Melody Matters

Siddharth Mahadevan is a man of many talents. Best known to be the voice of the high-energy Bhaag Milkha Bhaag track, Zinda, the 23-year old singer also dabbles in composing music, quite like his father, Shankar Mahadevan. The young musician is now donning a new hat — that of a mentor for HDFC Life YoungStars finalists, children between six and 14 chosen via a contest from all over the country. In a quick chat, Siddharth talks about his choice in music.

Mentoring children: As a music composer, I feel that it’s imperative for me to help the young talent of the country. The new age of musicians has been proving their worth over and over again, in all spaces of music. I’m happy taking any and every opportunity to help them achieve their goals.

Tips for the kids: I would like them to just have faith in themselves and believe in their own creativity.

Song on repeat on my iPod: Hymn for the weekend by Coldplay.

A song you love to listen to when: You’re happy and upbeat: Uptown Funk. You’re really low: No song in particular. You’re working out: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag .

Music I loved growing up, but am now embarrassed by: I think I’ve always had a good taste for music. Linkin Park was my first love and I still am crazy about they’re music.

I’d describe my taste in music as: I love listening to anything and everything. I feel I can enjoy music in any form and any language because I was exposed to different genres of music since a very young age. There’s jazz, hip-hop, classical, pop, rock; I enjoy them all.

My favourite time of the day/way to listen to music: I love listening to music when I’m driving, that could be at any time of the day.

A band or musician you’d want performing a private concert for you: John Mayer or Beyoncé.

An act you would want to see live once: How I wish I could say Michael Jackson