An incredible journey: Nithyashree

* Article today in chennai edition of the hindu😊*

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/an-incredible-journey-nithyashree/article7643761.ece

An incredible journey: Nithyashree

Nithyashree Venkataramanan, who was just declared runner-up of Indian Idol Junior 2015 at the recently concluded grand finale of the show, cannot wait to come back to the city to her friends and teachers.

A class XII student of SBOA School and Junior College, Nithyashree lost to Ananya Nanda from Odisha.

Though disappointed, she says her journey was incredible.

"A lot of people have appreciated my work and consider me a winner. I had so many heart-warming moments. During the audition round itself, music director Salim Merchant took my number, and I hope to work with him in the future. Also, when Shruti Haasan was a guest at the show, we performed together," says Nithyashree, the only participant from Tamil Nadu.

For her, singing Hindi songs was one of the biggest challenges.

"I am quick with grasping the tune. Twenty minutes of that and I would start mugging up the lyrics. I would then watch the video of the song to understand the emotion. People helped me understand the meaning of the words. But I am glad I learnt a language that will help me in the future."

However, now that all the madness is over, she plans to prepare for the Board examinations. "My school has been extremely supportive, even in getting votes. Class XII is a milestone year for any student and I will have to catch up on lessons. I have so far managed both singing and studies well. Right now, my focus is on performing well in the board exams."