The first ever homegrown English language singing show, The Stage, which started as a pioneering step towards bringing English singing talent to Indian television, produced its first ever contestant to win the first ever title when Yatharth Ratnum from Benaras was declared winner. Yathrarth not only got a chance to launch his solo career with Universal Music, but he also won a brand new Renault Duster.

There are numerous gifted English music artists in this country. Unfortunately, they have never had the opportunity to showcase their talent, but now, with ‘The Stage’ they finally have a platform where they can finally show their talent.

‘The Stage’ is a fresh new concept in Indian television, which is bound to change the scope of English entertainment in this country in its subsequent seasons.

The show had received a very good response from across the country during the audition stage, especially from the North-East. Many viewers were in a for a shcok when they first heard about ‘The Stage’, but it’s a move in the right direction, especially for reality show, for English music is such an important part of our playlists, but we don’t get to see it anywhere on our music platforms. So ‘The Stage’ is an idea whose time has come.

The show aim was to choose the best of the participants who will only be judged by the jury members with no voting from viewers. The jury included singer and music director, Vishal Dadlani, singer and actress, Monica Dogra, ace music director, Ehsaan Noorani, and MD and CEO, Universal Music Group South Asia and EMI Music South Asia, Mr. Devraj Sanyal. The silm and trim Shibani Dandekar played the show’s host nudging and encouraging each contestant along the way.

The pot of gold on the other side, is the launch of the winner’s career with a record deal with Universal Music, a 10 city tour, a mentorship program, the full muscle of Viacom18 backing the winner’s music career across all its platforms and a brand new Renault Duster to ride in to their new life.

As part of the winning deal, ‘The Stage’ went on to take it to a whole new horizon with the first edition of The Stage Tour. The 8-city tour saw five of the top most contestants from the first season performing live for audiences across the country. The musical journey of the The Stage concluded in Mumbai on 21^st April at Hard Rock Café after pit-stops at HRCs in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Pune. Winner Yatharth Ratnum, along with popular Indie faces Soundarya Jayachandran, Kenishaa Francis, Anushka Shahane and Rupin Pahwa, enraptured audience and filled them with the best of popular English tracks.

As we write this Season 2 of ‘The Stage’ airs on Colors Infinity every Saturday and Sunday at 10 pm.

We got a chance to meet up with Yartharth Ratnum who has now made a shift from his hometown in Benares to live in Mumbai. Excerpts from the interview:

Congrats on winning India’s first ever English reality show The Stage. Have you had any formal vocal training in the past?

Thank you very much! Yes I have trained with my vocal coach ‘Maxayn Lewis’ while I was in LA and also trained in Indian Classical since I was 7 years old in Benares.

 How old were you when you started to perform? 

I started performing really early. I used to take part in all kinds of inter-school competitions and other local singing competitions. My parents made sure that I got on the stage and performed since the age 9-10.

You won Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge (L’il Champs) ? Can you tell us how was the competition then?

I was the 1st Runner-Up in L’il Champs 2009. That competition was very different from what I experienced on ‘The Stage’. Given the big brand Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is, there was this constant pressure of public voting, I lost voice mid way in the show, because I was being over exhausted with the long shooting days and performing for promotional activities in different cities almost every day. All this, while I still had to learn and practice the song that I had to sing for the next episode. But, that experience made me strong as a performer and a singer. Now I can work harder because now I know how to conserve my energy and use it for the right things.

You went to LA Hollywood to be honored in America with a special award for Outstanding International Vocalist. Tell us something about the trip and what this award means to you?

That award is probably the most special thing I have received. That trip to LA changed my life and gave me a new direction as an artist. I met so many kids my age at the award function who were being honored for their music and acting and I knew of many of them as I had seen them on TV here in India. I understood how important it is to get out of the shell and go international. I fell in love with the city and the new music I was exposed to. So I started writing my own songs on my guitar and it started coming naturally to me.

What did you do in America? Which places did you visit ?

I spent most of my time basically ‘growing up’. I trained in vocals and acting. I gave auditions. I got to write songs with Grammy Winning songwriters like Allee Willis, Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter, Louise Goffin. I also got to perform in a Grammy Museum: Motown Tribute Concert for Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy. Mostly all of this happened working with my manager ‘Marcy Kraft’. I stayed in LA but visited NYC (New York City), Hawaii, Washington DC, San Francisco

In America you also brought out your debut self titled album. How did this come about? Is it available here?

I listen to it now and I laugh, Mostly because all the songs in that EP are the first songs that I ever wrote and I had just taken up English music. I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go or anything much for that matter. It was a fun, self-exploration kind of an experience. I have completely grown out of the style of music I was doing back then. And I’d rather people not hear it.

You also worked on the album of Matt Harris, how did this come about?

I actually worked with Matt Harris on my EP where we wrote a couple of songs together. He is a very talented musician, songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist. I’m glad I got work with him and Harper Hug at the ‘Thunder Underground’ studio for my first recording experience.

Has any singer influenced you musically?

