On the Record

It’s a flashback that 26-year-old playback singer Naresh Iyer is never tired of reliving. A couple of years ago his dream of winning a reality show came crashing down when he was voted out. But the same evening, ace composer AR Rahman, put his life back on track with an unexpected promise. Rahman, who was the judge at Channel V’s Super Singer contest that year, told him that he would soon get in touch with the Matunga boy for a Bollywood project he was working on. The project turned out to be none other than Rakeysh Mehra’s Rang De Basanti and Iyer sung his way to the National Awards with three popular tracks from the movie— Masti ki Pathshala, Roobaro and Tu bin bataye.

Now three months after he won the National Award, Iyer is back again in a programme, Mission Ustad, conducted by his mentor on 9X channel which has musicians speaking on developmental issues, using music as the medium. “There is something about Rahman sir that is very inspiring. He is more of a friend than a teacher, more a guiding force than a task master. The first time I went to meet him, I was a little nervous, but he makes his sure his musicians and singers are at ease, talking to them constantly, doing casual sessions, before the actual recording starts,” he says. Even though sometimes, they spend nights in the studio, recording and re-recording, working with Rahman, is a whole new experience according to Iyer. “I recorded Roobaro at 4.30 in the morning after 12 hours of hopping studios and finishing other commitments. But it happened smoothly and by seven the song was ready,” he says.

Down south, Iyer has now become a permanent fixture, singing in Tamil and Telugu films, working with music directors like Srikanth Deva, Sabesh-Murali, D. Imman and Harris Jayaraj, besides Rahman. He has had several hits since that fateful encounter with his mentor, however, the going hasn’t been equally smooth in Bollywood. “I am a Mumbaikar, so ideally it should have been easier here, but it’s taking its time. But what I’ve got has been worth the effort and wait, so I’m not complaining,” smiles Iyer. Is wearing the Rahman tag a negative in Mumbai? Iyer is quick to respond, “I would think that would get me more work. It’s only been about a year and a half in the Hindi film industry. I am sure things will get better.”

Up next for Iyer are soundtracks for Hansal Mehta’s Woodstock Villa, with Imaad Shah and Neha Oberoi playing the leads. The music has been composed by Anu Malek, the first time Iyer has worked with the maverick music director. “It’s been good, even if he works in the day and not at night,” grins Iyer, and goes on to explain, “One should not be too choosy about what tunes or songs to sing. You just never know what clicks.” Clearly, his road to success is well mapped out.

Courtesy: expressindia.com