Will the judges' comments make or break Kolkata’s paan seller, Shubhajit Chakrobarthy’s dreams on Indian Idol?

India's beloved singing reality show, Indian Idol, is back with Season 15 on Sony Entertainment Television, showcasing some of the finest voices from across the nation. The auditions saw a horde of contestants with not only incredible vocal talent but also inspiring stories. One such extraordinary contestant is Shubhajit Chakrobarthy, a 22-year-old from Kolkata. A humble paan shop owner by day, Shubhajit is not just carrying on his family’s livelihood but also fulfilling his father’s dream of seeing him succeed as a musician. He runs the shop alongside his mother but has always had music in his soul, thanks to his father, who is a musician. Shubhajit has honed his craft under the guidance of Pandit Joyto Shankar, and his deep connection with folk music resonates in his performances.

Before his performance, Shubhajit presented the judges with paans, a gesture that instantly won their hearts. But it was his voice that truly captivated them. He performed a moving folk song that earned him a standing ovation from the judges and left a lasting impression.

Shreya Ghoshal, a connoisseur of folk music herself, expressed her admiration by saying, “If you know folk songs, you have truly learned the essence of singing. Your voice has carved a special place in my heart. Folk music brings us closer to the divine, and you embodied that. In your second song, you embraced the melody and made it your own. God is with you, and it shows in the beauty of your voice.”

The performance also led to a unique moment when Vishal Dadlani, fascinated by the bhapang Shubhajit brought with him, asked to learn how to play the traditional instrument. Vishal was deeply moved by Shubhajit's pure talent, stating, “We always talk about what’s needed in singing shows, and you had everything— it was clean, pure, beautiful and magical. My heart is full. Wajid will always be missed, but your performance was a beautiful reminder of that legacy.”

But the question remains: will he be able to go further and win the golden ticket?

Stay tuned to Indian Idol Season 15 to witness Shubhajit’s musical journey unfold.