Such a tough question to answer.. (pauses) My dad was in the audio distribution business, so I would a chance to listen to a huge variety of music. So my list goes on and on… Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, The Righteous Brothers, Adele, Justin Timberlake, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Stever Perry, Jeff Buckley. I love and listen to so many artists.

Do you feel like an ambassador for Indian culture when you perform abroad?

I don’t know about an ambassador for Indian Culture but it sure feels like I’m standing up for something………….something new and unique. There aren’t many Indian artists doing English music who are renowned and celebrated Internationally, I’d like to change that.

How did you make the switch from Hindi music reality show to am English reality show and that too singing in English?

Like I said, my life has been a roller coaster so far… I’ve been to places nobody in my family would have ever imagined. I love to explore new sides of me as an artist. English music is not something I need make a switch for anymore. It has become my nature and I loose myself completely in it when I sing. A friend of mine informed me about ‘The Stage’ that was about to be launched and that’s how I decided to tag along because I had been involved with English music for around the last couple of years, writing and creating music in Los Angeles.

Living in Benares, a Hindi speaking city, how did you begin to like English and sing in English?

I used to listen to some English music growing up but not too much. But once I visited LA and saw how free people were in making their artistic choices, it  got me. As an artist I wanted to be able to tell a story which was true to me and English music allowed me to do that. Since I started writing music, there’s been no looking back.

You recently won the English reality show The Stage. How was the competition and did you expect to win?

(Stresses) I DID NOT EXPECT TO WIN AT ALL. I had to work really hard for it. All the artists were amazing and the verdicts were based completely off of the judge’s decisions. It was the most exhilarating experiences I’ve had so far. It has changed me as a person and I’m gonna cherish all the memories I have from ‘The Stage’  for a long time to come.

How was the 10 city tour of India? Any memorable moments you’d like to share with us?

I just finished the 8 city tour across India. I had never expected that people would respond the way they did. It was so humbling to see all my supporters coming out to watch me perform. I want to thank every person, I had the time of my life on this tour. The finale concert in Mumbai on the 21st was the most memorable for me as my friends and family showed up. Everyone from SOL (the production team behind ‘The Stage’) and Viacom showed up. It was like I was singing for my family and it was one big party. I loved every second of it.

You have a contract with Universal Music, how long is it and when can  we expect an album from you?

I have written songs that Devraj (Sanyal) really likes. We are in the process of putting it all together and producing it the best way possible. Once, that’s done we’ll have a solid release date. I can’t wait for everybody to listen to my original music. 

We got to know that you have worked on the film ‘Blue Mountains’ and you also play a major role in it and also composed four songs. Can you tell us your road to Bollywood film and how did this come about? 

I shot this movie when I was 17-18. Its completed and soon to be released. The producers of ‘Blue Mountains’ had seen me on L’il Champs and wanted me to play Som (the main protagonist) in the movie. It’s a teenage musical drama and it won The Golden Elephant Award for the Best Feature Film at the International Children’s Film Festival held in Hyderabad. I wasn’t so sure about acting but my director Suman Ganguli showed faith in me and told me that I could do it. I went through a 6 months acting workshop before shooting for this movie. I got to sing 4 songs in the movie and share screen space with actors like Ranvir Shorey, Gracy Singh, Rajpal Yadav. Its a very different experience form being on a stage or a studio and its lovely. 

So do you enjoy driving the Renault vehicle in your hometown?Are you the envy of your friends?

I’m actually still waiting for Renault to send me my Duster. I think I’m getting the new version which was just released. So I guess I will answer that question once I get it.

We understand that you are also a great cook. What do you really prepare in the kitchen?

I’m not a great cook. Living by myself here in Mumbai, one needs to know basic cooking, and that’s all I really know. Nothing fancy.

Can you tell us a little bit on your academics from school to college and which subjects you like?

I have completed High School and after that I’ve just been focusing on my career. But I’d like to study Sound Engineering in the future.

What are your hobbies?

I like to swim, and play snooker, watch movies and hang out the very few but important friends that I have. I like to keep it simple. 

Surely a lot of young ladies might be vying for your attention. Do you have a girlfriend?

Oh, the big question. Its very sweet and unexpected and over whelming to see all these amazing girls sending sweet messages on social media and coming up to me for selfies. I’m not gonna lie, its a very good feeling. I am seeing a somebody who is very special to me but I’m not gonna put it out there just yet.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

Heartfelt thanks to everybody to came out for the concert tour and sang along each word of the songs with me. It means the world to me to be able to bring smiles on your faces and keeps me going even in the hardest times. Keep the love and support coming. Much needed much love. 

What are your future plans?

Right now, I’m focused on my upcoming single with Universal Music. I really can’t wait for people to listen to it. Its about time an Indian Artist goes international and I'm working very hard to make that happen. My ultimate goal right now is to play a sold out concert at the Madison Square Garden.

So here you have it, India’s first winner of ‘The Stage’. Here’s looking forward to the second season of ‘The Stage’.

Interviewed By Verus Ferreira