MUMBAI: He is the golden voice behind the evergreen tracks of Rang De Basanti who went on to pick the National Award for Best Male playback singer in 2006, apart from a host of other commercial awards for his debut song. Naresh Iyer was first seen on a reality show on Channel V. Though he did not win the show, his talent was noticed by A R Rahman who gave him a break in Rang De Basanti. Iyer then went on to sing for other projects such as Yuvraaj and Dilli 6.
The singer was also a part of Rahman’s musical entaurage that performed at the Bafta awards at the music launch of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya. The singer says enthusiastically, “It was a privileged to perform at such big a prestigious venue. I am really honoured. It was also for the first time a Tamil movie had such a magnanimous music launch, making it the first step towards globalisation of Tamil music.
Iyer has crooned one track for the movie which has a total of seven tracks. Talking about his experience working with the ‘Mozart of Madras’ Iyer effervescently adds, “It is always a pleasure to work with a music director of such high calibre. He would always encourage and motivate me during the recordings. He instils so much faith in newcomers which is commendable and is always full of positive energy.”
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Being a product of the reality show phenomenon himself the singer gives his take on the genre that has taken television by storm, “Gone are the days when music directors were hesitant to experiment with new voices and the credit to this to a certain extent goes to reality shows. They are a good platform to showcase your talent. It is also a good avenue to get enough exposure and puts you half way through by increasing the visibility of the artistes who otherwise don’t get a platform. But then it is only half battle won. What is more important is if you can prove yourself after the show ends. Reality shows are just a stepping stone. The real battle starts after its over.”
He further elaborates, “Crooning in studios to a new tune to which you have to give life with your voice is an entirely different ball game from singing the same old songs in reality shows. What also needs to be taken care of is that you have your own unique voice and not be a clone of some already established singer. Individuality is important to click with the audience. Consistent good work is the only enough to break through in the industry that is outside the world of reality shows.”
Apart from Hindi, the singer has rendered a dozen songs in Tamil, Telugu as well as Kannada. “Bollywood is happening a little slower for me, even though I am from Mumbai and very comfortable with the language,” he adds on a lighter tone.
The singer who does not have a formal training in music, feels that classical training is very essential. He says, “Everyone has their own level of talent but it is important to polish and harness it. Training is important and will definitely help in the long run.”
Iyer has recorded a few songs with Rahman, both in Hindi as well as Tamil though he is unsure about the movies in which they would be used. He has his plate full with projects down south including one with G V Prakash. “I have couple of big projects in Bollywood but I am not entitled to divulge the details as this point,” he concludes.
