Lady luck smiles on Rakesh

The advent of social media and video-sharing websites like YouTube has resulted in the discovery of countless talented people. Some have attained overnight popularity in a matter of seconds and made it big in their respective fields. The latest addition to the list is Rakesh, a daily wage labourer from Nooranadu in Alappuzha district, whose rendition of ‘Unnai Kaanadhu Naan’ from Vishwaroopam is the centre of discussion on Facebook. The video, which was posted three days ago, went viral in no time, earning stunning feedback from musicians like Shankar Mahadevan and Gopi Sundar, who shared the video on their pages and desired to meet him.   

Rakesh’s phone has been completely busy for the past two days. He’s getting calls from all parts of the country and he’s overwhelmed by this tremendous response. “I don’t know what to say. I’m really happy. Thanks to my family, friends and the locals for the never-ending support. Also, a million thanks to the people who shared my video on Facebook, messaged, and called me. This fame was totally unexpected. Thanks to Pandalam Balan sir, who shared my video,” says a delighted Rakesh. The excitement mounts as he’s expecting a call from Kamal Haasan. 

For someone who idolises Shankar Mahadevan, the call from him was the greatest gift he ever received in life. More than a goosebump moment, he considers that as a godly moment. “Receiving a call from Shankar sir is the luckiest moment of my life. I grew up admiring and singing his songs,” he says. What Shankar Mahadevan said to him will make us admire that great singer further. “He called me from London and said he liked the song. He asked me to join him in his Mumbai studio when he’s back and said we will sing together. My greatest wish was to see him just once, and he said we can enjoy singing together, in his words “paadalam aadalam.” Sir informed me that Kamal Hassan will be calling me soon,” he adds.  

Gopi Sundar waited for long to get Rakesh on the line. He loved the song, wished him the best and also offered songs. Rakesh, not being a trained singer, is ecstatic. A winner of many light music competitions at the school level, he says, “I’ve been training for the last two months. I was in love with music from my childhood. Due to my difficulties, I couldn’t take my interest forward. However, a song while taking from a break from work has brought me happiness and recognition. As I said, my family has been the greatest support. Also thanks to Nooranadanmar Souhrida Kootayma for the endless support,” he says. 

He is receiving offers from many music directors as he waits to see his idol in real. As he wraps up the talk, he receives a call from Kamal Hassan’s private secretary.

Apart from being a gifted singer, he is also a vibrant percussionist.