Kiwi-Indian’s ‘Accidental’ Foray Into Singing

A young Kiwi-Indian originally from Udaipur, India, has captured the spotlight by securing the first runner-up position in Sur Samrat - Asia Pacific Season 2, a Bollywood music competition in Oceania region.

Known for his high-pitch notes and smooth textured voice, Ketan Kumawat runs his own digital company as a creative director.

The competition, held in Sydney, Australia, on May 25, 2024, and organized by Fabs Media, featured talented contestants from Pakistan, India, Japan, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.

Expressing his excitement, Ketan said, “I was honoured to represent New Zealand in the Senior Category for the Grand Finale.”

Ketan's journey into singing began unexpectedly when he filled in for a classmate in a regional singing school competition in Rajasthan. His talent shone through as he was selected as one of the top seven singers in the region, sparking his serious interest in music.

Photo: Supplied

He has since participated in prestigious competitions such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Indian Idol Season 5, where he reached the top 120 contenders.

After relocating to Auckland in 2021, Ketan continued to pursue his passion for music, participating in various competitions and winning the Tarana Idol in the same year.

Reflecting on his move to New Zealand, Ketan shared.

“ I moved to Auckland for better opportunities as I was in Southland for 8 years"

The Sur Samrat competition was fierce, with twelve exceptional singers competing for top honors in the first round.

Mentored by Sandeep Khopkar, Ketan performed "Kaise Hua" from the movie Kabir Singh. He received unanimous appreciation from all three judges, securing his place in the final round.

In the final round, Ketan's rendition of "Bekhayali" earned him the first runner-up position. His performance stood out among the talented artists from diverse backgrounds.

The judges, impressed by Ketan's performance, praised his control over high and low notes, his melody, and his soothing voice.

"I selected these songs based on my mentor Sandeep Khopkar's advice, who believed that my voice would shine best in songs with a high pitch and rich texture," explained Ketan.

Looking forward, Ketan is working on several original songs and projects, aiming to inspire and connect with people through his music.

Photo: Supplied

“This achievement is a significant milestone in my musical journey. I am grateful for the guidance and support from my mentor, Sandeep Khopkar, and the opportunity provided by Fabs Media,” Ketan said.

With his eyes set on the future, Ketan is committed to continuing his growth as an artist, eager to share his upcoming works with his audience.