A promising artist living in Chennai, Shruti’s voice is applauded by the legend AR Rahman himself. Iyer began exploring this art when she was just 4 years old under the guidance of her grandmother. Shruti is brought up in Doha (Qatar) where she couldn’t get much exposure to Carnatic music, but kept on practicing singing. There was a time when her talent was being unnoticed by many, however she left no stone unturned to make her mark in the music industry. Today she is successfully mesmerizing the whole country with her appeasing voice and that’s her biggest achievement. Shruti is all set to win the world with her music.

Team imd1 feels splendid to have a word with this young emerging talent.

We are really keen to know; how did your journey begin?

My grandmother herself is a singer, she used to work for All India Radio. I moved to Doha when I was 1 year old. When I used to visit India during vacations, my grandma made me sing Carnatic music with her. I always carried this art with me. My grandma insisted me to never stop singing. My parents are very supportive. Back in Doha, I had rehearsals for performances and for that my mother used to drive 90kms one way for me to attend those rehearsals. She is more passionate for music than me, but my father wanted me to be more academic oriented. Music journey has given me a whole new perspective of career.

Know me Beyond Singing

What's your success mantra?

There are times when you feel like giving up. But remember why did you start? As an artist even I have felt low. There were times when I felt like I am not getting work or I’m not getting my type of work. But we must trust our timing. This really pushes us forward. You just have to know why you’re doing this and don’t give up after coming this far.

What were the hardships / hurdles you have encountered during your journey? How did you overcome them?

Not getting the kind of work I wanted. Not being able to socialize, not been taken seriously and not getting enough shows were the tough times. A debutant actor, singer or anyone faces this problem in his/her early days of the career. I have battled enough for people to take my art seriously. Now if I approach any artist to collaborate, they will definitely do. But this wasn’t the situation 2 years back. I have come a long way in these 2 years indeed.

Success is incomplete without its share of setbacks. What advice do you give to others about handling the setbacks?

Even I failed couple of times. Just analyze the situation in what you went wrong. If you make 50 mistakes and correct 40, you’re closer to correct all of them. Overtime you will get the confidence to overcome mistakes. Failures puts people back in their place. If I always got a great feedback. I would never want to improve thinking that I’m the best. There has to be people in our life that say you’re not good enough, do better. Judgments in a good way,in constructive manner are very useful.

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

Most of my students learn music because they love and enjoy singing.  It is as similar as liking to paint, riding bicycle or wanting to swim. You can pursue anything as a hobby or a career. It is upto your choice. I could’ve pursued music as a hobby and would have worked in a company career wise. But my music goal has the bigger picture.

Who has been the main influencers in your journey & how?

There are many musicians I have been following since childhood. Namely Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam Alka Yagnik, Kailash Kher, Udit Narayan, Shaan and also the new musicians of this generation.

Which was "that" moment when you considered yourself as "I Am The 1"?

I have always felt as “I Am The 1” since when I realized people are appreciating me as a singer. I received lots of messages of my followers saying, “I listen to your songs whenever I feel low”, such messages feel like an achievement

Did you get any formal training in Singing? Kindly tell us about it…

Training began when I was 4 and I’m still getting trained. It’s almost been 20 years since I am training.

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

All genres of music, especially Hindustani and Carnatic music’s syllabus is must in a very systematic manner. One needs to grow step by step. There is no learning if the pattern is not systematic.

What are the pre-coaching essentials e.g. right age, mindset or anything else?

I don’t think age is any factor but if you inculcate music to a 4-year-old kid correctly then s/he would understand the importance of the subject and it would become a part of their life.  

Technology is changing the way people get trained in Music. What's your take?

Technology has changed music in every aspect. The sounds that are coming out now have so much influence of technology in a good way. Lots of advancement wouldn’t have been possible without technology. Earlier in the olden days, no doubt the songs were beautifully recorded in just a one take. But today we have developed a habit of retaking. It is nearly impossible to record one song in one stretch. But there are many things solved due to the advancement in technology. There are so many opportunities for aspiring musicians because of social media and its reach.

If you were to bring one big change in the way people get trained in Music, what would that be?

Every genre has its own way of training. I feel there is nothing wrong in the way people are being trained in Music. It is going well.

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

Mainstream music is somehow being reached to every place by the means of television, mobile phones, etc. To reach out to aspiring artists from remote areas is mainly done by the means of internet very easily. I feel social media has a good reach everywhere.

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

Just let them (children) do whatever they wish to. Nowdays your education doesn’t much matter at all when it comes to making money. I know people who have pursued MBA and working in companies, but I am earning more than them even when I haven’t completed master’s degree. I am an independent individual who work on her own terms. I am sure everybody wants to own their life by themselves but some people who lack talents have to end up working in private or public sectors to make money.  If children are interested in MADS then please let them pursue it

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

I wish I was given more exposure in music when I was a child because I was in Doha when I started signing and there wasn’t much exposure and competition.

How can one identify & encourage talent in the family?

Anyone can automatically recognize their child’s talent. Parents come to know their children’s interest by continuous observations. All they need to do is to give their child the liberty to follow it.