Singer Chinmayi Sripada is thankful to legendary composer, singer and song-writer A.R. Rahman for getting her big break in the the southern film industry and calls him her mentor. Now her goal is to make it big in Bollywood. "Of course, Rahman sir is my godfather. He gave me my first break at the age of 15. I sung a song for him in 'Kannathil Muthamittal' and won many awards for that song. Since then I have been singing for him including 'Raanjhanaa'," Chinmayi told IANS. "In south, I have been doing really well. Now I want to make a mark in Hindi as well. I would say even Vishal (Dadlani) sir has been my mentor who is guiding me," she added.

She has sung songs for Bollywood films like "Tere Bina" in "Guru", but hogged the limelight for singing "Titli" song in "Chennai Express". She said: "It's surprising why it didn't click for me in Mumbai. May be because of the sensibility disconnect or geographical mind block. Everybody was asking where was I hiding all this while... I want to say I am here only and want to work as much as I can. I want to grow as an artist."