Musician Sharreth on his 19 years in the reality show industry: People still call me 'Sangathi Sir'

Malayalam music directors are widely praised for their remarkable contributions to music. But here's a composer who not only created beautiful melodies but also made a Malayalam word so iconic that every Malayali instantly associates it with him. Yes, you guessed it right—music director Sharreth and his signature word, 'Sangathi'.
In a candid chat with ETimes, we spoke to the ace music director about his almost two decades long journey in the world of reality shows.
"It was in 2007 that I first received a call to be part of Star Singer. Honestly, I initially declined the offer. But when I learned that the winner would receive a cash prize of ₹40 lakhs, curiosity got the better of me—I wanted to see who that exceptional talent would be," shares the renowned music director.
From the very first season of Star Singer, the musician became an integral part of the show. His signature word, 'Sangathi,' and sharp critiques quickly caught the audience's attention.
"People still call me 'Sangathi Sir.' Just last week, at a petrol bunk, I overheard someone saying, 'Look, there's Sangathi Sir!' I truly enjoy it," Sharreth shares with a smile.
"Sangathi" is a term widely used by musicians to refer to a particular note or variation in music. Perhaps I used it in such a casual, relatable way that it stuck with people. While many appreciate it now, I initially faced criticism as well. I’ve heard remarks like, ‘Who is he, simply munching and making harsh comments?’ But whether then or now, I’ve only ever commented on things I am absolutely sure about. When I point out mistakes, I do it just as I would for my own child," he explains.
After Star Singer, Sharreth went on to be a part of hit shows like Indian Idol and Gandharva Sangeetha, all of which became major successes in Malayalam.
When asked about the secret mantra behind his successful reality shows, the musician shared, "The true success of any reality show lies in its contestants. Star Singer wasn’t a hit because it had Sharreth, MG Sreekumar, and Usha Uthup as judges—the credit goes to talents like Najim Arshad, Thushar, Durga, Amrutha, Sannidhanandan, and many others who made the show memorable."
Talking about the evolution of reality shows, Sharreth shared that he has become more friendly with contestants over the years and that his judging style has also evolved.
"Earlier, I was more critical in my judgments. Even though I cared for each contestant, I was quite strict when it came to evaluations. But now, the contestants feel more like family. They joke with us, making interactions livelier. Reality shows have also become more entertaining, which isn’t a bad thing. I believe they should be a perfect blend of music and fun," he concluded.