Amala Muralidharan
“I live to sing and sing to live”, says Siddharth Menon – a newcomer who has nailed his unconditional and unassailable love for music in the hearts of many. He has several sensuous numbers to his credit and has lent voice to many heroes in the M-town.
A heartthrob of many, his voice and smile has been infecting increasing number of admirers each day. The 25-year-old debuted in 2013 with North 24 Katham and has carved his niche in the world of music.
Born and brought up in Mumbai, Siddharth rose to fame with his version of ‘Mandarachepundo’ (Nostalgia) for Music Mojo, Kappa TV. He hogged the spotlight last year by winning the Best Debut Singer (Male) CERA BIG Malayalam Music Award for his number ‘Tharangal’ in North 24 Katham.
In a tete a tete with Amala Muralidharan the youthful musician poured his heart out:
Amala Muralidharan (AM): Music to u…
Siddharth Menon (SM): Music has the power to change one’s mind. ‘When words fail, Music speaks’- says the tattoo in my hand, bringing out my deep connect to music. Though I haven’t learnt music professionally, I feel it coming from within and hence I put my whole heart into it. My success is attributed to my family who has stood by me through trying times.
AM: An iconic singer u admire
SM: I always wanted to be a singer; A.R. Rahman and Sonu Nigam have been the greatest musical influence throughout my life. Arijit Singh is also another fabulous singer whom I follow.
AM: You have become one of the favourite crooners of M-town. How was it winning the debut award?
SM: Singing in God’s own country, my motherland, is like a dream come true for me. It all started with ‘Tum ho’, my version of an A.R. Rahman medley receiving a massive response on Youtube. ‘Nostalgia’ boosted me to success, and ‘Tharangal’ won me the Best Debut Singer Award – a proud moment for me. I thank all the people for their love and support; this means a lot to me.
AM: X Factor India… Music Mojo… Thaikkudam Bridge and now a playback singer…. Did you dream of this?
SM: Success has its price, and the price is hard work. My hard work led me to the auditions of X Factor. Through X Factor, I discovered my capability as a singer under the guidance of judges – Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and Sanjay Leela Bansali for 9-10 months. It gave me exposure and helped me build up confidence. Then Music Mojo happened and was garnered with love for ‘Nostalgia’. Thaikudam Bridge is one big reason why people know me now. G.V. Prakash sir’s Tamil song offer came as a surprise to me and that too after hearing just four lines of my track ‘Mandarachepundo’. So all this is something that I had never dreamt of!
AM: Your experience sharing a track with the magical ‘Shreya Ghoshal’ for YELOVE, your first album…
SM: I am really blessed to have shared a beautiful track with my mentor. I am yet to believe that she had actually agreed to sing with me.
AM: Camera calling
SM: Music is my first priority. I have been getting acting offers but I think movies can wait, would for sure take it up in future. As of now I am not prepared for it.
AM: How is the music in south different from the one in Bollywood?
SM: The classical touch and influence in both genres of music is different.
AM: Performing Live…
SM: Not for money, it’s a treat to watch the crowd cheering for you and loving you every bit. It gives you goose bumps, makes your adrenaline rush, and above all, makes you feel so loved. An amazing experience, you don’t get that in the studio. The best gig has been the Palakkad Fest in Kerala, an overwhelming crowd and what a response!
AM: One compliment which has stayed with you…
SM: The most touching compliment I have ever got was from a girl, who said that ‘Nostalgia’ could bring a smile on her mother’s face for the first time in 6-7 years, who is paralyzed.
AM: Where do you see yourself in future? Your vision
SM: I want to become ‘the Sonu Nigam of Kerala’! Just kidding… Sonu ji is someone who is unbeatable and I can never match his steps. I would like to follow his uniqueness and versatility, grow with each song I sing and be heard with love by everyone.
AM: Success Mantra
SM: Listen to your heart and go for it!
AM: What Next!
SM: Music Mojo Season 2 and Songs for movies- Vegam, Actually and Njan Steve Lopez in Malayalam and Irumbu Kuthirai in Tamil.
