He sang A.R. Rahman’s ‘Vidai Kodu Engal Naade’ from Kannathil Muthamittal and wowed the audience at a music reality show. The judges unanimously voted him as their choice for the winner. The young singer is Syed Subahan. He still remembers the words of Mozart of Madras. “He said ‘You have a unique style of singing. Keep practising and you will do well’.”
The last two years after the competition saw Syed performing to a live audience in India and countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Norway, Denmark, France, Australia, and Sri Lanka. He also recorded the Telugu version of the popular A.R. Rahman song ‘Kadal Raasa Nee’ from the film Mariyan . “Music is the reason I exist. A.R. Rahman’s music grows on me and inspires me to make my own music and excel. As a kid, I enjoyed singing his number ‘Ottakathha kattiko’ from Gentleman … I became speechless when he visited us on the sets of the reality show,” recalls Syed. He studied metallurgical engineering at PSG Tech in Coimbatore and gave his auditions from the city.
For the Super Singer competition, Syed chose A.R. Rahman’s patriotic songs like ‘Vande Maataram’, ‘Kappal Aeri Poyaachu’ and spoke about being socially responsible at the finale. It landed him an opportunity to become an actor.
Director Amudhavanan P. approached Syed for his film Veruli after listening to his inspiring speech.
The singer, who won the first runner up prize in Airtel Super Singer season 4, is excited to be a part of the thriller that tackles a social issue and aims to set the audience thinking. “I play a student spreading a message. Initially, I refused the offer, as I was scared of acting. Director Amudhavanan convinced me to play the lead role. Assistant director Prabhakaran and the entire crew helped me a lot. After seeing the output, I feel confident. I want to do more films now,” he says.
The film, shot in Coimbatore, also features K. Bagyaraj. “I play Bagyaraj sir’s son in the film. It was a great learning experience. He would be talking and joking with us on the sets but, once the camera rolls, he transformed into the character effortlessly. I was so awe-stuck that I forgot my lines.
In my first scene, I had to speak a lengthy dialogue. I couldn’t pull it off in one shot, there were many takes, but I am happy with the way it has shaped up on the big screen,” says Syed.
Music is his calling, but he wants to give acting a shot too with good roles. Syed, who now works for TI Cycles, performs music shows with friends. “I have no training in music. But while singing I know instantly when I make a mistake. I keep practising to achieve perfection. Ananth Vaidyanathan, the voice trainer at the reality show, helped me correct my mistakes.
He trained me to observe my own singing from the point of view of audience, from a professional point of view… it helps one improve a lot,” says Syed.
This young singer is also collaborating with Jones Pruppot, who has composed music for several award-winning short films. “Meeting Jones has given a big boost to my musical career. He’s very friendly and the coolest person on the console. I sing for him.”
Syed’s cover songs and music videos are a big hit on YouTube. “I have done an orchestrated version of ‘Raasathi’ from Thiruda Thiruda . I love making videos. Michael Jackson’s music videos inspire me. My first music video is a mash up of Michael Jackson’s ‘Stranger in Moscow’ and A.R. Rahman’s ‘Aaromale’ from Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya . It had cinematography by Narasimha. All my videos are choreographed by Prabhu of 21 Dance Studio in Coimbatore."
His journey has taught him to handle pressure and perform better, he says. “I am a big fan of Superstar Rajnikanth and my all-time favourite film is Muthu . I got my first-ever prize in music for singing ‘Oruvan Oruvan Muthalaly’. I owe everything in my life to music.”
