Amit Sana, the runner-up of Indian Idol Season 1, has opened up about his turbulent 21-year musical journey — one marked by a dramatic rise in 2005, a prolonged decline, personal heartbreak, and an eventual return to the spotlight ahead of the premiere of Indian Idol Legends Return on 17 October on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

A Sudden Rise, Then a Sharp Fall

Sana described the arc of his career with disarming candour. He recalled that the three to four months of 2005 brought an almost overnight ascent to national recognition — only for that graph to reverse just as sharply. 'The way I would describe this 21-year journey is that there was a sudden upward graph in my life during those three to four months in 2005, and then, gradually, that graph started moving sharply downwards,' he said.

The singer acknowledged that the setback was not merely professional. 'Emotionally, physically, mentally, financially... in all the aspects, I was in a very bad space,' Sana said, painting a picture of a period that tested him across every dimension of life.

Personal Struggles: Marriage, Divorce, and Resilience

Sana also spoke about personal upheaval during those difficult years, including his marriage and a subsequent divorce. 'I was married, I got divorced, and I have actually led a life that is the complete opposite of how I appear today,' he said. The candid admission drew attention to the gap between public perception and private reality — a theme central to his reflections.

Despite the weight of those experiences, Sana said he harbours no bitterness. 'I would not say that I have any complaints or grievances in my heart about those experiences, because it is very important to learn from life, and it is equally important for life to teach you,' he added.

Music as the Constant Thread

Through every low point, Sana said, music remained his anchor. He stressed that he never abandoned songwriting, even during the most difficult years. 'Whatever came and went over all these years, whatever happened in my life, I never left music. No matter how low a phase I was going through, I kept making songs. I knew this day would come,' he said, also expressing gratitude to his family and fans for their sustained support.

Indian Idol Legends Return: A New Beginning

Indian Idol Legends Return brings back former contestants for a fresh competition format on Sony Entertainment Television. For Sana, the show represents far more than a nostalgia exercise. 'To be honest, this show is just the beginning. My upward journey is actually going to begin after this. I am really happy that I am here,' he said, framing his participation as the launch of a new chapter rather than a look back at the old one.

The series premieres on 17 October, and for a singer who spent two decades navigating setbacks largely out of the public eye, the timing marks a significant moment of return.