125 songs in just seven hours

CHENNAI: Posing with élan for the photographers, seven-year-old L Srikanth smiles and waves at his parents, who look on proudly. He has set one world record, broken another and entered five different record books.On July 14, Srikanth sang 125 songs for seven continuous hours, surpassing the world record held by a nine-year-old, who sang for five-and-a-half hours. This feat was preceded by a five-minute display to set a record for ‘Most Talents Exhibited’. He simultaneously sang while playing the keyboard and drums, completed a painting and performed a magic trick.Srikanth’s father K Lakshmanan said, “His first performance was when he was three-and-a-half years old. Since then, he has been very interested in singing and asks me to teach him every song that he hears.” Explaining the process running up to the record breaking event, he said, “Srikanth practised for a month beforehand, and sang all the songs from memory. He only had to be reminded of the order.”This feat has attracted the attention of Universal Records, UK and Amazing Kids of New York, who have asked to see videos, so as to honour Srikanth. He has entered the Asia Book of Records, India Book of Records, Limca Book of Records and Vijay Records.Talking about his son’s stint on a popular music reality show, Lakshmanan says, “Being voted most popular singer really gave him a confidence boost and encouraged him to do his best. I have continued to encourage him in everything he does. He is now dabbling with the idea of composing.” Srikanth’s mother, R Vanishree is the one who teaches him the lyrics of all the songs and explains them if he does not understand the meaning.A Class 3 student of Velammal School, Mogappair, Srikanth recently scored 97 per cent, despite all these other distractions. Speaking to the press, he says, “I want to thank my fans for their support. I also want to thank the Inbaraj Shambo Orchestra for helping me achieve this record.” Singing one of his favourite songs Megham Kotattum, the child is in his element, and he thoroughly enjoys the limelight.