You’ve been the backing vocalist for many Rahman compositions. The turning point?
Getting to meet A.R. Rahman was a great moment, but the turning point was when I participated in the SS Music Voice Hunt in Chennai. Music has acquired a new meaning since.
Was Ghajini your first break?
The first big opportunity was doing the backing vocals for Lattoo in Ghajini. Since then I’ve done background scores for Tamil, Hindi films.
How did you chance upon Jab Tak Hain Jaan?
The first full song I recorded for Rahman was for Kadal. Later, he wanted to try out my voice for Jab Tak Hain Jaan and liked it. It just so happened that the music for JTHJ got released before Kadal.
Excited about your song Nenjukulle (Kadal)?
Of course. I haven’t heard the other songs from the film yet, but am eagerly waiting for the audio, just like any A.R. Rahman fan.
How has the tryst with fame been?
Surreal. I can’t say that it has sunk in yet. A.R. Rahman, Mani Ratnam, a Yash Raj production—all seemed to have gone in my favour.
You’re an architect too. Juggling careers?
Both architecture and music challenge me creatively and let me express my visions, albeit through entirely different mediums.
Have you found your song?
No. I don’t think I’ll ever settle on one song.
Do you want a full-fledged rock band?
I do not want to be genre-bound. If I have a full-fledged band of my own, I am not sure if I will call it a rock band.
Who would you like to make music with?
The music scene here has so many talented artists. Benny Dayal and Suvi Suresh have inspired me. I look forward to more collaborations.
Future plans?
Experiment with different sounds and collaborate with various artists. I’d like to record and release my own compositions.
