Himesh Reshammiya on Indian Idol Legends Return: 'I look beyond technique'
Synopsis
Himesh Reshammiya says he looks past vocal technique when judging Indian Idol Legends Return — he wants originality, hunger, and the will to reinvent. With 12 competing duos of returning legends, the show is framing itself as a second-chance arena where past success is the baseline, not the goal.
Key Takeaways
Himesh Reshammiya returns as Superstar Judge on Indian Idol Legends Return , airing on Sony Entertainment Television .
Reshammiya says he evaluates contestants on originality, hunger, and individuality — not just vocal technique.
The show features 12 competing duos made up of celebrated singers from previous Indian Idol seasons.
Aditya Narayan returns as host for the new season.
Reshammiya described reinvention as essential to an artist's long-term career, drawing from his own decades-long journey in music.
Music composer and singer Himesh Reshammiya says being a judge on a singing reality show demands far more than an ear for a good voice — it requires recognising potential, individuality, and the raw courage it takes for an artist to step back onto a stage. Speaking ahead of his return to Indian Idol Legends Return as Superstar Judge, Reshammiya reflected on his own career journey and what he hopes to witness from the show's competing artists.
Beyond the Basics: What Reshammiya Listens For
'Being a judge is not just about recognising a good voice; it is about recognising potential, individuality and the courage it takes to stand on a stage and be heard,' Reshammiya said in a statement. 'Having lived the journey myself, I understand the highs, the challenges of reinvention and the constant need to evolve.'
He added that when evaluating a contestant, technique alone does not determine his verdict. 'I look for originality, hunger and that rare quality that makes an artist unforgettable,' he said. The composer, who has built a decades-long career spanning film scores and chart-topping independent albums, credited his own willingness to reinvent himself as central to his longevity in an industry that rarely forgives stagnation.
Reinvention as a Career Imperative
Reshammiya was candid about the personal philosophy that keeps him creatively active. 'My own journey has taught me that reinvention is not just about changing the way people perceive you; it is about constantly challenging yourself and keeping your passion alive,' he said. He noted that even after 'thousands of blockbuster hit songs', his enthusiasm for new musical projects remains as strong as when he first began — a mindset he is actively looking for in the artists competing this season.
This perspective aligns with the show's format. Indian Idol Legends Return reunites celebrated singers from previous seasons, forming 12 competing duos who return not as newcomers but as established voices with something new to prove. Reshammiya described it as 'the biggest season, bringing back voices that have already made their mark but now have another opportunity to prove how far they have come.'
The Show's Format and What to Expect
'Winning once is not enough; the real achievement is to keep growing, to reinvent yourself and to win the audience's heart all over again,' Reshammiya said, outlining the spirit behind the season. Veteran television host Aditya Narayan returns to anchor the proceedings as host.
Indian Idol Legends Return airs on Sony Entertainment Television. For Reshammiya, the season is ultimately a statement: 'This season is about showing India what these artists are capable of today, and who they can become tomorrow.'
Point of View
Its eliminations, its narrative arc — remains to be seen. Indian Idol Legends Return, with its format of returning veterans rather than fresh faces, is an unusual bet that nostalgia and growth can coexist on prime-time television.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indian Idol Legends Return?
Indian Idol Legends Return is a new season of the long-running Sony Entertainment Television singing competition, featuring 12 competing duos made up of celebrated singers who appeared in previous seasons. Unlike earlier editions, this season focuses on established artists returning to prove their continued growth rather than discovering new talent.
Who is judging and hosting Indian Idol Legends Return?
Himesh Reshammiya serves as the Superstar Judge for Indian Idol Legends Return, while Aditya Narayan returns as the show's host. Both are familiar faces from earlier seasons of the franchise.
What does Himesh Reshammiya look for in contestants?
Reshammiya has said he looks beyond vocal technique and instead evaluates contestants on originality, individuality, hunger, and an unforgettable quality. He also considers the courage it takes to perform on stage, drawing from his own experience navigating the highs and challenges of a long music career.
Where can viewers watch Indian Idol Legends Return?
Indian Idol Legends Return airs on Sony Entertainment Television. Viewers can tune in to the channel for new episodes as the season progresses.
Why does Himesh Reshammiya emphasise reinvention for artists?
Reshammiya has spoken about reinvention as a career-long necessity, not a one-time move. He argues that an artist must constantly challenge themselves and keep their passion alive to remain relevant, and says his own journey — spanning thousands of songs — has reinforced that no milestone removes the need to keep growing.
