Sid Sriram: Diljit Dosanjh and I could make something powerful together

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Indian singer Sid Sriram has produced many hits ever since he started out more than a decade ago. Known for his extensive work with the South Indian film industry singing in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, he has also been a part of Marathi and Hindi projects, showcasing his diverse musical journey. 

Among several hits, many in Mumbai got introduced to the singer through `Srivalli` from `Pushpa: The Rise` (2021) but the Carnatic musician has produced many others over the years including `Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee`, which is among this writer`s favourites apart from others including Sid`s English music. The latter opened a whole new world as it seamlessly blends Carnatic music with Western influences. While Indian audiences were already familiar with his vocal range, the singer admits that one particular performance helped introduce his music to a global audience. 

Sid’s `Homecoming` India tour saw him perform in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad in 2025. As the tour culminated in Mumbai this weekend, Sid spoke to mid-day.com about the timing of the performances, creating music, and even the possibility of a collaboration. 

Here are excerpts from the interview: 

Firstly, how does it feel to be on your first-ever multi-city India tour? Also, what inspired you to finally do it this year? 
It has been super exciting. The journey has been exhilarating and filled with so many memorable moments. The tour is a celebration of the whole journey. It just felt like the right time. 

With roots in Chennai and upbringing in California, your music is a unique fusion of Carnatic mixed with soul and R&B among other genres. How have both the regions influenced your musical journey over the years? 
I think the main way both regions have influenced my musical journey is instilling in me the idea that home is an ever-evolving and shifting thing. 

With this understanding being at the core of my lived experience, I`ve been able to really dive into the idea of shape-shifting as an artist. My whole career has been a product of bringing my different worlds together. The desire to explore this musically came from my relationship with the idea of home. 

You have dabbled extensively with music for the South Indian film industry, and you seamlessly switch to regional languages. While your music demands it, how do you stay connected to your roots in the US? 
Not dabbled, I`ve immersed extensively in the music of the South Indian film industry. It`s been a great journey singing in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, and Hindi. Staying connected to my roots while in the US feels pretty effortless. I grew up with Carnatic music surrounding me and music was my way of staying anchored in my culture. 

Apart from your film music, I distinctly remember listening to your NPR Tiny Desk concert when it came out. It had such a unique blend of your Classical roots and Western influences. Since the time you`ve been active, how have you seen more non-Indians gravitate towards your music, and Indian classical music at large? Did you set out to make more people aware of its rich history or is it happening along the way naturally? 
That Tiny Desk was a pivotal moment in bringing my roots and amplifying them out into the world. For many folks that watched my Tiny Desk performance, it was their introduction to Indian music. Since then, I`ve seen more people, including non-Indians, tapping in with my music and asking questions about Indian music. 

You have released quite a few singles in 2025. Are you currently working on any new music or an album that fans can expect any time soon? Additionally, if there was one Indian artist you would like to collaborate with, who would it be? 
I have a lot of new music I`ve been working on, both in Indian languages and in English. It`s been a great deal of fun creating this music, and I`m eager to share it with the world soon. In terms of collaborations I`d like to do, Diljit (Dosanjh) and I could make something powerful. 

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