Music and the show helped me overcome my fears and anxiety: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Telugu 13 finalist Pragna Nayani

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Telugu season 13 is inching close to its grand finale. Pragna Nayani, a 25-year-old young talent from Mahabubnagar, proved yet again that marriage is not a limitation for a true aspirant and married women are not meant for the kitchen alone. With big dreams in her eyes and the support of her family, this Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Telugu 13 finalist is prepping up for her final test in the season. In a candid chat with ETimes TV, this B. Pharm graduate opened up about her interest in music, bigger challenges she faced during this musical journey and much more.

It was indeed my mom's dream to be a singer. So, she was compelled into training in music. A friend sent me the audition link for the show. I never thought I would crack the auditions but here I am in the finale. My mom, in fact, cried over my shoulder when she first came to terms with the fact that I made into the finale.

My 'Preminche Premava...' performance earned me fame and also comparison with the great Shreya Ghoshal. It was in fact very tough to handle. They are calling me 'Junior Sunitha' and performing in front of her (in one of those episodes) was indeed very special.

Everyone back home is very supportive. I was never made to feel like a typical married woman. Just like my parents, my husband and in-laws were like 'leave everything, forget about these typical wifey things and just focus on the show'. My husband and father are getting calls appreciating their encouragement for me.

Overcoming my anxiety was the biggest challenge in this journey. I didn't come out all these years due to anxiety. In my case, beyond competition with other contestants, I feel I have a bigger battle with my fears and anxiety because it used to affect my hard work. I used to cry a lot before my performances. I used to take a break, go to the washroom, cry for sometime and relax and then get back to the performance.

Not everyone understands anxiety. Many had no clue why I was crying. They were like she's crawling up the performance chart. What is this girl crying for? Some thought I was doing it purposefully to gain sympathy.

I really had a tough time on the set. But, right from my vocal trainers to mentors and judges, the entire team of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, my family and everyone pushed me to overcome my fears and give my best. I'm forever indebted to them.

There is a song for every mood. Ilaiyaraja Garu's songs set my mood. Everytime I feel low and quit, I would imagine what pain these great composers and musicians went through in creating such masterpieces. It inspires me to push myself to try something.

It will be a bumpy ride initially. But performing in front of such a stage like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is worth all the pain and struggle. If you are talented and hardworking, you might see success someday. If you have anxiety, please find a way to handle it and work towards realising your dreams.

I regret wasting all these years. I should start training in music as soon as the show ends.