March 22, 2010, (Sampurn Wire): At 18, he became the youngest man to win Sa re ga ma pa Challenge when he won the title in 2007. Kolkata’s Aneek Dhar hasn’t cut the ice in Bollywood but the young singer has an enviable list of fans, one that figures two cricketing Gods of the country. We’re referring to none other than the great Sachin Tendulkar and former India captain Sourav Ganguly. The latter is in fact like a family to Dhar. After all, Bengalis gel well within their own community..

Aneek will soon be seen on TV again as he’s stepped foot on Colors show IPL Rockstar. This is first reality show which is taking place from the cricket field. Now that’s he’s part of the show, Dhar is hoping to catch with the Indian greats. Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians square off against Ganguly’s Kolkata Knight Riders at the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai today.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to catch with the two today as my first performance is in Ahmedabad. However, I’m hoping to interact with them at some point during IPL. I’m privileged to have known these men from close quarters. In fact, Dada (Ganguly) is like a family. I remember meeting him at a local award function in Kolkata where Dada came to me and patted on my back. Since then, I’ve had close relations with the Gangulys. Recently, I watched the film Rann with Dada and Dona (Mrs.Ganguly). They are such wonderful people and treat me like a family,” said an excited Dhar.

“As for Tendulkar, I was really humbled when he claimed that his entire finally is fond of my singing and they regularly voted for me on Sa re ga ma.. It was really overwhelming to see such a great sportsmen lauding you. I was left speechless. I consider myself fortunate to have drawn praise from such men,” added Dhar.

Finally, when asked which team will he root for when the two cricketing greats collide, the boy replied, “as one from Kolkata, I’ like to see them win but the ideal fun would be to see both the masters score runs.”

Well said Aneek, we wish a grand time at the IPL.

-Mayur Lookhar/ Sampurn Wire