This talented young lady was originally from Spring Village, Valsayn. She started singing in her primary school, Spring Village Hindu, and led her school choir in Bal Vikas competitions from age seven. She refined her skills from age nine under the tutorship of Sri Rajan Seemungal.
He was quite influential in making her the success she became in the music world. Her training took a different form when she transitioned from Bhajans and Kirtans to Raagas and more into the classical form of music. Along with her uncle and brother she continued to sing with Sri Rajan in temples and at Ramayans and Satsanghs all over Trinidad.
On her transfer to Lakshmi Girls Hindu College, she also led the choir and represented the school in national Sanskritic Sangam. She made her school proud when she brought home many challenged trophies. Her school choir also made a guest appearance on the talent show, Ricki Ticki and other television features.
At fifteen, Vidya performed for the first time at the preliminary round of Mastana Bahar, the most prestigious talent competition in Trinidad. She was a proud first place winner. She then went on to the semi-final round where she again placed first. It was at that performance, Mr. Teddy Bissambhar approached her to join his D. Rampersad’s Indian Art Orchestra. Alas, her dream of following in the footsteps of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar was becoming a reality.
Vidya graduated from Lakshmi Girls’ College in 1993 with distinction and a full certificate. In December of that year she competed in the finals of Mastana Bahar where she placed fourth. From then on she appeared in Rafi’s Mother’s Day show and many other occasions.
Vidya has had the opportunity to perform with many famous and renowned artistes. One was Nitin Mukesh, son of Mukesh Chandmatur, and Devindra Pooran of Guyana. She sang melodious duets with many local artistes such as Indar Kanhai, Anil Bissambhar, Ras Nancoo Singh, his sons Andy and Ian Singh, Renee Ramnarine, Sona d Jeweller, and Ricky Jai. She also utilized her talent to voice many successful ads for food products.
She made her international debut with Indian Art Orchestra in Mississauga, Canada and was a great hit. She toured Canada a second time and then continued to New York and Miami. Vidya now resides in Miami, Florida with her husband Yudesh and their children Vishan and Anjali. She continues to perform at shows and religious occasions with Neil Persad and the Florida Melody Makers and other visiting bands. She also practises her talented melodious voice by singing to her children to upkeep her talent.
