‘Pune Idol 2025’ Singing Competition to Begin on May 19, Organized by Someshwar Foundation

Inauguration by Renowned Singer Sawani Ravindra; Former Corporator Sunny Nimhane Announces Details

Pune – The highly anticipated ‘Pune Idol 2025’ singing competition, organized annually by Someshwar Foundation, is set to begin on May 19 and continue until May 24, 2025, at the Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Auditorium in Aundh, Pune. This year marks the 23rd edition of the event, which aims to discover and honor the best amateur singing talent from across Maharashtra.

The announcement was made by former corporator Sunny Vinayak Nimhane, who also shared that the opening ceremony will take place on Monday, May 19 at 9:30 AM, and will be inaugurated by Sawani Ravindra, the President’s Medal-winning classical and playback singer. The grand finale will be held on May 24, from 12 PM to 3 PM, at Balgandharva Rangmandir, Pune.

The competition was originally launched in 2003 by the late MLA Vinayak Nimhane, and over the years, it has evolved into one of the most respected platforms for aspiring vocalists in the state.

Participants can register by downloading the application forms from the official website www.sunnynimhan.com, and the last date for entry is May 15, 2025. For more information, interested participants can visit the Someshwar Foundation office at Shivajinagar Gaothan, Jangli Maharaj Road, Pune.

Four Age-Based Categories for Competition:

1. Little Champs – Up to 15 years
2. Yuva Idol – Ages 15 to 30
3. General Idol – Ages 30 to 50
4. Old is Gold – Ages 50 and above

The panel of judges includes prominent names from the music industry such as Rameshwari Vaishampayan, Kalyani Deshpande, Jitendra Bhuruk, and Komal Lalge.

Adding a special touch to this year’s competition, five amateur artists from the social and political spheres will be specially invited to perform and will be honored by the Someshwar Foundation for their contributions and enthusiasm in music.

Exciting Awards and Social Contributions

Winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes of ₹15,000 and ₹10,000, along with a prestigious ‘Pune Idol’ trophy. Furthermore, select talented participants will receive financial assistance from the Foundation for educational or medical needs, emphasizing the social responsibility the event upholds.

Over the years, the competition has been graced by veterans and icons from the Indian music industry, including Arun Date, Prabha Atre, Ravindra Sathe, Mahesh Kale, Tyagraj Khadilkar, Dr. Salil Kulkarni, Shaunak Abhisheki, Rahul Deshpande, Vaishali Samant, Abhijeet Sawant, and Abhijit Kosambi, who have mentored and encouraged aspiring talents.

Past contestants like Saurabh Salunke, Komal Krishna, Tushar Ritay, Pramod Dadar, Vinod Surve, and Mohammad Rafi (junior) have carved a niche for themselves in the music world, thanks in part to their exposure through this competition.

Organizing Committee

The organizing team includes Amit Murkute, Aniket Kapote, Ganesh Shelar, Sanjay Tarde, and Pramod Kamble, who are working diligently to ensure the smooth execution of the event.