Born on September 23, 1987, Rahul Vaidya's hometown is Nagpur, though he grew up in Mumbai. Rahul started learning music under renowned playback singer Suresh Wadkar and wife Padma Wadkar. (All photos/Rahul Vaidya's official Instagram account)

Rahul Vaidya went to Hansraj Morarji School and completed his further studies from Mithibai College. Rahul was 17 when he participated in the first season of the singing reality show, Indian Idol. In picture: Rahul Vaidya shared this picture on his Instagram account, which was originally made by his fanclub.

Rahul Vaidya became one of the favourite contestants of the judges and earned nationwide popularity. After he emerged as the 2nd runner-up of Indian Idol Season 1, there was no looking back for him. In picture: Rahul Vaidya shared this 'Then and Now' picture on his social media handle.

It was Rahul's mother who first realised her son's singing potential and further encouraged him to take up singing seriously. As a child, Rahul has given his voice to various films and TV commercials. He has even performed in various shows. In picture: (L to R) Rahul's mum Geeta Vaidya, sister Natasha and the singer.

Merely within eight months after Indian Idol, cashing in on the popularity, Rahul Vaidya's first music album 'Tera Intezar' was released. It turned out to be quite successful.

In the same year, Rahul Vaidya lent his voice for a few songs in Hindi as well as Marathi films. His song 'Aabhas Ha' from 2006 Marathi film 'Yanda Kartavya Ahe' is still considered one of the most romantic tracks of all time.

Rahul Vaidya has sung songs for Bollywood films like Shaadi No. 1, Jaan-e-Mann, Krazy 4, Race 2 (Be Intehaan's Unplugged version), All Is Well, Bhaag Johnny, among others. In picture: Rahul Vaidya shared this candid moment when he shared the stage with actress Sakshi Tanwar. He wrote in his caption, "Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki........ when I was just 21 years old"

In 2008, Rahul Vaidya participated in the newly launched singing reality show Jo Jeeta Wahi Super Star. The show had the winners and runners-up of different reality shows competing. Rahul emerged as the winner and was crowned as the first Singing Superstar of India.

In 2010, Rahul participated in yet another reality show Music ka Maha Mukabala, where he shared the stage with singer Shankar Mahadevan. Vaidya was announced as the winner, here too.

Rahul Vaidya also tried his hand at acting and hosting. He has hosted two television shows - Jhoom India and Aajaa Mahi Vay, along with Vinit Singh.

In picture: Rahul shared this picture on social media, wishing his idol Sonu Nigam. He wrote alongside, "Happy Birthday to my First & biggest Music Inspiration! @sonunigamofficial I can never thank u enough for ur musical blessings & special love that uve given me since I was a child. Human beings like u who think like u are rare! And talent like u is rarest! U’ve been the youngest singing legend of our nation. Wishing u loads of happiness and luck in the years to come! (PS : need to click more pictures with u) #sonunigam #rahulvaidya"

In 2017, Rahul Vaidya signed an Indo-Bangladeshi film, Senapati... Legacy Of Blood, which starred actors Parambrata Chatterjee and Riya Sen.

The singer is now part of the controversial reality show Bigg Boss Season 14. Rahul Vaidya is excited to step into the Bigg Boss 14 house because he feels, irrespective of the controversial image of the show, he can actually use his stay to better himself as a person.

His strategy, he says, is to be himself and avoid creating unnecessary controversies for the cameras. He told IANS, "I am not worried about controversies because if an opinion leads to controversies then I am fine with it. I am not a person who will create unnecessary controversies for the camera. There are two kinds of people who will fight and make relationships or laugh for the camera, and I will do everything for a reason. That is one difference that, I think, will separate me from others anyone else."

Rahul is one of the most-talked-about celebrities in the house. Here's wishing him good luck for his Bigg Boss 14 journey!