Auckland recently witnessed a night of extraordinary musical brilliance as The Siyer Experience made its much-anticipated debut in the city. Acclaimed Indo-Australian singer, composer, and GRAMMY®-considered artist Siyer (a.k.a. Shriram Iyer) delivered an unforgettable performance that mesmerized the audience and left a lasting impression on everyone present.

The evening opened with a powerful set of nostalgic Bollywood classics. Siyer paid homage to the golden voice of Udit Narayan by performing crowd favorites like “Udd Ja Kaale Kaawan” from Gadar and the soulful “Mitwa” from Lagaan. His vocal finesse, coupled with a deeply emotive style, instantly connected with the audience, setting the tone for an immersive musical journey.

Siyer then moved on to pay a rich and heartfelt tribute to India’s musical maestro, A.R. Rahman. Numbers like the pulsating “Humma Humma” had the crowd tapping their feet and singing along, celebrating Rahman’s groundbreaking contributions to Indian music through Siyer’s dynamic interpretations.

Joining Siyer on stage was the immensely talented Arpita Chanda, who flew in from Melbourne to be part of the concert. Her captivating renditions of “Dil Hai Chota Sa” from Roja and “Barso Re” from Guru brought a refreshing energy to the evening. Arpita’s expressive voice and stage presence shone in her solo segments, but it was the duets with Siyer that truly stood out, their chemistry and harmonies creating magical moments that left the audience wanting more.
Another highlight of the evening was the performance by Sunil Das, who brought the timeless magic of Mohammed Rafi to life with two evocative renditions: “Ek Haseen Shaam Ko” and the charming “Accha Ji Main Haari”. His voice, rich in nostalgia and warmth, was a delightful throwback to the golden era of Hindi cinema.

A particularly special segment was Siyer’s collaboration with Auckland’s own musical treasure, Hemant Thaker, who accompanied him on the piano. Together, they delivered a soul-stirring acoustic set that showcased some of Siyer’s original compositions. One of the standout moments was “Nindiya”, a tender lullaby written for Mother’s Day, which had been in consideration for a GRAMMY® nomination in 2023. The raw emotion and intricate melody of the piece held the audience in rapt silence, a testament to Siyer’s prowess not just as a performer, but also as a composer and lyricist.

Shikha Sethia also wowed the audience with her beautiful rendition of Snehidane / Chupke Se ensuring that AR Rahman’s music was done justice to.

The Siyer Experience boasted a talented and dynamic musical team that brought a rich blend of sounds and rhythms to their performances. Hemant Thaker on keyboards seamlessly wove melodic layers, while Araad on rhythm kept the energy pulsating with the driving beats. Everard on bass provided a deep, soulful groove that anchored their sound, complemented by Don’sskillful guitar work which added texture and flair. Mihir also contributed on keyboards, enhancing the harmonic complexity, while Navneel elevated the ensemble with traditional percussion on Tabla, Dholak, and other instruments, infusing their music with vibrant, indigenous rhythms. Together, this ensemble created an engaging and soulful musical experience that resonated with diverse audiences.

The concert’s energy peaked when Siyer launched into “Breathless” by Shankar Mahadevan. His awe-inspiring rendition of the iconic song, performed flawlessly without a pause, had the audience clapping rhythmically in admiration. It was a moment that captured the essence of the Siyer Experience—musical excellence, passion, and audience connection all wrapped into one.
“One of the most iconic elements of the concert was the thrilling and spectacular dance performance by V4U entertainment, led by the inimitable Viraf Todywalla and his team that paid tribute to A R Rehman in a performance called Toofan. It made for a scintillating experience.

There was also a beautiful and auspicious dance to commence the concert by the Vathsala Dance School that invoked Lord Ganesha and set the scene for what followed.”
The evening was seamlessly hosted by the dynamic duo RJ Neha and Kritika, who kept the audience engaged with their charm, energy, and well-timed interactions. Their presence ensured that the concert flowed smoothly, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

Beyond the music, the event also carried a noble purpose—it raised funds for the Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam project, an initiative close to the hearts of many in the local Indian community. The fusion of entertainment with philanthropy added a deeper dimension to the concert, making it both a cultural and humanitarian success.
With its perfect blend of nostalgia, original music, world-class talent, and community spirit, The Siyer Experience in Auckland was not just a concert—it was a celebration of Indian music and identity. The audience walked away not only entertained but deeply moved, already hoping for Siyer’s return to New Zealand.Tin Bureau