(Image source from: Twitter/Lydian Nadhaswaram Official)

The 13-year-old child prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram from Chennai made a name for himself by winning ‘The World’s Best’ global talent contest, taking home USD 1 million in prize money.

The Chennai teen was favorite to win the contest as soon as his fingers flew over the keys. Lydian spent four years at maestro A.R. Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory and is now tutored by his father Varshan Satish.

He amazed the judges at the contest by playing 280 beats per minute. He then increased his speed to 325 beats per minute.

“This is genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever seen live,” tweeted James Corden, host of the show.

This is genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever seen live. pic.twitter.com/FY5LH6vxfI

— James Corden (@JKCorden) February 8, 2019

Lydian also featured on the Ellen DeGeneres show last week after his appearance on the ‘The World’s Best’ contest.

The teenager, who is home-schooled, told The Hindu that he spends on an average of six hours a day rehearsing music under the guidance of his father Varshan Satish, a music director.

“I listen to music on YouTube and spend time going through music software. Along with my sister, I experiment a lot and we compose our own music,” said Lydian, who can also play blindfolded and handle two pianos at the same time.

Currently, he is investing time on the technical side learning skills such as mixing, sound systems.

His performance has earned him an invite to the Jazz Foundation of America’s annual gala “A Great Night in Harlem” at the Apollo Theatre in New York on April 4.

Lydian says he wants to compose music for Hollywood. “I want to work for an animation film,” he said, adding that he also wants to play the piano on the moon at some point.

Lydian’s father, Varshan, was quoted saying by The Hindu: “Last year, Micheal Novogratz sent Lydian a Steinway grand piano. Now he has invited him to perform at the concert with some musicians.”

His mother Jhansi with pride said that he also plays the guitar, mridangam among other instruments.

                        (Image source from: The Hindu)

On Thursday afternoon, Oscar winner A R Rahman went to Lydian’s house in Saligramam (Chennai) and appreciated him. Lydian has spent four-years training on a full-scholarship at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory under Surojeet Chatterji in the Russian Piano School.

By Sowmya Sangam