He doesn't regret playing at the American Idol finale with the controversial Sanjaya, AEROSMITH's legendary guitarist Joe Perry tells BT. At the much-hyped American Idol finale last week, the biggest waves were created by Aerosmith's Joe Perry, who teamed up with the controversial Idol Sanjaya Malakar as he belted out 'You Really Got Me'. Was a reality singing show the place for the legendary rocker, especially as band-mate Steven Tyler has already gone on record saying he doesn't quite approve of these contests? Guitar wiz Joe Perry discusses the issue in an exclusive midnight chat with BT.

On India and his great love for Indian food: "India brings out so many different feelings in me. I've been fascinated with India and Indian culture as long as I can remember - ever since the '60s with THE BEATLES and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. I love Indian food - it's my favourite cuisine. I love the mixture of spices and the subtle flavors. It's really erotic, the spices are so sensuous. My wife feels the same way."

Bangalore - "I've heard a lot about it. The food, I hear, is one step hotter than vindaloo!"

On playing at the AI finale: "They (producers) asked me to play backup with Sanjaya and I agreed. Fans love the show. It's big, the second biggest in the US after the Superbowl in terms of the number of viewers. I did it for fun - it was a tongue-in-cheek kind of thing. I also wanted to play with Kelly Clarkson (he accompanied her for 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'). She's got a fantastic voice."

On controversial Sanjaya: "Sanjaya's so young. I don't think he's had time to develop as a singer. Sometimes that happens naturally - Michael Jackson was a natural at five - at other times it takes years. Sanjaya has a lot going for him - he's got rhythm and timing. It's a matter of putting in the hours. Even the Beatles spent years playing at clubs. You have to rehearse and rehearse, play and play. In his case it may be too much too soon. Now even the show's runners-up get record deals! You have to see whether or not he's got it in him to keep it going. Sanjaya's a really nice guy. He could have been all blown up with the fame he's got, but he knows his limitations. He listens - he went along with all the suggestions I gave him. I found the experience interesting. For me, it was a piece of cake. But for him - it takes a lot of guts to go in front of the judges and get all those hits in the press."

On Bangalore and its rock city status: "Considering the bands that have already visited, I'm sure the city will be familiar with the protocol of rock shows. We'll give them a taste of what a hardcore blues rock band is. We're nothing like the English or German bands. We play an exciting brand of hard rock and ballads. From what you tell me, the response to us won't be different from any other city that's familiar with rock music. That's what I love about music. It's immediate. There's a connection whether you are playing at Hyde Park or Chicago and it's been happening since the beginning of time and the troubadours."

To view the video of Sanjaya and guitarist Joe Perry performing 'You Really Got Me' head here.