The moment I stepped into the recording studio of Ibtida, I knew I was about to witness something extraordinary. A rich, velvety voice echoed through the studio. For a few moments, I was convinced I was listening to the legendary Kishore Kumar. The warmth, the effortless throw, the unmistakable style—it was all there.
Barely five minutes later, another voice floated through the speakers. This time, it carried the soulful depth and emotional texture of Jagjit Singh. Before I could recover from my surprise, yet another melody emerged—soft, silky, and hauntingly reminiscent of Pankaj Udhas.
Unable to contain my curiosity, I turned to the studio manager and asked, “How many singers are recording inside?”
He smiled and replied with a single sentence that left me speechless.
“Only one.”
The singer was none other than Sridhar—the owner of the studio himself.
What makes the story even more fascinating is that Sridhar is not a full-time playback singer by profession. He comes from the world of IT hardware, a field driven by technology, precision, and logic. Yet, music has always been his sanctuary—a passion he nurtured not for fame, but for peace of mind.
For Sridhar, singing has never been about commercial success. It has been a way to unwind, to de-stress after demanding days in the technology business, and to connect with his inner self. Over the years, that personal passion has evolved into an artistic journey capable of astonishing even seasoned listeners.
His studio, Ibtida, is equipped with the “Mast & Perfect” division—an advanced audio and video recording facility where technology meets creativity. Every recording reflects a meticulous attention to detail, combining modern production techniques with a deep appreciation for timeless melodies.
When I finally met Sridhar inside his studio, I asked him what inspired him to create the Mast & Perfect division.
With characteristic humility, he explained that his dream was to provide artists with a professional recording environment while preserving the soul of music. For him, the studio is not merely a business venture—it is a creative space where passion, innovation, and artistic expression come together.
Listening to Sridhar perform is an experience that challenges the ears. One moment, listeners may hear echoes of Kishore Kumar’s evergreen charm; the next, the poetic elegance of Jagjit Singh; and then the velvet smoothness associated with Pankaj Udhas. Yet, beneath these influences lies a singer who has cultivated his own identity through years of dedication and love for music.
In an age where artificial intelligence can imitate voices and technology can recreate almost anything, Sridhar reminds us that genuine artistry still begins with passion. His journey—from IT hardware to the recording studio—is proof that talent often flourishes in the most unexpected places.
Sometimes, the greatest discoveries are made not on a concert stage but behind the closed doors of a recording studio—where one man, one microphone, and one dream can create the illusion of an entire orchestra of legends. Here in Hyderabad I feel Shridhar can set up a studio so that budding talents from South can try their luck in singing and some beautiful video productions.