Charmingly candid, talented, versatile and vivacious - Naresh Iyer, the scintillating voice behind “Paatshala”, “ Roobaroo” and “Munbe Va” and National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 2006, is at his chatty best with Hamsini Ravi.

How it all started

As a kid I loved to sing. I sung in school, Ganesh Chathurthi celebrations, in local competitions - just about everywhere! I learnt both Carnatic and Hindustani Classical music for a couple of years and owe a lot to my teachers: Smt Sushila Mani and Sri Chintamani Gorey. In college, I became associated with this group called “Ranget Productions”, and that was when I thought of singing professionally. Then, I signed up for Channel V’s Super Singer, and was in the top-25 in the contest, and while I got eliminated from the show, I got to record a song for Rahman sir, who was one of the judges in the competition.

On reality Shows

Back when I participated in Super Singer, reality shows were a novel concept, but now there is an overdose of them. While they are a good platform to get noticed and kick start your career, playback singing is a different ball game altogether, you need to prove yourself all over again. But they’re a great way for young talent to get noticed by the big guns in music.

On music

On a very side note, I must admit that I’m a very bad listener; it’s something that I want to change about myself. One can learn a lot by being an avid listener of music, there are a multitude of things you can observe as learning complements listening. But generally, I enjoy almost every genre of music. From Indian Classical to blues, jazz and rock, I enjoy all music!

Indian film music and its place in the global arena

Indian music is traditionally rich, and now it is evolving for sure. It certainly has a global presence now. Music in our country is now being accepted as a secure profession, which was not the case before. Talented people who are engaged in innovative musical ideas and working hard on them will go a long way. A Westerner encouraging Hindi music would’ve been impossible to imagine a few years ago, and now it is happening. Rahman sir being a case in point - the Golden Globe nomination is a superb achievement!

On A.R.Rahman

Having been a Rahman fan all my life, it’s been a dream to sing for him, I’m thankful to God that I’ve realized my dream. Rahman sir is an epitome of humility, working with him is an absolute pleasure, he is supremely encouraging, and recordings with him don’t feel like work! After a hard day’s work at his studio, I don’t feel like going home. Being the down-to-earth genius that he is, he never overshadows you or your suggestions. Also, he has a jovial side to him, that only those close to him know of!

His best song

This is difficult to say, I give my best to every song. It depends on whether a particular song struck a chord with the audience or not. Some of my Telugu songs have been well appreciated. But I think Roobaroo has got the most acclaim so far among all my work!

On whether classical music will get eroded by Western influences

I certainly don’t think Indian classical music will die out, there is some amazing talent in our country. Having said that, one must be open to any style of music, each has its own peculiarity. It depends on the way you apply it. You can’t survive on one single genre of music. It depends on the way you take it and perceive it, and how seriously you take your music.

On awards and recognition

Everybody loves awards because they are encouraging and a token of love and appreciation, they push people to perform better. I work for the love of the art; for me awards are motivating and have taught me to enjoy my work and appreciate others work. While awards are great incentives for good work, they shouldn’t be used to judge an artist’s worth or caliber. If you work sincerely and passionately, you will be appreciated.

Life besides music

I enjoy watching and playing sports, and have been a cricket and table tennis player ever since my school days. Now, my work schedule doesn’t give me time to indulge in playing sports! I love spending time with my friends and family, and indulge in my favourite activity whenever time permits - sleeping!

His role model

My grandmother, who is now no more, was my single source of support and encouragement. She was a singer herself, and more importantly - a very good listener. She would impart a lot of gyaan(1) to me, and has played a huge part in making me the singer I am, today.

Future plans

As clichéd as it may sound, I don’t think about the past or the future. I just try to get better at whatever I’m doing at present and enjoy it to the maximum!

Footnotes

(1) Gyaan: Knowledge

Photo Courtesy: Tiago Ribeiro