http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/A_Roobaru_with_Naresh_Iyer/articleshow/2524750.cms
Ask the voice behind the lilting 'Roobaroo' and the funky 'Masti ki Paathshala', Naresh Iyer and he will tell you that never in his wildest daydreams did he envision that *A R Rahman would give him a 'break of a lifetime'. * "When I got eliminated in the talent hunt, *Rahman said that apart from this piece of news, he had good tidings for me.* He said, he will soon call me for an assignment. I thought he was saying it all to comfort me," recalls Naresh. "That is how Rang De Basanti (RDB), my first Hindi film came my way. I recorded three songs for the film and I had great apprehensions whether the audience would accept a new voice. Their success is unexpected. In fact, one of the best compliments I have ever received is that many people believe that the phrase 'Ae Salaa' in 'Roobaroo' is sung by Aamir Khan," says Naresh. There has been no looking back for Naresh ever since. "*I went on to sing many tracks in South Indian films for Rahman. Every bit that I have worked with him has been a learning experience; I am amazed by his sheer genius and creative output," gushes Naresh. * Naresh has done quite a bit of singing in many regional languages; and we hear, Gujarati is one of them! "This was many years ago when I was studying and doing assignments for a production unit that produced a music based show. I sang the title song for that. I have sung in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Bhojpuri among others, though I don't understand half of these languages!" Naresh, a Mumbaikar, now shuttles between the dream city and Chennai. "My assignments down South keep me busy but I always miss Mumbai when I am down there. Especially my favourite vada pav and pav bhaji!," says Naresh who maintains that he remains very much the simple Mumbaikar that he was before fame came to him. Naresh elaborates, "I spend money on buying musical instruments. Big bungalows or cars have never meant much to me. I am happy staying in Matunga as long as I continue doing good work. The latest on my work front is Mission Ustad, a music based reality show that I hope will be another milestone in my career." -- regards, Vithur A.R.RAHMAN - THE GOD OF MUSIC
