by Subhash K Jha

Salman Khan has rehearsed and is ready to record for Aadesh Shrivastava in the film Babul.

"Before Salman left for his world concerts he rehearsed the song. We sat over it the whole day. Now we're finally ready to record. He didn't get the time to do so. But the minute he returns, any time after June 13, we'll do the needful.

It's a rocking Bhangra number for Salman, unlike any other Bhangra song, It'll be as novel as what I got Bachchan Saab to sing in Major Sahib and Baghban," promises composer Aadesh Shrivastva.

He says he has had his fill of newcomers and aspiring singers. "I do have talented new singers like Hemachandra and Ujjaini singing in my soundtrack Alag. But from now no more new singers for me. I'm more challenged by getting stars to sing for me. Amitji has sung one song for Babul. I want him to sing the title song also."

He's all praise for the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa finalist Hemachandra. "The boy comes from a family of trained singers. He knows what he's singing. I've made him sing for Abhishek Bachchan in Subi Samuel's Alag while I've made another Sa Re Ga Ma finalist Nihira sing for Preity Zinta.

But I'd rather stick to established voices Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal and my own wife Vijayta. I won't thrust Vijayta down producer's throat. But if producers want her why not? So far I've done nothing for her."

Aadesh was very disappointed when Sandeep Acharya won the Indian Idol position over his rival Karunya. "Karunya was far more accomplished. Sandeep sang off-key at the finals."