Sporting killer side locks and a deep lung capacity, Siddharth Meghani embodies Elvis Presley to an uncanny degree. Struck by the spirit of ‘The King’ from a young age, this crooning Bandraite who otherwise is a photographer by profession, has quickly made a name for himself all over the country and overseas bringing on a desi version of Elvis. With his close resemblance to Elvis, and his ‘Good Luck Charm’ making him the darling of many a young girl, the 41 year old eligible bachelor has a love of Elvis and strives to keep his memory alive.

On 16^th August 1977 when Elvis died, a wave of Elvis business opportunity knocked. Siddharth offers a complete Elvis show, the same fun, flirting, pelvic thrusts, playful sense of humour Elvis was famous for, as seen at his shows at the NCPA and St Andrews. Siddharth was also the closing act at the Celebrate Bandra last year.

Born to a Gujarati father and a Malayali mother 10 days after ‘The King’, as a tribute to Elvis whose birthday falls on 8^th January, Verus Ferreira caught up with Siddharth to talk about everything Elvis.

How old were you when you started performing like Elvis?

At the tender age of 6, I started fooling around at home by singing songs taught to me by mom who loved the songs of Elvis, and by the age of 10 or so I had latched on to Elvis  as I was feeling right in place with his songs. From there I began singing Elvis songs mostly and was very much encouraged by my parents and family.

Initially where did you start performing? Did anyone influence you?

As I was well known by family and friends as the boy who sang a lot of Elvis songs for his age, I was noticed by a family friend who used to play in a famous restaurant and bar called Jazz by the Bay, and he invited me to sing my first early commercial gig. My aunt influenced me to sing at the restaurant, as she kept telling me as one diehard fan to another, that I was ready for showing my talent and I was very good.

How many sequenced outfits do you own?

I made my first costume from a master who had a very good karigar for stones and other sequin work. Now I have two outfits.I get the white shoes from Mohamedali Road in Mumbai.Being the Elvis Presley of India, I usually use the peacock white outfit which is made here. It cost me around 15, 000 to 20, 000 rupees and the dry cleaning bill comes to a little over 2000 rupees each time. I also have a black outfit which is from New York. Elvis had used the American eagle that had the American flag colours. This is the famous outfit he wore at his concert in Las Vegas when he performed at The Hilton.

Where did you learn all the mannerisms and the behaviour of Elvis?

It comes naturally as I have watched a lot of material on him since I was young, so it flows easily. I think Elvis was a complete artist; he had the charisma, talent, the voice, the look. He was the greatest entertainer of all time.

How long does it take for you to get the perfect look of Elvis and ready for a show?

It takes me a good hour at least before I obtain the look I want as I want to look as close to Elvis as I can. I also put gel, hair wax and other products for my shows. I kind of isolate myself in a room looking at some of the most memorable iconic videos of Elvis just to feel what an impression he left on his audience, and that starts off my engine and I am ready for the show.

How do you manage to make your voice sound similar to Elvis?

My voice is naturally similar to The King. I have never had any formal voice training. But I can go from the hip-swivelling 50s to the stunning vocals of the 70s, paying close attention to the sound and movement that Elvis had in all his different eras as well as striving to recreate some of the breath taking excitement that Elvis caused while performing.

What is an Elvis show you do like and how long does it last?

It is like a Las Vegas show and normally lasts for 90 to 120 minutes. I use a minus one track and if possible I can arrange a live band to back me up, the feeling is all the more amazing, as I prefer a live set.

Does an audience for an Elvis Tribute Show expect the performer to look like Elvis?

Absolutely 100% if not they will lose interest in the first half of the show.

So there must be a line of selfie seekers.

Yes I do get at many requests at shows it’s almost a given as it is an era of selfies.

What Elvis songs do you like doing the most? Ballads or rock and roll pieces? 

I love them equally, both but rock and roll would be my first choice.

What’s the best and worst part about being Elvis?

The best part about being Elvis is that I enjoy doing it as I get back as much love if not the love he still gets from his fans. There can never be a worst part except of course if you take a drink before the show, which I strictly never do, until maybe after the show.

Has there ever been a moment during one of your shows when you failed to remember the lyrics of a song?

Yes at times it has happened because I have been having too much fun on stage. (Laughs)

To date how many shows do you think you have done and do you ever get tired of singing the Elvis songs? 

I must have done quite a few, cannot recall a number.

Have you heard of and met anyone else in India who is also an Elvis impersonator?

I have heard of the late Merwyn Rufus. I had met him  on a couple of instances and spoken abouit his old days and his world of Elvis which was epic. There was also Bollywood actor Shammi Kapoor who was considered the Elvis Presley of India.

Photography is your profession, how do you manage both jobs?

I would say the photo studio and photography is my bread and butter, while my Elvis impersonation which is basically a hobby is like the jam and cheese. (Laughs)

Bollywood is known for taking a leaf of western music, surely it must have beckoned you?

I did two Bollywood films playing cameo roles as an Elvis impersonator in Pooja Bhatt’s Jism and Holiday. Shooting a Bollywood film was a whole new experience for me. I’ve also done a few advertisements sometime back.

Do you have all the songs of Elvis and any rare memorabilia of the man?

I have a couple of shot glasses with Elvis pictures and  I think I have almost all  his songs which I could possibly get my hands on which is close to a 1000 songs or less.

Have you been to Graceland or Las Vegas?

No I have not been there but I intend to do so one day.

Give us one of your favourite facts about the life of Elvis.

He was a generous man and loved showering expensive gifts on his family and friends.

Are you part of any Elvis fan club?

No I am not in any fan club, but I have met Pune resident Rajiv Jacobi who co foundedthe Official Elvis Presley Fan Club of India in 1972 which is recognised by EPE / Graceland.

According to you, how close does your image come to the man?

Not even close, there is and will be only one.

If Elvis were alive today, what do you think he would he say to you?

My friends and family always say he would be very proud (of me) if he were alive.

If you met the real Elvis in heaven, what would you ask him?

I would ask him to go back and show me how it’s really done.