Exclusive - There were times when we survived on curd, pickle and Rs 5000 for 2-3 months: SaReGaMaPa winner Renu Kumar on his struggle and second chance with Indian Idol Telugu

Young Renu Kumar Sake from Tirupati took the Telugu music world by surprise with his successful stint in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Telugu in 2018. But life has been more of a war for this young passionate aspirant. Right when life seemed to have taken the right turn after winning the trophy in a prestigious music reality show, his life capsized due to COVID-19.

From surviving with a family of five for months together with peanuts in hand to not being able to send his son to school, Renu had seen it all. But it didn't stop him from chasing his dreams. He is one of the strongest contestants in the ongoing OTT season of Indian Idol Telugu now. Renu has recently grabbed the attention of judges Karthik, special guest Manisharma and also Thaman S, who promised to sponsor the education of his (Renu) son.

In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Renu opens up about his ambitions, struggles and more. Excerpts...

I'm facing a lot more than what I could share on the show. Moreover, I believe people should give me work based on my singing talent and ability rather than my struggles behind the screen.

Everyone has a story and a struggle. There are many who might be facing worse than me. But I shared my struggle on-screen so that people like me from remote parts of the country who are watching the show might understand that we need not give up on our dreams no matter what we go through.

Honestly, I was clueless about how to capitalize on the recognition and exposure that Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Telugu gave me in 2018. I didn't know whom to contact or how to approach for an opportunity. I had no proper guidance, either. I just got back to my place, pooled in some money enough to buy a small house and relied on music programs for income. And COVID-19 turned my world upside down.

There were days when my family survived on Rs. 5000 for nearly 2-3months, eating once a day, having curd and pickles. My fears peaked when my entire family contracted COVID-19. I've somehow survived that phase. I've then decided that earning financial security for my family is my top priority but I will not give up on my ambition to become a singer.

Soon after the lockdown was lifted, I had to start from scratch yet again. I had no option but to sing for Rs. 1000-2000, which I used to before winning Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. I did not get any calls from biggies after winning the show. Rapport with these celebs is usually limited to the sets. Everyone has a life and there are several factors to it, too. They can't be blamed for my situation.

I'm blessed to have an understanding family. My wife, kids and mother, they mean my world. Even my son would ask me for a toy or a snack from the bakery. But when I tell him that dad can't afford it now because he has no work, he would instantly say, "It's okay nanna, neeku programs ochaka konistava? (Will you buy me once you get money from work?)". I believe my kids must have a reality check, they must know the value of hard work and money.

When I got a call for Indian Idol Telugu, I was elated that I got a second chance. I could reach here only with the grooming of our institution and my mentors Sri Sowmya, Tejaswini, Srikanth, Krishna Chaitanya at Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and now the Team of Indian Idol. I'm grateful to Anurag Kulkarni anna, who is my great pillar of strength and motivation.

The encouragement that Sreerama Chandra (Indian Idol Telugu host) Anna gives on stage is unparalleled. He would give tips regarding preparation and presentation. People often tend to misunderstand Thaman sir and troll him. I, too, had a different opinion before getting to see him closer on the show. Discontinuing studies at an early age to shoulder family responsibilities to being one the lead composers in South India now is a highly inspirational journey to me. Not many know about the kind of help he extended to musicians and their families during lockdown. Performing in front of him, Karthik sin and Nitya (Menen) ma'am is a great learning experience.

Today, I'm here away from my family with the only goal to reach the finale surviving the upcoming eviction round. I want to give my 100%, use this exposure and experience to the fullest, make a career here and shift my family to Hyderabad. I want to send my son to school (Class I) again with Thaman sir's financial help and the work I'd get in future.