The name, "Praniti", implies ‘Leader’ and this Chennai based young girl is already marching towards becoming one in the music industry. The young singer, Praniti has proven that age is just a number after leading to win ‘Sun Singer’ Title (Season 4)! Sun Singer is an Indian reality TV singing competition in the Tamil language that is being broadcast on Sun TV. It is a singing talent hunt for children of age group 6 to 13 years old in Tamil Nadu. And Praniti feels this isn’t enough! She has made her way to playback singing, that too with the renowned music director D.Imman.

In this interview between Team imd1 and Praniti along with her parents Priya & Praveen unveils the mysteries about this wonder girl. Her story is bound to aspire a lot of young minds. Her parents’ thought process and dedication would prove benchmark for all those parents whose children are inclined towards performing arts.

How did your journey as a singer begin?

From “KM College of Music and Technology.”

Beyond Music

At the age of 3, we could sense that she had a thing for singing. We enrolled her for a formal training to learn Western Vocals in the "KM College of Music and Technology." That"s when it all started. The milestones began from then itself when she performed at KM Concert and received a standing ovation from the audience present there.

What’s your success mantra?

Music is my passion and I love parents. They always have the biggest supporting hand in constantly making me more and more serious about my passion.

We strongly believe that hidden talent in a child must be recognized as early as possible and then, be acted upon! We, as parents have the biggest responsibility. It is our motivation that will take them forward.

Any kind of hardships you encountered and how do you plan to overcome them?

It is a challenge to control the breath in singing. I am sorting it through continuous vocal exercises!

A child of her age, can often get distracted during her practice and performance. Singing in an environment where she is being trained and performing in front of a sizeable audience are two different things. We are happy that with practice and experience, she is doing better. But, there is no denying the fact that we constantly tell her to improvise.

Success is incomplete without its share of failures. How should one overcome them to move on?

Yes, I agree with you. I would say, the best way to overcome failures is to listen to your mentors and follow their wisdom!

Failures are part of the journey. Failures need not be taken as a worry, but as a learning lesson! We have been always telling this to Praniti so, that she retains her quest for learning.

Do you think singing and its learning can be helpful in life even if one does not want to consider it as a career goal?

Of course. It is fun and entertaining. It will keep one relaxed.

Praniti is not pursuing music for a ‘career’! The learning will build her value systems for any career choice she makes in future.

Who has been your influencer in this journey & how?

Shreya Ghosal for her Hindustani style melodies.

Which was “that” moment when you considered yourself as “I am the 1”?

When I won the ‘Sun Singer’ Title, I felt “Yes, I am the 1”!

Did you get any formal training and how was that journey?

Yes, I have been learning music – Western Vocals at the KM College of Music and Technology and now getting trained in Hindustani music. This helped me a lot to identify music styles & experiment which people appreciated.

The training at KM College of Music and Technology helped her gain stage confidence and she walked her ways through different performances to gain reputed offers.

Could you reflect on the importance of systematic training in Singing?

Systematic training is important in every field to start from warm ups and reach exhilarating performances!

What are the pre-coaching essentials e.g. Right age, mindset or any other?

The average age to start dedicated training could be 5 years. There are few rare cases where parents could identify the talent much earlier due to an atmosphere of similar interest in the family.

Technology and scientific training have been changing the way people get trained in singing. What’s your take on this?

I learn through remote classes and never felt any difficulty in it. It could help many who don’t have access to formal training centers.

Technology and scientific training can play very important role. Like utilizing technology in learning music saves time for kids, especially commuting.

How can one select an ideal ‘Guru’ for getting a formal training in singing?

Observing whether your child is ‘adapting’ to a well experienced trainer is very important, and if they are adapting with that person, then that can person can surely be an ideal ‘Guru’.

What according to you, can be the scope for improvement in training of singing in India?

Traditional training can help kids understand technicalities in place of training simply on cinema songs. So it is important that training is not focused based on cinema songs only.

What do you suggest for better accessibility of Singing in remote parts of India?

Skype or Facetime.

In your opinion, what are the basic key traits apart from formal training that make “imd1”?

Listening skills matter the most.

Yes, listening to music and observing accurate notes is really crucial

Your piece of advice to parents and new generation especially when some people are skeptical about career in extra curriculum?

Do not pursue any MADS (Music, Art, Dance or Sport) for a ‘career’ goal in mind. Let kids explore and identify their areas of interest.

One thing which you feel you want to change from the past while you walk down memory lane?

God has been kind enough in blessing Praniti, we are happy with the way her days unfold!

How can one identify and encourage talent in the family?

Observe your child’s natural behavior and experiment with simple ideas to unlock the hidden talent. Once you find it, it’s definitely a treasure!

Any other thoughts you want to share?

Just love your parents.

Never underestimate your kid’s talent. If it’s hidden, go for the Treasure Hunt!