Rahul Sridhar

“Chennai-origin multi-instrumentalist Rahul Sridhar’s music video for the Tamil song “Thedi Thedi” is a dive into slickly-produced, philosophical and metaphorical storytelling…”
ROLLING STONES INDIA

I, Sai (concept album)

Rahul Sridhar’s debut concept album traverses the journey of a happy-go-lucky person with the question “Who am I?”. While reminiscing about his past, he starts looking for absolute truths that would transcend all transient happiness and misery, and eventually finds everything he needs in music. The protagonist’s story is linearly narrated via 6 tracks set in different genres catering to different emotions he experiences.

“Thedi Thedi“, the 4th song in the storyline, was the first single to be released on Jun 22, 2023, with the music video winning in indie festivals such as Kalakari and GIFFI. This song comes at a crucial juncture for the protagonist, capturing his dichotomous quest in the physical & metaphysical worlds.

STREAM THE ALBUM HERE

I, Sai – Gallery

Credits: Pooja Sreenivasan (album art), Maanishadha Films (video), Nilanjan Chowdhury (posters)

I, Sai – Official Music Videos

About

Who am I?

Rahul Sridhar is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. As a well-trained Indian classical singer, drummer, percussionist, and guitarist, he has performed in hundreds of concerts in India and the US. He has also performed with renowned musicians such as K. S. Chithra, Chinmayi Sripada, Sathyaprakash, Abby V, Amit Trivedi, Amit Mishra, Jyotica Tangri, Yazin Nizar, and Phani Narayana.
How did it start?

His musical journey started in Chennai with the Mridangam and drums. Exploring Indian vocals opened the doors to numerous stage performances, and as the drummer of the Tamil rock band, “Muttu Sandhu”, he has opened concerts for Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Devi Sri Prasad. He also cleared the Grade 8 Certificate Exam in Drum Kit from the Trinity College of Music, London, and was a finalist in Raj TV’s talent show for singers, “Raja Geetham”. While working in the US, he honed his skills in Hindustani vocals and the guitar.
Musical influences

His influences span film, Indian classical, western, and indie music from A.R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraaja, Vidyasagar, U. Srinivas, Rashid Khan, Bombay Jayashri, Led Zeppelin, Jacob Collier, Snarky Puppy, Thaikkudam Bridge, Agam, Coke Studio, and many more.

Three songs for a lifetime
What now?

His passion for music, and curiosity in non-dual Indian philosophies that deal with the existential question – “Who am I?”, have culminated in his debut concept album – “I, Sai”, which traverses the journey of a person looking for absolute truths that transcend all transient happiness and misery, and eventually finds everything he needs in music. He hopes to craft musical narratives that engage and inspire.