Thivan Sreetharan, a self-made artist from Malaysia, breaks barriers with his international music release and acting triumphs.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition: The Rise of Thivan Sreetharan
Imagine a boy born in Klang, Malaysia, with no ambition, no clear direction, and an innate shyness that would make even the simplest social interaction a daunting challenge. Fast forward to today, and this boy, now an established actor, singer, songwriter, and indie artist, is about to break through the music industry on an international scale. Thivan Sreetharan’s journey to success is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and belief in oneself. His breakthrough? Becoming the first Malaysian Indian artist to release an independent Tamil song through one of the biggest music labels in India, SaReGaMa Tamil.
Thivan’s journey began with uncertainty and self-doubt. He was an introvert, hesitant to perform in front of even a small group. From 2019 to 2025, he slowly began to peel back the layers of his self-imposed limitations. Thivan’s path wasn’t linear, nor was it easy. Yet his unwavering dedication has led him to the precipice of an international career. The upcoming release of his song Last Bencher represents not just a musical achievement, but the culmination of years of hard work, overcoming personal and professional challenges, and his commitment to pushing beyond the boundaries of what others expected from him.
The Struggles and Triumphs Along the Way
It all started in 2019, when Thivan had a dream that would change his life. In the dream, God showed him that to make a song, one must first hum a tune and write lyrics. Although Thivan had no musical training, he began composing melodies and writing lyrics. At first, he shared his creations with schoolmates, receiving encouraging feedback. Despite this early validation, the road ahead was anything but smooth.
In 2020, Thivan began posting cover songs online. However, instead of praise, he was met with harsh criticism and online trolling. The experience was devastating, but rather than give up, Thivan took it as fuel to improve. He sought out formal training in Carnatic and contemporary music, determined to master his craft and one day release his own original song.
Thivan’s journey was marked by rejection and disappointment. He entered numerous competitions, faced countless humiliations, and was even cheated by producers. Yet, he never wavered. He continued to hone his craft and eventually started gaining recognition on the stage. While he faced many setbacks, including finishing in last place in some competitions, his passion for music remained unshaken. He slowly built his confidence, determined to make his dream a reality.
A Diversified Career: From Acting to Music
While music remained Thivan’s ultimate goal, fate had other plans. In 2022, a casting director encouraged him to audition for an acting competition. Though initially uninterested, Thivan submitted his video, and much to his surprise, he won. His acting skills garnered praise, opening new doors in a field he hadn’t originally pursued. Thivan landed his first commercial acting role, followed by a series of successful acting gigs, including recognition from Kollywood actors like Arya.
Despite this new success, Thivan never lost sight of his first love, music. He continued to participate in auditions, but with no guarantees of success. He took on various roles, even working behind the camera as a crew member and assistant director. All the while, the dream of releasing his own song remained at the forefront of his mind.
In 2023, after years of waiting and numerous rejections, Thivan received his breakthrough. He was offered a small role in a feature film. His passion was so evident that he refused payment, asking only for a larger role in the next project. The director, impressed by his dedication, gave him a three-minute role, which eventually led to a major role in a television series. The performance, where Thivan delivered a seven-minute monologue, earned him widespread acclaim, and his recognition as an actor skyrocketed.
Despite the success in acting, Thivan’s journey in music had not yet reached its peak. In 2024, he finally decided to take matters into his own hands. Using his savings and the support of his loved ones, he founded his own production company and began working on his long-awaited song. The result? Last Bencher, the first independent Malaysian Tamil song to be released through SaReGaMa Tamil India, marking a historic moment in both his career and the Malaysian music scene.
Breaking Barriers with Last Bencher
In 2025, Thivan’s long-awaited musical dream came to fruition with the release of Last Bencher. As the first independent Tamil song by a Malaysian artist to be launched under SaReGaMa Tamil India, this track marks a significant cultural and professional milestone. The project is a cross-border collaboration, with Malaysian producer Shane Extreme arranging the music, and Indian artists such as Joseph Vijay (acoustic & bass) and Suresh Permal (mixing and mastering) contributing their expertise.
The music video, directed by Govind Singh (who gave Thivan his first acting opportunity), will be showcased globally, with the poster even lighting up Times Square in New York—a powerful symbol of Thivan’s rise to international recognition.
Through Last Bencher, Thivan has broken barriers for both the Malaysian Tamil community and aspiring artists worldwide, proving that perseverance and passion can turn dreams into global reality.
Thivan Sreetharan: A Story of Resilience and Passion
Thivan’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering belief in his dreams. He’s faced numerous obstacles, from a lack of initial talent to harsh criticism and financial struggles. However, he has always persevered, using each setback as an opportunity to grow stronger. His story proves that no matter where you start, or how many obstacles stand in your way, you can achieve greatness with hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of your passion.
Thivan Sreetharan is more than just a rising star in the entertainment industry. He is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced doubt or adversity. Through his journey, he shows us that success is not a straight path, but a winding road filled with challenges that are meant to be overcome.
Klang to Kollywood: Thivan’s Cultural Milestone
Thivan’s breakthrough with Last Bencher represents not just a personal achievement but a cultural milestone for Malaysia. By being the first Malaysian Indian artist to release an independent Tamil song through SaReGaMa Tamil India, Thivan has proven that it’s possible to take the Malaysian music scene to an international level. He is now a symbol of perseverance, proving that with passion and determination, barriers can be broken, and dreams can become a global reality.
The Future Looks Bright for Thivan Sreetharan
Looking ahead, Thivan is focused on making his mark not only in the music industry but also in the world of acting. He is dedicated to continuing his journey, working on more music projects, and pursuing new acting opportunities. With his passion and determination, there’s no doubt that Thivan will continue to break barriers and inspire others to follow their dreams.
Stay tuned for the release of Last Bencher and follow Thivan Sreetharan on his journey as he continues to break barriers and redefine success in the global music and entertainment industry.
Follow Thivan on Instagram: @thivansreetharan
Follow Thivan on TikTok: @thivansreetharan
Song Credits
- Melody Composer | Vocal | Lyrics | Arrangements: Thivan Sreetharan
- Music Arranged by: Shane Extreme (Malaysia)
- Flute: Kuzhal Kesavan
- Violin: Sriram
- Acoustic & Bass: Joseph Vijay (India)
- Mixing & Mastering: Suresh Permal (India)
Music Video Credits
- Starring: Chandhine Kaur
- Director: Govind Singh
- DOP: Veknesuaran Thiagarajan
- Editor & Conformist: Kevin Manickam
- VFX: Aadit Maran (India)
- Colorist: Kowshik KS (India)
- Art Director / Production Designer: Kishenprashanth Sathiavelu
- Choreographer: M.S. Vemal
- Makeup Artists (MUA): R. Gunavathy
- Stylist: Sai Geerthanjaly
- Wardrobe: Priya Sundram