Singing Together

Thousands of voices—off-key, pitch-perfect, hesitant and confident—rose in unison inside RTC Kalyana Mandapam on a recent evening. But this wasn’t a playback concert or a celebrity gig. It was Micless with Merakee, a sing-along phenomenon where the spotlight belongs to everyone in the room.

Orchestrated by the Telugu band Merakee—the brainchild of lead singer Ganesh Krovvidi and Vidya Sivalenka, a former RJ and one of the show’s lead performers—this live music experience is inspired by Chennai’s Mottomaadi Music. “What began as an intimate jam session in 2019 with just 40 people, no stage, and no microphones has now grown into a full-fledged musical movement, filling venues with over a thousand attendees. That’s what music can do,” says Vidya Sivalenka.

Redefining Hyd’s music scene

Speaking about the idea of creating an event like this, Sivalenka says, “Most of Hyderabad’s live music happens in clubs, and it’s not always family-friendly. We wanted to change that. I dreamed of creating a space where people of all ages could bond through music—without alcohol —and that’s what Micless has become.”

The Crowd becomes the concert

The idea is simple: a live band sets the rhythm, but it’s the audience that sings every word, turning the venue into a massive karaoke lounge.

Actor Sai Sweatha, a long-time attendee, reflected on the vibe: “It’s not just the music—it’s the energy. Even introverts, who’d avoid social gatherings, feel completely at ease here. We dance with strangers, share lyrics, and somehow always find our people. ”

Lyrics in Hand, Hearts on Sleeve

“What truly sets Micless apart is its audience— from toddlers to grandparents, everyone joins in,” says Subodh, a regular who brought 12 family members along this time. “I’ve made friends here and seen couples who first met at Micless and are now married. People come alone but never feel lonely. That’s the magic,” says actor Sri Vidya, another regular at the event.