The home of Vijay Prakash, playback singer who lent his voice to the song “Jai ho...” in the Oscar - winning film Slum dog Millionaire, is overflowing with joy. The home - grown talent is on a visit to the city, for the first time after he shot into fame.

The stream of visitors to his parental home, located in Bogadi here in Mysore, including kith and kin, friends, admirers, residents in the neighbourhood and even strangers who were keen on getting a glimpse of the overnight VIP, were also part of the happy moments, with Vijay Prakash and his parents L. Ramasheshu and Lopamudra taking centre – stage.

All were greeted with folded hands and broad smile reflecting gratefulness for the courtesy shown to him and his family. Satisfaction for having achieved was writ large all over his face.

Heaven:
"Mysore is my home and hearth. My heart is here always, no matter how tall I grow in the field of art that I have chosen. I left Mysore for Mumbai in search of livelihood. My roots are deep and firm in Mysore, to which I have great attachment. I have only blossomed in Mumbai, but my parents continue to be here. Can I ever take off my mind the school and college in which I studied, my brother with whom I grew up and my friends with whom I played? All I savour are the great moments of my days in the city", Vijay Prakash said, sharing his happy memories with Star of Mysore.

Asked if Mysore had changed, he said: "No, Mysore has remained the same. It should be like what it has been. The city is not under pressures of the metro nor the stresses. Where else can we get the tranquility that we have here?"

"Mysore is witnessing progress. It is also improving. The closeness of relationships among the residents of Mysore is there for all to experience. The bonhomie of the city is indestructible", he went on to say.

Airport:
"An airport is much needed for Mysore. The city is sure to change once the airport is created. It will also progress if the roads are improved. Mysore is certain to grow with tourism and industrial expansion. Let Mysore grow in every way but let it not lose its traditional flavour. Let the City continue to be home to pure air that is so much needed for our lungs", he said.

"I will always cherish the occasion on Saturday in Mumbai in the company of the renowned tabla exponent Zakir Hussain and my guru Suresh Wadkar. It is no small matter that a small artiste like me was honoured in the school of great musicians", Vijay Prakash added.

"There are innumerable memories of Mysore that will remain evergreen in my mind. Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, St. Thomas School in which I studied, JSS College and many more. All are great places. Mysore Masale Dose, Masalapuri sold near Sterling Talkies, the solemnity of Chamundivana, the sweetness of Mysore Pak, and scores of other delicacies continue to captivate my thoughts. It is a heavenly feeling to ride a mobike and go round the city. I can never take away the city off my mind. No other activity is dearer to me than to savour the delicacies of my city. Oh! the hot and fresh Masale Dosa of Gayathri Tiffin Room in Chamundipuram ", he recalled.

"Our home was situated on 17th Cross. From there, I used to go to St. Thomas school on the same road. I used to get a feeling that I was treading a long path from one town to another. But now the feeling is that the world is a small one. We often miss happy moments of life because of our hurry to grow up. That is unfortunate. Let that not happen to anybody.

I have memories that I consider as unforgettable about the discourses by my grandfather Lakshmipathi Bhagavath in Ramalingeshwara Temple, Vidyaranyapuram and also the sweet - meat shop Mandara", he explained with nostalgia.

Courtesy: Star of Mysore