“I didn’t grow up in Chennai. Ariyalur was home, and my childhood was filled with village games, transistor radios, and dreams kindled by Doordarshan commentary. But at some point, every big dream finds its way to Chennai, and so did mine.

I came to the city in 2012 with nothing but a suitcase, a book, and the ambition to become an RJ. The transition was anything but glamorous. I made coin box calls, fumbled through unfamiliar bus routes, and navigated a city that didn’t know who I was. But what Chennai gave me was much more than comfort. It gave me people, purpose, and eventually, a platform.

I started experimenting with content, voice, and opinion. Facebook came first, then YouTube. And then came Black Sheep. I kept trying, failing, and trying again. I had communication gaps and countless rejections. But I kept showing up. I became an independent RJ, started talking about cricket, and found my first audience.

The tipping point came during an IPL auction. I uploaded eight videos, hoping something would stick. They did. That was the beginning of a new chapter. That was when CricAnandha became a channel and a voice for cricket lovers like me.

Chennai gave me that voice. Whether it was friends helping me pay rent or strangers pushing me forward, this city held me up when I couldn’t see the path. It sharpened me, shaped me, and gave me the courage to chase a dream.

One of my favourite memories is watching the India vs England Test match at Chepauk in 2016. Seeing a five-wicket haul in person. Watching the crowd explode. That day reminded me why I love the game and why I owe so much to the city that nurtured that love.

Even now, whether I’m in Ariyalur heading to cover the T20 World Cup, my roots are here. In the lanes of Vadapalani, in the coin boxes of 2012, and in every late-night edit that went live hoping to be heard.

Chennai gave me everything. I’ll always say that with pride. And if someone out there is dreaming from a small town, wondering if their voice matters – it does. You just have to show up.”