Rakesh Unni is social media’s latest star. The Kerala-based rubber plantation worker’s rendition of Unnai Kaanadhu from Kamal Haasan’s Viswaroopam has Twitterati mesmerised.
Shankar Mahadevan wanted to trace him, as did composers Sam CS and Ghibran.
This is called fruit of labour!
When we hear this, it just makes me feel so so proud of our country that produces so much talent and is so rich in culture. Who is this guy???
How can I trace him?
Need help & would like to work with him. pic.twitter.com/SWqGQkmChb— Shankar Mahadevan (@Shankar_Live) June 30, 2018
And, recently, the newly-minted celebrity got the opportunity to sing in front of Kamal Haasan, on whom the song was picturised for Dasavathaaram (he also lent his voice for the song). In a now-viral video, Kamal is seen admiring Unni’s rendition of the song. After he finishes, Kamal holds him close.
And this happened … strengthening my belief and what makes me wake up every day with hope: Hard-work and talent never gets unnoticed.#RakeshUnni sings ‘unnai kaanadhu’ song from #Vishwaroopam before @ikamalhaasan Sir! Hoping to Record him soon ✌? pic.twitter.com/0xwq4CzHJ7
— Ghibran (@GhibranOfficial) July 3, 2018
The whole experience unfolded like a dream, Unni tells us. “I come from an ordinary family. God has smiled upon us, and has brought me near another God. I would never have imagined that I’d be here, and that people would call me for an interview.”
Unni was unaware that his song had become popular, till a friend told him. He said he received ‘strange’ calls from people in the film industry, but “thought they were pranks, and didn’t take them seriously”.
Unni does not know Tamil and relies on an interpreter to get his point across. “They (music directors) are asking me to sing. I don’t know what I can do, because I don’t know the language. But, I am amazed at this opportunity.”
Sam CS and Ghibran have reportedly offered Unni a chance to sing playback. “The offer hasn’t reached me yet, but yes, I did hear about it. I would be more than glad to sing for films. Can I hope for more?”
Unni had wanted to meet Shankar Mahadevan, who originally sang Unnai Kaanadhu. “He has promised that we will share a stage and sing. I cannot wait.”
On #SocialMediaDay
I had posted about this very special & talented farmer Rakesh Unni & I’ve just been able to find him through the reach of the internet, I spoke with him & will now take things forward!
I’d like to thank each one of you for the tremendous love & support. pic.twitter.com/ZKcCYH3Kj4— Shankar Mahadevan (@Shankar_Live) July 2, 2018
As Unni launches into song, yet again, it is hard to not be moved. His story is proof that social media can work wonders. The composers are waiting to work with him. And, we do too, to hear him.
