Never in his wildest dreams had Kavinesh Kumar ever thought that one day he would be called a “Superstar”.
But the 20-year-old reigning superstar of the Kaun Banega Superstar series is just that and more as he now prepares to enjoy the fruits of his labour for winning the popular TV singing competition last year.
Fiji-born Kavinesh, of Lautoka, left for India on Sunday (April 18) for the experience of a lifetime, spending a week with top music director Rajiv Mehra and also to record a song.
Given that Kavinesh has never had any training or guidance as far his singing is concerned, he is one of a few from Fiji to have been able to gain a glimpse into the competitive musical industry in India.
Kavinesh, who plays many musical instruments including the harmonium and the keyboard, last year won the Kaun Banega Superstar Season 2, beating off more than 20 talented contestants from around New Zealand.
“I’m feeling proud to be from Fiji and to have been able to gain honour from such a prestigious TV show,” Kavinesh told the Indian Weekender.
“I’m really excited about the trip to India and I’m sure something worthwhile is going to come out of it.
“It feels good to come from a small island like Fiji and to make a mark on the music scene in New Zealand and now to do a bit in India.
“From what I gather I will get to see playback singers perform, which will be a huge experience in itself.”
Kavinesh first developed an interest in music at an early age when he accompanied the family to church in Lautoka, where his dad Kamlesh played the harmonium.
The first break for 18-year-old Kavinesh came two years ago when he rang up radio station Apna 990 to take part in an on-air singing competition, which he won. The presenter then encouraged him to enter the Kaun Banega Superstar competition, and in the first year, he placed among the top 12.
As a result, he gained direct entry into last year’s competition, and the rest is history.
When the Indian Weekender visited Kavinesh at his Papatoetoe home recently, the lad did not hesitate to give a “live performance” there and then for the benefit of this journalist.
Listening to Kavinesh sing a Sonu Nigam number on the keyboard, it is not surprising at all why he was selected “superstar” last year.
New Zealand hasn’t heard the last from this young man who isn’t afraid to tackle the odds. Watch this space.