Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS): Singer and judge of “Indian Idol 14’ Kumar Sanu shared his story when he was struggling to make a name for himself, and said how the legendary composer Jagjit Singh discovered him and brought him into the industry.

The singing reality show celebrated Raj Babbar on its stage. Known for his commendable work in the film industry, Raj graced the show along with singer and actress Salma Agha.

The contestants paid him a musical tribute and belt out some of their hit chartbusters to impress Judge Shreya Ghoshal and Kumar Sanu. But it was contestant Piyush Panwar, from Rajasthan, who won the hearts of Raj Babbar and the judges.

He performed 'Hothon Se Chhulo Tum’ and ‘Tu Is Tarah Se Meri Zindagi', from the films 'Prem Geet’ and ‘Aap To Aise Na The'.

Praising Piyush’s singing style and talking about the legendary Jagjit Singh who was the original singer of these songs, Raj Babbar said”: “Outstanding. I was relived all those memories of both these songs. The song is very difficult, and you sang it so beautifully. Hearing ‘Hothon Se Chhulo tum’, I remembered my dear friend, Jagjit Singh. I feel fortunate that Jagjit Singh did his first playback song with me, not only for a Hindi film but also for a Punjabi film, Laung Da Lashkara.”

Kumar Sanu shared: “I made a lot of money by singing these songs when I first came to Mumbai. I used to sing these songs in hotels, and everyone used to love Hothon Se Chhulon Tum. Your performance made me feel nostalgic.”

“Also, Jagjit Singh is the one who discovered me and brought me into this industry. He gave me an opportunity to sing a song for an unreleased movie of Smita Patil and Shatrughan Sinha. He took me in his car to the Tardeo recording studio, took the cassette, and showed it to Kalyan ji Bhai. Later, Kalyan ji Bhai gave me an opportunity,” added Kumar Sanu.

After hearing this, Raj Babbar requested Kumar Sanu to sing ‘Hothon se Chhulon’ for him.

‘Indian Idol Season 14’ airs on Sony.