It was a proud moment for Rahul Sharma when he was named best performer at the Season 3 Sur Sangharsh’s (Hunt for the Singing Sensation) first elimination on Saturday.

He and 11 other competitors battled on stage at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.

“I am very happy to be the best performer at the Season 3 Sur Sangharsh (Hunt for the Singing Sensation) first elimination,” he said.

“The competition was very tough but, I am happy to be the best performer.”

Sur Sangharsh (Hunt for the Signing Sensation) is a platform organised for youths here to showcase their singing talent. It was organised in 2014 by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa events group in Fiji.

The 19-year-old is from Dilkusha Road in Nausori and wants to sing on India’s biggest singing stage ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’.

“I was interested in singing since my childhood. I love music. When I was young and see anyone doing stage shows or singing on stage, I would tell myself that one day I will also be singing on stage.

“I learned music from my two music teachers, Ajay Singh and Shraddha Dass. I am so thankful to them. I love listening to all the songs of Bollywood singer, Arjit Singh,” he said.

Mr Sharma said music was like a bond which joined people of many races together and helps expressing their inner feelings.

“I am lucky to be part of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa singing platform and given an opportunity to showcase my singing talent to people. I am so thankful to them,” he said.

“I want to become top singer like Arjit Singh. I will now work towards the second elimination for the Season 3 Sur Sangharsh (Hunt for the singing sensation).”

Rahul said he wants to go to India and learn more about music.

“I would advise the youths sing from your heart and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is best platform to showcase your talent,” he said.

He is a first year University of the South Pacific student studying Bachelor in Computing Science and Information System.

He is working to release his first original music album in Fiji by next year.

The Season 3 Sur Sangharsh (Hunt for the Singing Sensation) second elimination will be held in September.

The audition for Season 3 Sur Sangharsh (Hunt for the Signing Sensation) started in May. The first elimination round was on Saturday night.

The second elimination round will take place on September 17 at the FMF Gymnasium while the grand finale will be on November 12 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.