He had dreams of meeting music legend AR Rahman at a young age, in 2012, Aryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam better known as ADK, had more than he wished for when given an opportunity to showcase his talent with the song Magudi for the movie Kadal, Lingaa (2014) and OK Kanmani last year.

"Do music for the love and not fame"-ADK

The rapper who is as humble as the legend he works with, never fails to respond to fan or writer’s messages on social media, has this year entertained us again in two songs for the movie Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiyada.

At what age did your love for music start?

I personally think each and everyone is born with a liking for music. No one in the world won’t like music or the sound of nature. I would say took a bit of time, to realize my love for music. At the age of 12, I fell in love with songs from the movie Kadhalan. A special liking for upbeat and fast music grew after the listening to the song Urvasi. I knew for sure I wanted to do music at the age 24, that was when it all began.

How did you first do it, did you write?

I did not at the beginning. In 2004, I reached a popular Sri Lankan artist, I was given the opportunity to sing a song written by Krishan Maheson. The first song I wrote was ‘Nam oru marene poi’. A hit in Sri Lanka.

A first music instrument?

First music instrument I thought I could play was keyboard, I was actually forced to go for classes at the age of 9 and eventually lost interest. When I felt I wanted to do take it up, I had to move to India. The interest slowly disappeared.

What was the best moments in your music journey? 

Best moment in my career was when I got a call from AR Rahman sir.  Most unforgettable, I’ve worked so hard for it. I’m just so glad got to work with him.

Was it tough when, where you started?

When I started it felt easy because I didn’t know what it was, but I was put into a lot of situation with humiliation because I didn’t know, it was pretty hard. I then realised that I have to specialize, chose rap and decided to master it. I’m still doing it today, no one can be a master, it is a continuous process of learning.

The toughest points and how you overcame it?

I make sure I overcome any major issues. Nothing is permanent, so rather than sitting in a corner and worry, get up and solve it. All you have to do is give yourself 5 minutes, think how you can overcome the problem and do it. In 2008, when I first came to Malaysia, with another friend, I was backstabbed, when into a very bad situation, lost money, songs, records and went back to Sri Lanka empty. At that point I decided that I should not stop there. I did not want to be a loser. I then made the song Surangani, it changed my life and now here I am. All I tell myself is that If it is a big problem, I should not leave it and will overcome.

You’ve worked with some amazing individuals, AR sir, Gautham sir, share with us your experience…

Working with Rahman sir is a blessing not experience. You feel refresh every time. Hi aura is such that no bad thoughts can even come close to him. He has so much good energy, once you meet him you will at least want to be a good human being, Gautham Menon sir is such a great human being. He does not think he is big. He is the most honest humble human being. I remember walking into a studio he was in, he hugged me when I entered and said I did a good job. Working on Showkali is a big blessing, a second song in the same movie after Thalipogathey.

Your advice to young aspiring artist?

I don’t have an advice, but a small thought. Before you decide on what you want to be, spend 10 minutes to ask yourself a few questions. First if you will u b able to do it, second are you really doing it for the love of music or fame? If you really want to pursue a career in music, ask yourself this, and always be true to what you do.

What is happening next?

ADK Sri Rascol debut is happening on June 25, followed by the launching of Iraivan vs Asuran, and AYM support track on the same day 

What do you love best about Malaysia?

I love Malaysia, equally as I love Sri Lanka. I love the culture, food, people, humanity, patriotism, respect for the national flag and especially the fans. I have never seen such loving caring fans any where else. I love everything about the country and am looking forward to come over for the press conference on June 25^th. I am also blessed to work with Malaysian Sri Rascol, he is going big.