Nithyasree-the
melody queen is a well known figure and she made her debut into the tamil cine
field through the blockbuster movie "JEANS". It would not be
an exaggeration to say that people get mesmerized when the song' kannodu kanbadhelam'
is on air. A chat with her.
1. When did you
begin your music classes?
Actually I began
to sing when I was about six years old. But I started my proper vocal
classes when I was ten years old. I practice for about six hours
when I was in school, from 5--00 to 8-00 a.m. and 8-00 to 11-00 p.m. At
times it would even extend till 2-00 in the early hours of morning.
So I would say I was very committed from the beginning.
2. How much did
your family members contribute in shaping you as a singer?
When I practice
they point out the mistakes and lot of comments will flow from all over
from everyone. That helped me rectify my mistakes. Nothing was forced
upon me. My grandmother Tmt: T.K.Pattamal was very supportive and is never
strict. She always gives subtle advices like, 'Sing well. Learn
a lot'...........etc...etc....
3. You hail from
a musical back ground. So there is no surprise in you have chosen the
musical field too. .........
No. It is not like
that. I have a lot of cousins. My sister gives concerts. But purely
my hard work and dedication has made me what I am today. If there is a
will, there will be a way.........
4. Which is your
favourite raga?
I enjoy all kinds
of music. In such a case, if asked to specify a raga which one am
I to point out? I would say I like all. To point out a few may be kalyani, sahana,
bairavi......Each one has its own charm and melody.
5. Mostly you
sing songs that have a karnatic base. Why is it so?
After 10 years of
stage experience (vocal) I made my entry into movies. That is the turning point
in my career. Followed by that I was offered songs with carnatic base.
But these days I sing all kind of songs.
6. What is your
opinion on the budding singers in Singapore?
There are lot of
talented singers upcoming in Singapore. They need to improve their
talent. They lack in synchronization. If they can overcome this
shortcoming they have a bright chance.
7. What do you
think about the Singapore fans?
I have been to Singapore
twice. Singaporeans are excellent fans. They are very friendly.
They enjoyed the concert. We had an overwhelming response. They expressed
their views spontaneously.
8. There
is a craze for western music. what do you have got to say on this?
Western music is
more on the lighter side. On contrary, carnatic music is on the heavier
side. If you have to enjoy carnatic music you need to possess deep knowledge
in that field. To put it more precisely, going for a carnatic concert
is like going to a temple and whereas going for a pop music is like going for
a movie. The craze that exists towards western music is temporary.
Interest in the carnatic music will never diminish.
9. Are
you interested in composing?
Definitely.
I have composed many songs. I recently composed for series of devotional
songs 'kuzhal udhum Kannan'.
Thank You Mrs.Nithyasree
Mahadevan.
