Abhijeet Sawant on 20 Years of Music, Indian Idol Memories

When Abhijeet Sawant walks onto a stage, there’s an unmistakable warmth that fills the air. The crowd’s reaction is a mix of nostalgia and admiration, a reminder of the voice that defined an era of Indian music television. Performing at the Bollywood Music Project (BMP), he admits, feels like returning to his roots. “It feels great. Especially at BMP, there are so many artists, everyone comes here and performs. It’s always a different experience performing for such a crowd, whether it’s Mumbai or anywhere else. The joy, the happiness, that sense that everything is fine… it gives you a good boost as an artist.”

It’s been nearly two decades since Abhijeet lifted the Indian Idol trophy, a moment that not only launched his career but also marked a new chapter in India’s pop culture. Reflecting on that milestone, he says, “It’s been 20 years now, and I am still here working because of Indian Idol. It gave me a big boost in my career and helped me become the artist I am today.”

Back then, Abhijeet wasn’t just a winner, he was a symbol of hope. Before social media fame and streaming virality, he was the boy-next-door who made millions believe that talent and hard work could change lives. Today, as he looks at the new wave of music reality shows, he’s both impressed and inspired. “A lot has changed. But I really appreciate the class of singers coming from today’s reality shows. They’re completely professional. It makes me happy to see that the standard of singing today is at such a good level.”

Despite the evolution of music and technology, Abhijeet’s creative spark remains strong. When asked what kind of music connects with him most now, he answers without hesitation, indie pop. “I love all types of music. I’m not choosy because I work in this industry and enjoy learning from different genres. But indie pop is closest to my heart. Most of my work has always been in that space.”

For him, pop music represents freedom, the kind that lets an artist connect directly with listeners without the boundaries of film soundtracks or commercial formulas. Over the years, he’s explored projects that reflect his personal journey, building a space in the independent scene. That openness also drives his willingness to work with the next generation. “I’d love to collaborate with Kratex,” he says with a smile. “And if I ever get a chance to work with Diljit, that would be amazing!”

Even after all these years, Abhijeet’s memories from the Indian Idol days still give him goosebumps. “The kind of passion people had for me then, that still gives me goosebumps,” he says, his voice softening. “The love and support, the way people used to vote for me… religiously! It was something really different.” He laughs as he recalls how some of his friends compared his fan following to Michael Jackson’s. “I don’t think that’s true,” he chuckles, “but it’s still a big thing to hear.”

Two decades later, Abhijeet remains one of the few from that first generation of television-born musicians who continues to thrive. Through persistence, adaptability, and his unbreakable bond with music, he has managed to evolve with the times while staying true to himself. As he looks ahead to new projects and collaborations, his message is simple: the joy of performing and connecting with people is what keeps him going. “At the end of the day, it’s that connection with the audience, that joy you feel on stage, that’s what keeps me alive as an artist.”