Malaysian rapper Balan Kashmir, who collaborated with Anirudh for the single Hola Amigo from the film Rum, considers himself blessed to have sung the song. Talking to City Express from Malaysia, Balan said, “I must be super blessed to have sung this song, which has caught everybody’s attention. This number is so different from Anirudh’s others.” The single has been appreciated not only in India, but also by fans across the world. Says Balan, who shot to prominence thanks to the single, “I am thankful Anirudh chose me to be a part of this number. This song is on the radio all over Malaysia.
Most Tamil friends here are now greeting each other with ‘Hola Amigo’ instead of saying ‘Hello’. It’s as if the Tamil population here is speaking Spanish.” Showering praise on Anirudh for backing independent musicians, Balan says, “Anirudh looks out for independent musicians. He has always been out to spot talented independent musicians and take them to a different level. When the song became a hit, Anirudh left me a message on my brother’s phone. He said, ‘Welcome to the good life brother! There will be more of this to follow! You have talent and let’s show your talent to the world.’”