Sidhu Joins ‘India’s Got Talent’ Jury, Aims To Fight Youth Drug Crisis

MUMBAI — Politician-turned-entertainer Navjot Singh Sidhu is set to join the judging panel of the 11th season of ‘India’s Got Talent’ (IGT), alongside Malaika Arora and Shaan.

Sidhu said his primary motivation is to channel the energy of today’s youth in a constructive direction. ‘Nothing motivates me more than honoring merit,’ he explained. ‘It is about passing on the mantle to the younger generation.’

Elaborating on his philosophy, he added, ‘You are what you think. There’s nothing good or bad; it’s your thinking that makes it so. All men have eyes; few have the vision. My goal is to give them a vision, help them live their dreams, and achieve them through proper means.’

Highlighting the challenges young people face today, Sidhu said, ‘There are youngsters who take to the bottle or drugs. IGT is a living example of how energies can be channeled positively, constructively, and in a way that benefits their health.’

He praised the diversity of talent on the show, noting acrobats, magicians, and performers using innovative techniques. ‘There is no dearth of talent in India. It needs to be disciplined, harnessed, and guided,’ he said.

Sidhu also stressed the long-term impact of nurturing talent: ‘We don’t fight for the next election, we fight for the next generation. Passing on your experiences to the younger generation is the greatest legacy.’

Reflecting on the show’s merit-based system, he added, ‘The bane of Indian society is that merit is seldom honored, but IGT honors true, genuine talent. There is no favoritism. The good go ahead; those not up to the mark are eliminated. It’s survival of the fittest, just like in the jungle.’ (IANS)