Young singer ‘can motivate our youth’
AT 16, Pragathi Guruprasad is no ordinary teenager.
She has sung Indian classical and film songs around the world and was first runner-up in the TV talent show Super Singer Junior 3 in 2012.
Last night, she realised a dream to perform in South Africa when she was due to sing at the Mount Edgecombe Mariemman Temple in Durban. She will appear in a special devotional and classical programme at the same venue at 5pm today.
Born in Singapore and raised in California, Guruprasad developed a love for music from the time she was little more than a toddler.
Her participation in the TV show opened many doors for her, including recording contracts. She will soon make her debut as an actress under the direction of award-winning director Bala in the film Thara Thapattai.
Balancing family life, friends, fun, education, live shows and a budding acting career has not been easy. “It is all about prioritising things at the right time, “she said.
Organiser Jimmy Moodley’s main motivation for bringing her to South Africa was to prove to local youths that retaining your culture can be cool.
“Being American and living in a totally Western country, she speaks south Indian languages fluently and she is able to excel both academically and culturally,” he said. “I found that to be most impressive. I thought she could be a motivator of our children, who find it difficult to balance both worlds.”
He added that her ability to remain humble in the face of all her success also served as a lesson to teenagers.
He said the choice of venue meant free access for many of the singer’s fans, who followed her rise to the reality show. “The crowds here average about 2 000, so anyone who wants to come see her will be able to. This is more of a cultural promotion.”