Indian Idol Shreeram's big break

One of Indian Idol 5's most talented singers, Shreeramchandra, has just bagged his first big break, courtesy composers Salim-Suleiman Merchant.

Though the 24-year-old Hyderabadi has sung for a couple of Telugu films, this time he was recording for for big-name composers and a big banner.

Shreeram recorded this love song with Shreya Ghosal. The song will be picturised on the film's lead pair, Siddharth (Rang De Basanti, Striker) and Shruti Hassan (Luck).

Excerpts from a quick interview:

How did you feel when you were told you would be recording for Salim-Suleiman?

One-and-a-half months ago, during the gala round for Indian Idol, Salim Sir suggested I try my voice for a scratch song he had created for a Telugu film.

Then, a couple of days ago, when I was rehearsing with the band, I was asked to come for a reality shoot. They made me wait in a car for some time since it was raining heavily.

Finally, I was taken to Salim-Suleiman's recording studio. Salim Sir surprised me with my first break. He said the director and the producer liked my voice and wanted me to sing for their film. 

And now that you have finished recording?

It's great. I am really grateful to Salim Sir for believing in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity.

Since childhood, I had dreamt to be a playback singer so it's a dream come true. I never thought my first break will be with Salim-Suleiman and Shreya.

What was it like to record with Shreya?

I consider myself lucky that I am doing playback with Shreya Ghosal. This is like my first break.

When I first met her, I was surprised to know she had heard me in Indian Idol. She said I was one of her favourite contestants and she appreciated my singing. She felt I was apt for this particular song.

Though we didn't record together, it was a pleasure to meet her after my recording.

How comfortable were you singing in Telugu? How much time did you take to record the song?

I feel music has no language or barriers.

I am from Hyderabad and I do follow Telugu. I have sung for couple of Telugu films so I didn't have any problem recording the song.

I was bit nervous but Salim Sir made me comfortable by giving me a big hug and few tips.

It's a love song that will be shot as a dream sequence.

First, I carefully listened to the composition. Then, Sir told me to sing with feeling. It took about two-three hours to record the song.

How did your family react to all this?

I could tell them only after my recording because it was a big surprise for me too. My parents were very happy and my sister starting jumping out of excitement.