Here’s How a Kerala Daily Wager Got a Call From Shankar Mahadevan

Shankar Mahadevan traces Rakesh Unni, whose song went viral on the internet.

(Photo courtesy: Twitter)

A talented Kerala daily wage worker is going to sing alongside Shankar Mahadevan, thanks to the internet. Shankar Mahadevan took to Facebook to trace the singer of a viral song from Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam. Rakesh Unni was, until Friday, unknown to the world.

Shankar, who sang the original song, wrote, “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”.

“I cut rubber and carry it on my shoulders and load them onto a truck. That’s my job,” Rakesh told The News Minute after his song went viral on the internet. The video of his song was recorded by his friend, Shameer, a truck driver, while his sister, Shameela uploaded it online.

Shankar Mahadevan managed to find Rakesh and personally called him. “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.‬ #Talent #Music #Wow #Kerela #India,” he wrote.

Rakesh is ecstatic to be recognised for his singing talent.

I consider it my biggest blessing. He (Shankar) told me I have a good voice, a good future. I said I just want to see him once. He said we will not just see, we will sing together.

Rakesh Unni to TNM

Not just Shankar, other people are also looking to collaborate with Rakesh including singer Pandalam Balan, violinist musician Balabhaskar and music composer Gopi Sunder, Tamil composer Ghibran.

“The video did that. That’s when I started getting so many calls,” he says.

After Dancing Uncle shot to fame due to the internet, it’s Rakesh Unni’s turn to shine in the light.

(With inputs from The News Minute)