HYDERABAD: For quite some time now, ace music composer and playback singer Thaman S has been making waves in the city as Telugu Indian Idol judge. A source of inspiration for many, he chats with CE at the finale of Season 3, produced by Fremantle India.
“Telugu Indian Idol is ageing like wine. I am rather shy so this whole concept of judging someone’s performance is different for me. It took some time but now I am used to it. The vibe of the whole show is amazing and everyone’s energy is always positive. I think we are successful every season,” says Thaman.
The judge underscores the importance of contestants, saying, “If judges are the body, then contestants are the blood. We had around 17 good singers but had to come down to 12 and then further filter it. Here we are, with five today. All contestants are my babies and I love them a lot. The Top 5 have been amazing.”
Delving further into his interaction with the young talents, Thaman notes, “I have already worked with Bharath and Naseeruddin for OG. In fact, they have sung in all languages; they will perhaps work with me for many songs to come. Maybe Kerthii and Keerthana will also sing and we have to assess which types of songs suit them. Though Anirudh has sung harmonies for me, he was not regular due to his focus on studies. But now he is doing this full time so I suppose he will also join me.”
But what has been special about Season 3 according to the singer is Sreerama Chandra coming back as presenter after Season 1. “Taking over the stage is very tough and Sreerama brought that much-needed energy. Geetha has also matured as a judge this season. I feel that everyone in the show, the orchestra, Sai and Pavan…everyone is so fantabulous!” he cheerily says.
Indeed, singing is pivotal but syncing music to it is a task in itself, with the orchestra doing pretty well in this regard. “We have done over 13,000 shows already so the orchestra knows what to do, though they do get a little scared to perform in front of us. And it isn’t just the contestants that see every song as a challenge; the orchestra does too, trying to catch a perfect pace and impress us. Simply put, the orchestra members would stand at Top 3 among the best bands in India,” he emphasised.
Telugu Indian Idol is a show that always seems to be packed with fun. Thaman agrees, saying, “It is only fun that happens! I like to keep the space around me very happy and I am continuing this on stage as well. Karthik’s vibe is amazing; we have known each other for 25 years and are childhood friends. I’ve known Geetha for 17 years and Sreerama for 12. So, whatever we speak always turns into something fun.”
But on a more passionate note, Thaman says that music is the most important part of his life, even a life partner of sorts. “If it wasn’t for music, I would have ended my life. It helps release stress and that is why musicians live longer; their brain functions completely differently. It is amazing the way music makes you happy,” he adds.
A good show always has a strong backbone of production. Fremantle India MD Aradhana Bhola speaks about the show from a production point of view, sharing, “Thaman is the vibe of Telugu Indian Idol. For Season 1, Arvind Sir said, ‘I want to do this for the Telugu community worldwide.’ And by Season 3, we have reached them. When Thaman and Karthik travel to the US, there is a huge Telugu community which gives them tons of feedback on Telugu Indian Idol. In fact, we even held auditions there. All this is the result of the love, passion and fun that everyone puts in.”
Regarding the changes over the three seasons in terms of production, Aradhana notes, “We went far more international. Thaman has genuinely given them breaks and this has further built the credibility of the brand. So, though Idol is a big brand, each time we take it to a new place there is something new we need to deliver. Thaman has made that happen. It has truly been great this season.”