Exclusive - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Telugu mentor Srikrishna Vishnubhotla: Instant fame has its effect; working with SPB garu and other legends taught us to stay grounded

Srikrishna Vishnubhotla can be easily termed as the dark horse of this world of Telugu music. The way he lives by the code 'keep calm and do your thing' unfazed by the fame game and shines as a singer, reality TV mentor and voice supervisor is commendable. He is currently guiding young aspiring singers in the ongoing season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Telugu hosted by Sreemukhi and judged by Koti, SP Sailaja, Smitha and Anantha Sriram. In an exclusive freewheeling chat with ETimes TV, Srikrishna poured his heart on the reason behind joining Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, its contestants, his role as a mentor and more.

I had the team which I'm most comfortable with, be it Saketh, Geetha (Geetha Madhuri), Revanth, Arun and everyone this time. Moreover, I'll get to meet and work with new talents. Why would I miss such an opportunity?

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Moreover, this season has some good and unique voices. I'm not saying this just as a mentor but as a voice supervisor as well. Besides grooming them, I pay a little extra attention to their voices as well. To me, voice is as important as talent for a singer.

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Being grounded in life is the key. We were fortunate to work with (late) SP Balasubramanyam garu and many such legends and learn to stay grounded and focused on our craft. We do keep sharing anecdotes and experiences with these young talents, too. I feel the real competition is out there in the real world. There are many talented singers, better talents, too. Winning the title is just a stepping stone. We are just stepping into the ocean from our small little pond. Confidence and self analysis are very important to survive in the real league.

(Photo: Instagram)

Being grounded in life is the key. We were fortunate to work with (late) SP Balasubramanyam garu and many such legends and learn to stay grounded and focused on our craft. We do keep sharing anecdotes and experiences with these young talents, too. I feel the real competition is out there in the real world. There are many talented singers, better talents, too. Winning the title is just a stepping stone. We are just stepping into the ocean from our small little pond. Confidence and self analysis are very important to survive in the real league.

(Photo: Instagram)

Yes, we've lost many legends like SPB garu, Lata Mangeshkar garu but their songs are with us every moment. They are an integral part of our lives. That is the reason why we don't improvise on a few timeless classics when we do specials in the show. Because we'd love those songs untampered and in their original essence and flavour. Otherwise, there is no harm in experimenting or making fusions.

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I don't think I'm doing any favour in recommending a good voice. It's my job as a voice supervisor. Working with Anirudh garu and Thaman garu in their song recordings has given me the opportunity and responsibility of finding the right voice for a song. I'd be happy if it's helping someone.

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I can never forget the support of my family especially dad who didn't stop me from shifting to Hyderabad. I've moved to Hyderabad for a better paying job as a Post Graduate in Mathematics. My Radio Jockeying stint, performances in AIR Vijayawada, the encouragement of Koti garu, experience of working with SPB garu and all the supremely talented musicians have helped me become whatever I'm today.

(Photo: Instagram)