With the peppy number Tudakkam Maangalayam..., in Anjali Menon’s Bangalore Days topping the music charts, Divya S Menon, the singer who crooned alongside Vijay Yesudas and Sachin Warrier, is over the moon. For Divya, who made a debut in Thattathin Marayathu singing the melodious title track Anuraagathin Velayil, this was a much-needed break.
“I am extremely grateful to music director Gopi Sundar for having given me this opportunity,” says Divya. She adds that though she has been in the scene for a few years, it was Bangalore Days that finally gave her the tag of a playback singer.
“It was my much-needed boost. Being a part of such a big budget venture that boasts a talented cast and crew is in itself very encouraging,” says Divya.
She credits music director Gopi Sundar for everything. “If Gopi had not taken me into confidence, this wouldn’t have happened. For any singer to make a mark, the music director should believe in the singer first. Besides, the song was used in promotions, so definitely it would have been risky. I consider myself fortunate for having got the opportunity,” says Divya.
The singer who stepped into the field rendering a melody Poonkuyile... in Vineeth Sreenivasan’s famous music album ‘Coffee @MG Road’ says she was spotted by music director Shaan Rahman.
“He got in touch with me after he saw me perform in a channel’s show and invited me to sing Poonkuyile.. for the album. Thus started my journey in playback singing,” says Divya.
Shaan gave her a song in Thattathin Marayathu. “It was the title track in the movie,” she says. This was followed by her part in choir in Emmanuel, the music of which was composed by Afsal Yousuf, in ‘Salala Mobiles’ and the recently-released ‘God’s Own Country’.
“I was introduced to Gopi Sundar while I was doing the track for a song in Sound Thoma and he promised me that he would call me. It was then that ‘Bangalore Days’ happened,” says Divya.
The singer, who began learning music when she was 11, says her struggle to get a name in the industry was worth it. “It is a highly competitive industry. Today, we have many singers who are very talented. And, to get a break among the talented lot, you need a lot of luck. I believe I was fortunate enough to work with the greats in the industry,” says Divya.
She says her experience so far has been very enriching. “All the music directors I have worked with treat singers well. I have known Shaan Rahman over the last few years and is a good friend. Working with him is like a fun jamming session. Gopi Sundar too is a very cool person who knows exactly what he wants from a singer,” says Divya.
Divya S Menon is looking forward to her future projects which include a Telugu song, a track from the movie Dooram and Nikaah.