By Papri Das

In midst of cracking million dollar deals, managing multiple hundreds of employees and running companies, executives seldom get the opportunity to explore their other talents.

Sometimes, it?s the designation that holds them back from flaunting their talents; say in a party or when engaging in some team building activity. But when that opportunity comes in the shape of saving many lives, there really isn?t any reason to hesitate. Same goes for the many CEOs who participated in a singing show.
The 12th edition of Genesis Foundation?s fundraiser activity saw 11 business leaders letting go of their inhibitions and picking up the mic -- not to give an inspiring lecture on business but to sing songs!
?It was amazing to see such eminent personalities from the business world come together for a cause and not only do it for charity but enjoy themselves in the process,? says Genesis Foundation founding trustee Prema Sagar.

Genesis Foundation is a celebrated non-profit organisation that  provides financial support for life-saving and life-changing medical intervention for critically under-privileged children in areas of cancer, cardiac disorder, post organ transplant medication, thalassemia and extreme deformities.
?The idea was to organise fundraising activities that the participants could get involved in more spontaneously, and would also create a lively atmosphere for the kids. And what would work better than singing?? says Sagar adding that since the inception, they have received rave reviews from both the CEOs and the audiences, which in turn has helped them raise funds efficiently.
?I am glad that our efforts are bringing smiles on their faces and giving them a better life,? says Rhythm House MD Mehmood Curmally, who has been a participant four to five times already, with the latest one being in Mumbai, earlier this month.

?I always had a thing for singing and after performing at the fundraisers I have found out how passionate I am about it. In fact, I am taking vocal training classes these days,? shares Culmally, admitting that he and his fellow participants took the competition way too seriously before the ranking system was pulled out.

?I still take it seriously and make it a point to practice properly before getting on the stage. I try to squeeze in time between lunch, in cars and after work hours at night to give my best performance,? says the CEO who did a cover of Hallelujah for his solo round and Phantom Of The Opera as duet with his friend.
Trinity Vintners CEO Ashwin Deo who rendered his version of the song Ek Ektara from Wake Up Sid, also feels that he prefers the current format way better than when it used to be a competition. ?I had been involved with the event ever since its inception eight years back. I definitely feel that the competition format wasn?t healthy for something with a purpose like this,? says the dynamic CEO. ?I am looking forward to participating in the Delhi chapter of the fundraiser in July,? signs off Deo.