There is something electric about watching a live musical concert, especially when the energy of the crowd is appreciated by the musician on the stage and vice-versa. One such event was witnessed in the city on Saturday when singer Syam Prasad performed with ace saxophonist Dennis Jose’s band ‘Team D’ Jo and the Band’.
Syam is not new to the music industry; he has been around for nine years and now, he is an expert at owning the stage and winning over the audience. However, right now, Syam is basking in the glory of singing in front of the legendary Ilaiyaraaja.
Syam, who is enroute for a performance alongside Rimi Tomy, shares his excitement over phone. “That was an amazing moment to sing in front of such a great musician. A great experi ence!” About his connections in the film industry, he says, “I have been doing programmes since 2004. The first playback singing opportunity came my way in 2009 for the movie Duplicate starring Suraj Venjaramoodu. The music was done by Alex Paul. I sang a song with Vidhu Prathap for the movie. Since then, I have been part of seven movies. The latest was for the movie KQ, where I sang along with Shankar Mahadevan,” he says.
Speaking more about his encounter with Ilaiyaraaja, Syam says, “The song is actually meant for Vijay Yesudas, who was abroad at the moment. I was called in to sing the track, but then Ilaiyaraaja sir liked my voice and asked me to record the song for the time being, for the shooting. To my surprise, everyone there told me that he instructs to go ahead with a recording only when he likes a voice. First, I was taught the song by his assistant Vasu sir and then, I had to sing it before him. He made necessary corrections after which the song was recorded. Despite being in the industry for so many years, I was scared to go and stand in front of him. I think any singer will be scared to sing in front of Ilaiyaraaja for the first time,” he says with a chuckle. Apart for various shows and playback singing, Syam is also a vocalist in Stephen Devassy’s band ‘Solid’.
