International Indian Icon

Participating in the International Indian Icon competition in 2018 was a life-changing experience and my first taste of live musical competition on a grand stage. At just 12 years old, I embarked on this journey, which began with multiple online rounds where I performed Indian hits like Jai Ho and Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai. These performances earned me a spot in the finals after securing second place at the state level in California. During Thanksgiving, my family and I traveled to Chicago for the finale, hosted in a grand hotel with an elaborate setup. The event was televised live on Zee TV, a major Indian network, adding to the excitement and pressure. For my final performance, I chose Roundtable Rival by Lindsey Stirling, a piece that showcased my violin skills with a contemporary twist. Competing in front of a panel of celebrated Indian musicians, including Arko Mukherjee, was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. The diversity of the competition amazed me—contestants performed everything from Indian classical singing with a harmonium to piano and drums. When I finished my performance, the thunderous applause from the audience and the sight of my parents’ proud smiles filled me with a sense of accomplishment I’ll never forget.

The camaraderie among the participants made the experience even more special. Despite being competitors, we all came together the day before the finale to arrange a group performance. In just one night, we collaborated to create a seamless act, bonding over music and shared excitement. The finale day was grander than I could have imagined, with the mayor joining the judges to witness the extraordinary talent across all categories—Instruments, Dance, Singing, and Acting. As the final prizes were announced, my parents and I sat anxiously until my name was called as the winner of the Instruments section. Hearing them cheer and seeing their joy was the perfect culmination of this unforgettable journey. Being crowned the International Indian Icon in my category was not just a victory but a testament to the hard work, passion, and resilience that music has instilled in me.

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Links: http://3iii2018.internationalindianicon.com/

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