Sensational Super Singer Pragathi in Durban
AT JUST 16 years old, Indo-American singing sensation Pragathi Guruprasad has performed on every continent.
The bubbly Tamil teenage star is currently in Durban and is scheduled to perform at just one show.
Pragathi shot to stardom when she finished as a runner-up on Vijay TV’s Airtel Super Singer Junior.
Her adept mastery of both classical carnatic and western music has been almost Justin Bieber-ish.
But in stark contrast to Bieber, Pragathi remains humble and grounded.
“I got onto Super Singer by mistake actually. One of the girls dropped out and I had the opportunity to travel to India for the show. It was an amazing experience,” she said.
Prior to getting on to the show, Pragathi sent producers an audition CD but she had returned to her home in the United States by the time they responded.
“When someone dropped out, I got a call from the producers again asking me to come through and it so happened I was going to be in India so I decided to give it a shot,” said Pragathi.
Since Super Singer, Pragathi has done playback singing on over eight Tamil language films and will make her acting debut later on this year when she takes on a supporting role in the upcoming Tamil blockbuster Tharai Thappattai.
She said she was looking forward to experiencing South Africa and interacting with fans.
“I’ve always dreamt of travelling around the world, but I never imagined I would be in South Africa.
“When I was on Super Singer some of my first calls of congratulations were from South Africa.
“I have been learning about South Africa in school and now it’s so amazing to be here.”
Pragathi had taken almost a year off school to move to India during the show and concentrate on her music.
The teenager said when she heard she was coming to South Africa, she started researching it frantically.
“In school I read Alan Paton’s Cry, The beloved Country and it means so much more now that I am here.”
Pragathi is in the country with her parents, Guruprasad and Kanaka, and her older sister, Saiprithvi.
She said her show in Durban would comprise golden oldies and the latest film tracks.
When she’s not singing, the former professional table tennis player is a fitness fanatic.
“I have to start my day with a run or cycle.
“If I don’t get to do that, then I hit the gym. It’s a great stress-buster.”
Pragathi will perform her show at the Shri Mariammen Temple Grounds in Mount Edgecombe at 6pm on Saturday. The show is free of charge. It will be an outdoor event but a marquee and chairs will be provided.
The public is urged to dress warmly and, if possible, carry cushions.