Be it crooning for a film or rendering a classy Carnatic raaga, Unnikrishnan
is completely at ease. Ask him how he got into the film industry and
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Unnikrishnan. (TOI Photo)
he says that playback singing was accidental.It was Rajiv Menon who recommended my name to A R Rahman. After listening to my CD, he gave me an opportunity," he says. Unnikrishnan made history when his songs Ennavalae... in Kaadalan along with Uyirum Neeye in the movie Pavitra won him a National Award. Despite having sung over 1,000 film songs, he still cherishes Carnatic music. "Though Carnatic music requires tremendous practice and dedication, there is a lot of creativity involved. It provides an opportunity to show your creative prowess on the spot, in the form of manodharma. It is a major challenge but at the same time, gives you the biggest satisfaction," he says. Ask him to what bani or style he belongs and he says, "Style is not planned. After learning for several years and listening to different genres of music, a particular style evolves." Unnikrishnan is also known for his stunning kurtha-pyjamas in dashing hues. Is it part of his style? "I like kurthas and traditionally, singers have been wearing it. But my wife is responsible for the collection in my wardrobe," he chuckles. So, is there any particular raaga that appeals to the musician? "It changes from season to season. At present, it is Nalinakanthi. It has a lot of emotional appeal and can be sung in a lighter as well as in a classical way. The progression of notes is very smooth and the sounds are very soothing," he explains. Though he has sung a remix of Paattum naane... for an album, he is yet to sing a remix for films. Why is it so? "I am not against remixes, but it's just that it has not happened so far," he says. His songs have been known to be melodious. Do kuthu songs interest him? He says that singing a kuthu song is no joke. "It needs a different accent, different attitude and punch. But I don't think some people will call me to sing a kuthupattu as they identify me more with classical singing," he says. Of late, he has been part of two reality shows. What prompted him to take the avatar of a judge? He clarifies that primarily, it was due to compulsion from the television channels. "Not only me, the entire team of judges did not want to hurt any one and the shows are very healthy. There is a lot of amazing talent," he says. Ask him why such winners are not making it to playback singing, he says that stage singing and playback singing require different skill sets. "A winner on stage may not be that good inside the studio and vice-versa," he says. So, besides adjudging the show, what are his new projects? "I am just back after a fusion concert with Eli Yamin's jazz band. Next month, I am doing a fusion concert in Hyderabad with Anil Srinivasan on the piano and Purushothaman on the ganjira." On the general complaint that the traditional audience does not like fusion concerts, he says that an audience cannot expect the same classical numbers in a fusion concert. "If they come with an open mind, they are sure to enjoy. Singing classical music to the background of western instruments is a challenge and will be a treat for the audience. In fusion, it is more of contemporary classical music." Everyone knows that he was a top order batsman and a wicketkeeper in the Tamil Nadu Senior Division League. But not many know that he was offered meaty roles in films by directors Vasanth, Bharathiraja and the late Jeeva. Does he plan to start a new innings in acting? "Never," he says. "I am not cut out to be an actor." But is he ready to reveal the secret behind his youthful soft boy image? "Music keeps me young," he concludes. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Music_keeps_me_young_/articleshow/3813819.cms -- regards, Vithur
