19-year-old Nazeeruddin Shaik from AP wins Telugu Indian Idol Season 3

Hyderabad: A 19-year-old Nazeeruddin Shaik from Andhra Pradesh won the Telugu Indian Idol Season 3 title, which was streamed on Aha streaming channel.

His performances throughout the competition earned him both the prestigious title and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs. Anirudh Suswaram secured second place, winning Rs 3 lakhs, while GV Shri Kerthi claimed third place with a prize of Rs 2 lakhs.

Shaik who has cleared his CA intermediate examinations has received the opportunity to lend his voice to the upcoming film OG, starring Pawan Kalyan.

A native of Tadepalligudem, Shaik’s father is a motor mechanic. His sister, Vahida Rehman, has stepped in to support him after their mother's passing. He completed his schooling at Vignana Vikas EM School and continued his education at GSR EM School.

Nazeeruddin’s musical journey has been profoundly shaped by his maternal grandparents, Kasim Saheb and Fatima Bee. His maternal grandmother, a Carnatic music guru, played a pivotal role in cultivating his talent. Growing up listening to the iconic songs of Ghantasala ignited his dedication to music.

Speaking about his win, Nazeeruddin said, “My journey with music began when I was just four years old. It was my grandfather, Kasim garu, and his sister whom I affectionately call Nani, who introduced me to this world. She enrolled me in Carnatic music lessons, while my grandfather taught me the nuances of cinematic music. Having sung for Ghantasala garu, his admiration for him has never wavered. For 47 years, he has honoured Ghantasala's memory by observing his death anniversary in our village, Tadepalligudem. Thanks to my grandfather's efforts, a statue of Ghantasala garu stands in our village.”

“Winning the title of Telugu Indian Idol Season 3 is a key milestone for me. Performing in front of Thaman sir, Geetha Madhuri ma’am, and Karthik sir was an honour. Their feedback, along with lessons from my fellow contestants, has shaped my growth as a singer. Moving forward, I aim to be a leading musician in the industry while pursuing a career in finance,” he added.