In conversation with Kalyaani Menon...SRINIVASA RAMANUJAM, TNN, 22 January 2010, 12:00am IST Text Size: | *Topics*:
- *A R Rahman* <http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topics.cms?query=A R Rahman> - *Kalyaani Menon*<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topics.cms?query=Kalyaani Menon> It was a phone call early in the morning that made singer Kalyaani Menon’s day. [image: Kalyaani Menon]<javascript:openslideshownew('/slideshow/5485094.cms?imw=460','541','526')> <javascript:openslideshownew('/slideshow/5485094.cms?imw=460','541','526')> Kalyaani Menon Twitter<http://twitterapi.indiatimes.com/feedtweet/tweet?link=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/In-conversation-with-Kalyaani-Menon/articleshow/5485057.cms&title=In conversation with Kalyaani Menon... - Music - Entertainment - The Times of India> Facebook <javascript:addto(2);> Share <javascript:void(0)> Email<javascript:openWindowmail("/mail/5485057.cms")> Print<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5485057,prtpage-1.cms> Save <javascript:showdivlayer("5485057","b","close");> Comment<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/In-conversation-with-Kalyaani-Menon/articleshow/5485057.cms#write> The call was from music director A R Rahman’s studio, asking her to come over to sing a track. That was quite some time ago, but today, she’s receiving a lot of accolades for that particular track — Omana Penne from the composer’s latest Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya. What’s Hot gets talking to the singer.... How did Omana Penne... happen? I got a call from Rahman’s office. When I met him, he wanted to me to recall some lines relating to Kerala. From memory, I reeled out some lines I knew. He wanted more and then we zeroed on in the right lines. So, you wrote the lyrics? It was from memories of my childhood in Kerala. Rahman then tweaked the lyrics a bit and gave it a shape. Recording for my portion in the track didn’t take a lot of time at all, because he guided me throughout. But, it’s a small portion... Yes it is, but like it is with most of my songs for Rahman, the reaction has been fantastic. It feels really good when your efforts get noticed in most quarters. Sometimes, even if you sing a full song, it might not get noticed. But with me, even a few lines evoke a lot of positive feedback and that pleases me no end. Advice to the younger crop of singers... They’re really talented. It’s interesting how they can deliver any sort of song — be it slow or fast numbers. I feel that aspiring singers should do everything possible to keep their voice intact. If eating or drinking something could hurt a singer’s voice, it should strictly be avoided. A good voice is God’s gift and it’s the duty of the singers to preserve it. ‘Solo’ intention I’ll be most happy if I’m offered a solo song by Rahman. Let’s see if that happens. Currently, I’m singing a song for a Malayalam film. Other than singing... I’m interested in interior decoration and cooking. My husband was in the navy and so, I had to cook a lot for parties in the past. Also, I love fabric painting and animals. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/In-conversation-with-Kalyaani-Menon/articleshow/5485057.cms -- regards, Vithur
