The finalists of the popular television talent hunt, "Indian Idol-II", are upbeat about their future.

The young singers know that only two of them will eventually make it to the last lap but admit that the exposure will help them make it big in the Indian music industry.

"All of us will not make it to the top. What we know for sure is that the exposure we are gaining will propel us forward," said Sagar Arun Sawarkar, 20, one of the finalists.

"Quite frequently we get to interact with stars from the music and film world and hope this enriching experience will help us overcome our weaknesses," said Sawarkar, who has been singing since he was only eight.

Five of the 12 finalists of Sony Entertainment's popular reality show "Indian Idol-II" were in the national capital on a promotional tour.

Said Monali Thakur, another finalist: "From learning music to getting tips from the judges - Farah Khan, Sonu Nigam and Anu Mallik - has helped boost our confidence.

"Farah Khan even gave me tips on how to dress properly and perform on stage. And I hope such exposure will help youngsters like us reach our destination. Earlier I was nervous. But talking to people of Sonu Nigam's stature has been a morale-boosting experience," said Thakur, who hails from Kolkata.

Thakur said she would give off her best to be the next Indian Idol, but if she ran out of luck she would not "regret it too much".

"The exposure to the film industry and love for music will help me carve a niche for myself in Mumbai," said the 16-year-old who wants to be a pop icon.

Another finalist, Ravi Tripathi, who hails from the small Uttar Pradesh town of Pratapgarh, has a similar opinion.

"The talent hunt provides a platform for youngsters. Those who don't make it to the top will still benefit from the experience of participating. Whether I win the title or not, I will be a part of Bollywood," said Tripathi, who is learning music from playback singer Suresh Wadkar.

Hyderabad-based N.C. Karunya is even more upbeat.

"In the last three months I have received considerable attention. You get voice tips; the stage performances get better and even the criticism of judges makes you do a rethink," said Karunya, one of the strong contenders for the title.

"Look at Abhijit Sawant and Amit Sana, the top two finalists of last year's show. Both are doing very well in the industry. I also believe that the exposure during the last three months and the forthcoming months will help me consolidate my position."

The first, path-breaking "Indian Idol" series was a huge hit with the masses, with thousands of viewers worrying, crying and laughing along with the participants with every episode and many more dialling up to vote for their favourite singers.