Destiny, the world’s finest writer, has plans for each of us neatly wrapped up and hidden away meant to be discovered by us only when the time is right. The Supreme Creator has provided us with the elements that can enable creation, a feature that has helped many achieve the goals for which they were destined.
It is this ability to create that has always captured my fascination and provided me with the direction and purpose that was missing for so many years.
The pure adrenalin, the soul-stirring sensation of music had always been a draw card for me. During my teenage years in India, school and college performances had been part of my tryst with music. But it was when I came to New Zealand that the world of music truly enamoured and attracted me.
Debut Album
Winning back-to-back Auckland-wide singing competitions in 2000 and 2001, followed by successes of my maiden venture of producing my own concert ‘Taal Se Taal Mila’ in 2004 (and 2006) had given me a sense of appreciation and gratitude towards the music lovers of Auckland, that still remains entrenched in my heart.
Performing and most importantly getting to know the famous Music director Shankar Mahadevan from 2005 was a pure ‘turning point’.
Since then, the musical genius has become a highlight of my life, introducing me to A R Rahman as a ‘talented singer’ and launched my debut album ‘Is Dhundh Mein’ in 2007.
I was fortunate to witness his humility and continue to learn a lot.
Crossing the Tasman
Then the move to Australia happened. An MBA brought me to Melbourne, but destiny had other plans after my graduation. My opening act performance at a concert of Ali Azmat (of Junoon fame) introduced me to Bobby Baskaran, now my partner in rhyme, leading to the formation of the duo act ‘Saffron Groove.’
After ‘Saffron Groove,’ we released our first music video, ‘Aaja Phir Se’ (One More Try) in 2013, which saw immediate success, tallying up more than 2.5 million views on YouTube. But unknown to us, it had set other events in motion leading to ‘Saffron Groove being signed to music label 50/50 Global Muzik for complete global distribution by Warner Music with BMG Chrysalis looking after the publishing.
What this means in terms of future musical success, depends on many factors and only time will tell.
Novel idea
An evening walk with my wife Deepthi led to the discussion of a new idea and the exciting challenge of writing a novel! Almost four years later, ‘Wings of Silence’ was born, leading to publishing deals in India and South Korea.
Now, my second book ‘Let Me Go’ is complete, awaiting publication in 2015. Writing and publishing has taught me many tough lessons of resilience and patience. There were roadblocks and moments of doubt that threatened to derail the dream of writing, but it was in those moments that I derived strength from my well-wishers and a spiritual light that kept me going.
Work-Hobby balance
Balancing a corporate career with these elements has been frustrating at times, but in my family, I have a good support system. At every stage of my journey of ‘creation,’ my wife and my parents stand as immovable pillars and compasses, guiding and being there to take the fall if the need arises.
‘Wings of Silence’ in effect encompasses the adage, ‘One can achieve anything they want in life, provided they have the support and understanding of their loved ones.’
I do not know where this journey will take me, but one thing is certain – the Lord has given all of us the ability to create and make a difference, and I seek to do the same.
Shriram Iyer, a multi-talented young man lives in Melbourne with his wife Deepthi. Indian Newslink introduced him to a growing audience of listeners in 2002.
