In a realty show, it's always the popular candidate that wins the contest. For more than 30 weeks, Bikaner's Raja Hasan ruled the roost on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007. No one evoked a bigger response from the audience and the viewers than Raja. When the winner was to be announced, 22,000 people across the stadium echoed his name. However, the name that cropped up wasn't his but that of Kolkata's Aneek Dhar.

Disappointment was writ large on his face. The 27-year-old even covered his face. "I wasn't much disappointed with the result but the somber reaction from my parents really hurt me inside. However, my mood changed after watching the delight on the faces of Aneek and Amanat's parents"

Hailed as Raja Hindustani, the Bikaneri couldn't become the Vishwa Ka Raja (King of the world). "To become the Vishwa Ka Raja, one has to put in a lot of effort. All three of us (Sa Re… finalists) have worked equally hard. It's disappointing that I didn't win but I derive pleasure from the fact I got the highest votes from India. So, I'm still a Raja Hindustani"

Raja refuses to be drawn into comparisons with the elite playback singers of Bollywood. "There's never been a replacement for Taj Mahal. Similarly, our top playback signers cannot be replaced. They are the best now and will remain that way forever. I have a long way to go before one can even compare me with these legends" quips the Sa Re runner-up.

Where does Raja go from here? He replies, "I just have to keep singing and rectify my errors. Our judges have been like a family to me. So far, I've sung for Bappi Da's film. My mentors Vishal-Shekhar have always treated me like a brother. When they've bestowed this honour upon me, it's my duty rather a right to make sure that one day I'll sing for them".

His meteoric rise to fame has made him junta's favourite. Does Raja see himself as a role model for the youth, in particularly for Muslims? "The Hadith and Quran says that pehle watan parasth, phir com parasth (Love your nation before loving your community). I've been named as Raja Hindustani. So, what more could I have asked for. I'm proud to be an Indian and I'd like to be an icon not just for Muslims but the entire nation" remarked Raja.

We loved him as Raja Hindustani, let's hope the adorable Raja stays that way.