Shankar Mahadevan gets a song as B’day gift

[LC Devil]

Very few know that singer Shankar Mahadevan, who is a part of the terrific trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, is also a part of the fabulous 30-year-old band called Shakti that boasts of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and famed guitarist John McLaughlin.

On his birthday this year, Mahadevan received a most perfect present - his friend McLaughlin gifted him a song called “The voice” and flew to Mumbai to be with him on the special day.

For Mahadevan it’s one of the biggest honours he’s received.

“He flew down especially for my birthday. There are certain people, the minute you meet them, you know they are great and John is one of them,” said Mahadevan.

The duo have been a part of the fusion group for a long time and have performed more than 150 shows all over the world.

“I knew his birthday was approaching and thought of the song,” said McLaughlin. “I write for people I admire and love and Shankar is one of them. To me Shankar is THE voice. I was talking to Zakir Hussain about my desire to get a vocalist for Shakti. He suggested Shankar, who sent me a CD. Three minutes after listening to it, I called him.”

It was a great birthday for a great singer!