The second season of Telugu Indian Idol was launched on Tuesday at Rama Naidu Studios, Hyderabad. The season will see Hemachandra as the host and Geetha Madhuri as the judge along with Thaman and Karthik.

Telugu Indian Idol , the Telugu OTT edition of the popular reality TV series, was launched on Tuesday (February 14) at Rama Naidu studios.
The soon-to-be-launched second season has witnessed entries from the nook and corner of the two Telugu speaking states and abroad as well and will be more ‘inclusive’, claim the makers of the show.

Eminent playback singer-dubbing artist Hemachandra was introduced as the new host of the second season. Hemachandra, who paid tribute to the legendary singer late SP Balasubramanyam on the stage of Telugu Indian Idol 2, expressed his happiness and excitement over his new responsibility.

He said, “Very happy to host season 2 of Telugu Indian Idol. Season 2 is double the energy and craziness. You’ll get to see more of it very soon. The difference between season(s) 1 and 2 is that talent has come from every nook and corner of the Telugu speaking states. I was baffled and at the same time happy with the talent that this season 2 will introduce. I must thank the makers for this opportunity.”

Ace music composer Thaman S, who will return to season 2 as the main judge, spoke at length about Telugu Indian Idol and how he is looking forward to the new season. Describing the show as his ‘holiday space’ and biggest ‘stressbuster’, Thaman welcomed host Hemachandra and Geetha Madhuri to season 2.

“Telugu Indian Idol gave me a new space. I was in fact amazed by the reach of the debut season. When I was in the US recently, many complimented me for the first season. I never knew a music show could reach so far and wide. I must thank Allu Aravind garu and Guruji Trivikram garu for instilling that much needed confidence in me to do this,” Thaman says.

He adds, “Indian Idol is like the much needed holiday or stressbuster for me. I see it more as an opportunity to know and engage with the contestants, their inspirational stories. I often relate to their journeys. If coming to Hyderabad from some remote corner of the state is an achievement, many of them have performed on the prestigious stage of Telugu Indian Idol. They are already achievers and this show is all about empowering such real talents.”

Talking about his judging panel, Thaman said, “I’m really looking forward to this new journey with Karthik and we have Geetha Madhuri this time. We indeed wanted someone close to Nitya Menen (co-judge in season one). After so much brainstorming, here we are very happy to welcome a show stealer like Geetha.

Famed playback singer Geetha Madhuri, who is making her debut as a judge of a music show with Telugu Indian Idol season 2, revealed that she initially refused the offer. “I was very apprehensive about taking up the opportunity. I instantly said ‘NO’. But then I also felt this is the right opportunity at this point of my career and the universe has created this for me. Thought I might feel intimidated by the presence of stalwarts like Thaman and Karthik, they made me feel very comfortable on stage. I was heavily trolled on the sets too (laughs). I’ve known

Chandu (Hemachandra) for a very long time now. I’ve in fact been a fan of his talent. Eagerly looking forward to this new journey.”

Karthik, one of the three judges of the show, was missing from the show though. Latest reports reveal that the show will be launched in March.