Music composer and singer Vishal Dadlani, who has been a prominent judge on Indian Idol for the past six seasons, has officially announced his exit from the popular reality show. The multi-talented artist took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video message with his fans, revealing his reasons for stepping away from the show.
In his video, Dadlani expressed a desire to return to his musical roots, focus on concerts, and reclaim his personal time — which the show’s long commitment had made increasingly difficult.
“Almost Never Putting on Make-Up Again”: Candid Farewell of Vishal Dadlani
In the video message, Vishal shared his gratitude toward the entire Indian Idol team. He said:
“Time to get back to making music, playing concerts and almost never putting on make-up! Jai Ho!”
He also extended his appreciation to his fellow judges over the years, including Shreya Ghoshal, Badshah, Aditya Narayan, Aradhana, Chitra, Anand Ji, and many more, for making the show feel like “home.”
Why Vishal Dadlani Is Leaving Indian Idol
The primary reason behind Dadlani’s exit appears to be the intense time commitment the show demands. Indian Idol typically runs for around six months every year, during which judges are expected to remain in Mumbai for long shooting schedules. This constraint has proven creatively stifling for an artist like Vishal, who thrives on live performances and studio time.
He explained:
“I can’t stay stuck in Mumbai for 6 months each year. It’s time to reclaim my life, my music, and my time.”
A Key Face of Indian Idol for Over Half a Decade
Vishal Dadlani first joined Indian Idol as a judge in 2018 and has since become one of the show’s most loved and respected figures. His sharp musical insight, heartfelt mentoring, and occasional humour made him a fan favourite. Alongside various co-judges over the years, he played a significant role in shaping the journey of many aspiring singers.
Social media platforms flooded with messages from fans who expressed both sadness and support, acknowledging Vishal’s contribution to the show.
Emotional Reactions from Co-Stars and Fans
Following Dadlani’s announcement, his colleagues and fans expressed their emotions on social media. Host Aditya Narayan referred to his exit as “the end of an era,” acknowledging the irreplaceable presence Dadlani brought to the show.
Rapper Badshah playfully insisted, “Jaane nahi denge tumhe” (We won’t let you go). Many fans echoed these sentiments, expressing their sadness at his departure while also looking forward to his future musical projects.
Vishal & Sheykhar: A Musical Powerhouse
Beyond reality television, Vishal Dadlani is best known as one-half of the iconic Vishal-Shekhar music duo. Formed in the late 1990s with Shekhar Ravjiani, the duo has composed chart-topping soundtracks for over two decades. Their unforgettable hits include: “Jhankaar Beats,” “Dus,” “Om Shanti Om,” “Bachna Ae Haseeno,” “Dostana,” “Anjaana Anjaani,” “Ra.One,” “Student of the Year,” and “Chennai Express,” and many more.
Vishal-Sheykhar are known for their dynamic fusion of Indian classical elements with modern beats, often blending rock, pop, EDM, and Bollywood seamlessly. Their work continues to dominate playlists across generations.
Final Note
Vishal Dadlani’s exit from Indian Idol may come as a bittersweet moment for fans, but it’s a celebration of an artist choosing passion over permanence. As he closes the chapter on judging reality television, the music world eagerly awaits the magic he’ll create next.
