Meiyang Chang revisits Indian Idol 3 audition, recalls Javed Akhtar's 'yes' in 2007
Synopsis
Nearly two decades on, Meiyang Chang's throwback to the Indian Idol Season 3 theatre round is a reminder of how a single 'yes' from Javed Akhtar in a Mumbai corridor in April 2007 set off a career spanning films, music, and television hosting — and that some moments simply never fade.
Key Takeaways
Meiyang Chang shared black-and-white photographs from the Indian Idol Season 3 theatre round held at NCPA Mumbai between 26 and 28 April 2007 .
Chang recalled the moment Javed Akhtar gave him a 'yes' at the end of the theatre round as one he will never forget.
The post featured Chang alongside eventual season winner Prashant Tamang and hosts Hussain Kuwajerwala and Mini Mathur .
Indian Idol Season 3 was judged by Javed Akhtar , Anu Malik , Alisha Chinai , and Udit Narayan .
Since the show, Chang has built a career in films such as 'Badmaash Company' and 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' , as well as television hosting.
Actor-singer-host Meiyang Chang recently shared a nostalgic throwback to his Indian Idol Season 3 days, revisiting the unforgettable theatre round held at NCPA Mumbai between 26 and 28 April 2007 — and the defining moment when legendary lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar gave him a coveted 'yes' during the competition.
The Throwback Post
Chang shared a series of black-and-white photographs from the reality show's theatre round on social media, offering fans a rare glimpse into the early days of his entertainment journey. In his caption, he wrote: 'Here's some nostalgia for you (and for me). Indian Idol Season 3! After the auditions, the chosen 225 nationwide converge for the Theatre round, 26–28th April 2007, NCPA Mumbai. The long corridors, the interminable waiting, the luggage on standby, the DRAMA! (Is that why they call it Theatre round?)'
He also recalled the duet round with particular emotion, adding: 'BTW, this is the song I'd sung for the duet round. I have no memory of what else transpired during those 3 days except getting the 'YES' from Javed sahab at the very end. How does one ever forget THAT!'
What the Photographs Showed
The black-and-white images captured large groups of contestants gathered anxiously inside the audition venue. One photograph showed a young Chang seated among fellow participants, while another featured him posing alongside co-contestant and eventual season winner Prashant Tamang. The post also included a glimpse of Chang's original Indian Idol contestant badge, as well as a photograph featuring season hosts Hussain Kuwajerwala and Mini Mathur.
About Indian Idol Season 3
Indian Idol Season 3 aired in 2007 and was judged by Javed Akhtar, Anu Malik, Alisha Chinai, and Udit Narayan, with Hussain Kuwajerwala and Mini Mathur serving as hosts. Prashant Tamang went on to win the season. For context, Abhijeet Sawant had won the first season of the show, while Sandeep Acharya emerged victorious in Season 2.
Chang's Career Since Indian Idol
Over the years, Meiyang Chang has successfully reinvented himself across multiple disciplines in the Indian entertainment industry. He is known for songs such as 'Kya Yahi Pyaar Hai' and has appeared in films including 'Badmaash Company', 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!', and 'Sultan'. He has also gone on to host numerous reality shows and award ceremonies, cementing his reputation as one of television's most versatile personalities.
The post struck a chord with fans and industry peers alike, underlining how Indian Idol has served as a launchpad for some of the country's most enduring entertainment careers.
Point of View
Not the fame, but a single word from a credible judge in a corridor. That speaks to the outsized authority figures like Javed Akhtar hold in shaping artistic confidence. Indian Idol's early seasons produced a surprisingly durable roster of performers, yet that origin story rarely gets told from the contestant's perspective. Chang's post fills that gap, and its resonance suggests audiences are hungry for the unglamorous, waiting-in-corridors side of showbiz — not just the highlight reel.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Meiyang Chang share about his Indian Idol Season 3 experience?
Meiyang Chang shared a series of black-and-white photographs from the Indian Idol Season 3 theatre round held at NCPA Mumbai between 26 and 28 April 2007. He recalled the moment lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar gave him a 'yes' at the end of the theatre round as the defining memory of those three days.
Who won Indian Idol Season 3?
Prashant Tamang won Indian Idol Season 3 in 2007. Abhijeet Sawant had won the first season, while Sandeep Acharya won Season 2.
Who were the judges and hosts of Indian Idol Season 3?
Indian Idol Season 3 was judged by Javed Akhtar, Anu Malik, Alisha Chinai, and Udit Narayan. Hussain Kuwajerwala and Mini Mathur served as hosts of the season.
What has Meiyang Chang done after Indian Idol?
After Indian Idol, Meiyang Chang built a career as an actor, singer, and television host. He appeared in films including 'Badmaash Company', 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!', and 'Sultan', and is known for the song 'Kya Yahi Pyaar Hai'. He has also hosted numerous reality shows and award ceremonies.
Where was the Indian Idol Season 3 theatre round held?
The Indian Idol Season 3 theatre round was held at NCPA Mumbai between 26 and 28 April 2007, with 225 contestants from across the country converging for the event.
