Earlier it was reported that Hussein Kuwajerwala will be the only host for this season’s Indian Idol. But now the news is that he will be joined by a co-host with the start of the Piano round. And for the first time in the history of Idol, the show will see two male hosts taking charge.

Well, are you wondering who the handsome and lucky dude is? The answer is right here, and he is none other than our very own Meiyang Chang who hosted this season’s auditions with Deepali Kishore.

“I did not have any idea that I’ll be co-hosting the show with Hussein Sir. It’s a good feeling, but I’m nervous too. Hope I do justice with my hosting skills,” quips a delighted Chang.

However, Chang faces one problem as he readies to stand beside Hussein. “It’s very difficult for me to call Hussein Sir by just his name. I was on the other side when I started my journey with Indian Idol, but today it’s something different,” he states.

“When I was a contestant, it was a different scenario. But now it is a new experience altogether and learning curve too. It’s quite challenging, but scary at the same time,” he adds.
What do you think about the Jodi of Chang and Hussein and won’t you miss Deepali? “I think it’s going to be fantastic. One is very professional and another is very new. This is the biggest change in the format of Idol. Talking about Deepali, I’ll not miss her as we both will be hosting Ru Ba Ru episode,” he verbalizes.

We called up Albert Almeida, VP and Business Head, Sony Entertainment Television to ask him whether this season’s Indian Idol will not miss the feminine touch when it comes to hosting. “Of course not!! There are so many good examples of two male hosts in shows abroad. Even in India Shah Rukh Khan and Ali Khan">Saif Ali Khan perform well as hosts, so why not Indian Idol?”, asks Albert Almeida.

“We should now focus on what is expected from them as hosts of the show They both have certain distinguishing personalities. For instance, Hussein is a senior host and he will perform his duty whereas Chang is like a boy-next-door and I’m sure his charm will add more to the show,” adds Albert Ameida.

So viewers, get ready for the never-seen-before combination of Hussein and Chang as they kick-start their journey as hosts, to take Indian Idol to greater heights with the Piano Round, this Friday October 17, 2008 at 9.00 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television!

Reporter and Author: Rachana Trivedi