On July 29, 2008, India lost an upcoming star in 19-year-old Ishmeet Singh. Ishmeet, winner of the “Amul Star Voice of India” contest last year on November 24, drowned in the swimming pool of the Chaaya Island Dhonveli resort, where he was staying during his visit to the Maldives. Ishmeet had gone to perform in the “Star Voice of Maldives” contest which was to be held on July 31, 2008. Individuals from various walks of life expressed grief over the sudden demise of Ishmeet who had mesmerised millions of Indians with his voice.While Ishmeet may not be among us today, images of his progressing from one round to another in the “Star Voice of India” contest will be etched in the Indian psyche. The image of a confident and poised Ishmeet, dressed in a golden coat, followed by a white formal suit, is especially difficult to forget. He finally won on November 24, 2007.Apart from his voice, it was Ishmeet’s demeanour that endeared him to millions of Indians. In spite of the tough competition he faced in the grand finale of the contest, Ishmeet was confident of his victory. But, both before and after the final, he had only kind words to say about his competitor.Born in a simple middle class family of Ludhiana, Ishmeet was a second-year B.Com student in Mumbai’s MNC College. His rise to stardom symbolised how Indian society in general and the music industry in particular are fast changing. To begin with, Ishmeet epitomised the “generation next” of India that is willing to take risks for pursuing unconventional careers. Ishmeet’s mother was not too happy when he went for the auditions of the “Star Voice of India” contest. Secondly, Ishmeet’s rise also re-emphasised the abundance of talent in non-metro cities like Ludhiana. Last, but not least, Ishmeet was comfortable with his turban and, unlike many other artists, he did not think it necessary to change his look — along with Rabbi Shergill, he was perhaps the only Sikh artist with national recognition to have kept his Sikh persona.By the time this obituary is actually read, Ishmeet’s body would be consigned to the flames, but his voice will never fade away.
