India, May 5 -- When umpire Parashar Joshi officiated at the Women's Premier League (WPL) last year, he became the subject of many a meme as several fans talked about his resemblance to cricketer Shreyas Iyer. But Parashar has something in common with Shreyas. He has played the game too, but not at the highest-level. A former club level cricketer, Parashar is a man who wears many hats; and the one that first got him noticed was that of a singer. And it happened on Indian Idol, of all places.

Parashar auditioned for Indian Idol right from the first season. But after three rejections, he eventually made it to the piano round (as the second round was then called) on season 4, back in 2008. Parashar still has the video of his appearance on I...