Toshi Sabri

Infobox musical artist 2
Name = Toshi Shahid|

Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Muhammad Ovez Sabri
Born =
Origin = Jaipur, Rajasthan, Punjab, India
Occupation = Entertainer, Singer, "Amul STAR Voice of India" Fourth Position, "Ustaadon ke Ustaad", "Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar"
Instrument = Vocals
Genre = Filmi
Years_active = 2006- present
URL =

Muhammad Ovez Sabri, popularly known as Toshi Sabri, is a gifted singer of Rajasthan's Sabri Family. Toshi has a beautiful voice and sings very dynamic songs ranging from Qawwali to Pop. It has been sensed by judges and viewers that songs on a slower beat suit his voice more than faster tracks; however, he has also excelled singinga few songs faster beats. He has described music as his "Junoon" (passion) and has said he had started to focus on music from an early age.

Singing career

Toshi had participated in a singing contest held in Mumbai, ajudged by A. R. Rehman. He revealed he hadn't even finished his 12th standard because he didn't want to miss out the opportunity. He participated in the contest and won the first prize. Toshi first appeared in Amul STAR Voice of India and made his way into the 7 final singers. He was then eliminated, with three other top singers being in the danger zone. After his elimination much protest and criticism arose; musical fans and supporters argued that his talent deserves to reach a higher stage in the show. The producers of the show were forced to succumb to these pressures and held a Wildcard round, where four highly esteemed talented musical judges would give 4 names they tought, talent-wise, deserved to come back. Toshi was one of the named. The second wildcard round had the judgement on the basis of votes, and Toshi received the highest votes from India to come back on the show.He continued getting support and winning praises and made his way to the top 4 singers. However his subsequent elimination after getting the highest votes for three consecutive weeks has sparked controversy about the system of voting.Rumours have arose that he has been offered to sing for A. R. Rehman and has accepted the offer, but has to be confirmed yet. It has been confirmed by Shaan, host of Amul STAR Voice of India, Toshi, along with Irfan, Abhaas and Prantik is singing as a playback singer in Bollywood. He has sung in the Mahesh Bhatt movie Jannat and the latest movie by Atul Agnihotri Summer 2007. His album is due to come out by September 2008.

Reality Shows Status

Since finishing on Top 4 after making a combeback through Wildcard concept on Amul Star Voice of India, he has also been participating in the ongoing shows Ustaadon ke Ustaad [http://www.screenindia.com/news/Suroon-Ki-Jung/295093/] and Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar. [http://entertainment.oneindia.in/television/top-stories/news/2008/jo-jeeta-wohi-superstar-premier-100408.html] Although he could not win Ustaadon Ka Ustaad, he (along with Sumitra of VoI fame and Amit Paul of Indian Idol season 3 fame) had reached the finals, but lost to Raja Hasan of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame. Despite being the most popular and dynamic singer on the show, Toshi Sabri, was eliminated from Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar along with a companion from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa challenge 2005 Debojit Saha after entering the era of Top 5. Before leaving Toshi Sabri promised his fans to entertain them till the last breath of his life. In spite of being the most talented, versatile and high caliber singer he was eliminated but as it is known it wasn't for the first time.

Personal life

Toshi Sabri was born on 4th July, 1984, in Punjab, India but later moved to Jaipur in Rajasthan. Sabri, being from a musical family, started singing at an early age.

Sabri's father is a classical Indian musician. Sharib Sabri, his brother, also belongs to the musical field and has participated in a few musical contests as well.

Toshi has often mentioned his struggle after coming to Mumbai since the previous two years before being chosen to feature on Amul Star Voice of India. He left his studies before giving 12th standard exams, and thus he couldn't find a decent job in Mumbai. Wanting to prove himself as a singer and get a big break, he sang at weddings, parties, occasions, restaurants, and even in a bar.

Although rumored otherwise, Toshi does not hail from the Jaipur Sabri family of Qawwals.Fact|date=February 2008 This fact was established by a direct question to the family who had performed in November in a concert organised by Delhi Government's Sahitya Kala Parishad.Fact|date=February 2008

Attack in Mumbai

On a late night of January 6, 2008, Toshi was enjoying some time with one of his friends when four unknown people attacked him. Toshi had suffered injuries on his head by being hit by a weapon later thought to be a hammer. [http://www.topnews.in/tv-reality-show-contestant-toshi-sabri-assaulted-212557] [http://www.topnews.in/tv-reality-show-contestant-toshi-sabri-assaulted-212557] The motive of the attack was unknown, and the assailants still haven't been uncovered.The grievously injured singer was rushed to nanavati hospital, where after stabilizing his condition and attending to his fractured skullbone, he was transferred to ICU.He went on to a speedy recovery, but after effects included his right hand not working for a period of time, for which he received therapy.

External links

* [http://www.orkut.co.in/Community.aspx?cmm=33527157 MOST LOYAL TOSHI FANS CLUB]
* http://www.orkut.co.in/Community.aspx?cmm=33527157]
* [http://toshi-sabri.wetpaint.com ]
* [http://starvoiceofindia.indya.com/index.html Official Amul Star Voice Of India ]
* [http://www.starvoiceofindiashow.com Amul Star Voice Of India Fansite]
* [http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=753670 A private Toshi Sabri fan club]
* [http://www.toshisabri.blogspot.com TV Reality Show Contestant Attacked]
* [http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k8/jan/7jan/news_toshi.php Toshi survives heinous attack]
* [http://toshisabri.blogspot.com Toshi Sabri Blog]
* [http://toshisabri.myfanforum.org Toshi Sabri Fan Club]