'Indian Idol 9' winner LV Revanth on how he won the title despite his poor Hindi

LV Revanth

Hyderabad-based playback singer LV Revanth's Indian Idol victory can be summarised in a pithy sentence - a contestant with little command over Hindi emerges winner. While the 27-year-old acknowledges the challenge he endured, he nonchalantly says, "But music has no language. Now [that I have bagged the title], everything is clear."

Revanth took home the coveted trophy on Sunday, beating co-contestant Khuda Baksh and PVNS Rohit, to win the ninth season of the music reality show. His victory has paved the way for aspiring singers from South, who, like him, wish to make a name in Bollywood.

"If I knew Hindi, it would have been better (for me). But music is a pure language. Without knowing Hindi, maine pure Hindustan ke dil mein jagah bana di. I took it up as a challenge and proved that even without learning Hindi, I could win. I'd translate the songs into Telugu and then sing them, before finally learning the Hindi version."

For Revanth, the manner in which a singer performs is as important as the delivery. "When I hold the mic, I transform into a different person. I can sense a lot of energy in the way I perform, which, I believe is what touches people's hearts. (I questioned my place in the team) each and every day, but I knew my voice and performance would pull me through."

To gain a toehold in B-Town, Revanth intends to first perfect Hindi in three to six months. But in an industry where revered artistes lament a singer's short career span, one wonders how this new addition will make his mark. "From the beginning, I was raised with good ethics. I will never forget my roots. I am not choosy and want to work with every director and actor. Since I understand the value of the rupee, I make the most of every opportunity that comes my way, without asking too many questions. One's ethics decide how long they sustain."

Throughout his journey, Revanth's claim to fame was his vocal admiration for every actress, who featured on the show as guest judge. Who does he like best? "Every heroine, because all of them liked the way I flirted."