa sab mai padha. Mera ek banda hai. Voh builder hai. Mai usko phone karega. Voh teko chaavi lake de dega. Tujha ghar. Rakh le tu. (I read this. There is one man. He is a builder. I will call him. He will give you the key. It will be your house. Keep it)." Abhijeet recalled denying the offer as he had already booked a house and had made an advance payment for it. He shared that he told Balasaheb Thackeray, "Sir, nahi. Maine liya hai. Advance booking kiya hai. Mai purane ghar isiliye reh rha hu kyuki muje pasand hai udar rehna (Sir, no. I have purchased a house. I did the advance booking. I live in the old house because I like living there)." Workwise, Abhijeet Sawant was last seen in Celebrity MasterChef as a contestant.


India.com
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Indian Idol Season 1 Winner Abhijeet Sawant Reveals He Was On Tinder Even After Marriage, 'Biwi Ko Pata Nahi Tha...'
New Delhi: Indian Idol Season 1 winner Abhijeet Sawant in a podcast recently revealed about using online dating platform Tinder despite being married. However, he stopped using the platform when the news about him using Tinder surfaced. ABHIJEET SAWANT ON TINDER Speaking on Hindi Rush, Abhijeet shared that he spoke to two or three women. "I'm a curious person. I've always had curiosity. I was in the US with my friend, and he said, 'This is a new app. It's for dating'. I made my profile then, and it was there as it is. Main kabhi kabhi beech mein jaata tha, dekhta tha kya hai yeh sab kya hota hai? Maine apna hi naam rakha tha sab kuch sahi tha. Biwi ko nahi pata tha. But kuch kiya nahi, kisise mila bhi nahi, kuch tha bhi nahi." MATCH AATA THA, BAAT KARTE THE... "Match aata tha, baat karte the. Yeh cheeze na bohut ajeeb hai. Mujhe baat karne ka shokh hai aur aap ladkiyon se bohut deep baat karsakte baat karta tha bohut. 2-3 log mil gaye the jo baat karte the acche se. Baad mein Twitter pe agaya ki mera account hai, phir maine bola ki 'Yeh accha nahi lagega'. Usko nahi pata abhi tak, ab pata chal raha. Woh bichari usko pata bhi nahi kya hota hai Tinder. Ab pata chalgaya, open yaar, usme kya hai? Cheezein karni hai toh thok k karo phir. Kitna main sab cheeze jod sakta hoon yaar." Abhijeet and Shilpa got married in 2007. The couple has two children--Sonali Sawant and Amit Sawant. The duo also participated in Nach Baliye season 4 in (2008–2009).


News18
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
DYK Shah Rukh Khan Came To See Abhijeet Sawant After He Won Indian Idol?
Last Updated: In an interaction, Abhijeet Sawant alked about his journey into playback singing, insecurities and so much more. If you were a fan of the singing reality show Indian Idol around 2004, you would know Abhijeet Sawant. Mesmerising everyone with his soulful voice, the Mohabbatein Lutaunga singer won the first season of the popular TV show. Now, in an interview, Abhijeet Sawant reflected on his journey and shared a titbit related to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In an interaction with PinkVilla Hindi Rush, the singer talked about his journey into playback singing, insecurities and so much more. Abhijeet revealed that he was under the impression that his life would change and be easy after winning the singing reality show. 'Uss time pe toh aesa tha ke bade bade stars mil rahe hai aa ke. Shah Rukh Khan saab aa k mile. He was very kind. Ekbaar show pe bulaya mujhey perform karne k liye, khud announce kiya mera naam (At that time, big Bollywood stars were coming and meeting me. Shah Rukh Khan sir came to meet me. He was very kind. Once, he invited me to perform on a show and announced my name himself)," he said. Abhijeet went on to add that he couldn't maintain the love and respect he had been receiving from people. He mentioned that things have changed and now, when he meets 'Khan Saab', he would just say 'Hi and hello'. The Mar Jaavan Mit Jaavan singer asserted that one has to continue working hard in order to maintain the impression once created on a star of King Khan's stature. On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan will be seen sent in Siddharth Anand's film, King. The movie also stars his daughter Suhana Khan. Apart from Suhana, it features Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and others. According to a latest report by Pinkvilla, Rani Mukerji has also been cast to play Suhana's mother in the action-thriller. First Published: