Ever since its announcement, Lenin Rajendran's Crossroads, an anthology of films, had garnered a lot of attention about how its contents were aimed at celebrating womanhood. And, for playback singer Anitha Shaiq, the movie gave a chance for her to find a creative fulfilment.
The 'O Mama Chanda Mama' singer will make her debut as a composer for the story titled Pinbe Nadappaval in the movie that will hit the screens next week. Says Anitha: "Lenin Sir met me after listening to my music album, 'Satrangi', which was released by noted singer Kailash Kher. He wanted me to compose a song for Crossroads, but didn't promise me that he would include it. I went ahead and did it, and he loved it."
Anitha has composed the song, 'Melake Ponnal', which has the feel and flavour of Oppana. "Pinbe Nadappaval is about the mental state of a Muslim bride from Malabar. The movie opens with the song and sets the mood. Lenin Sir wanted a traditional feel, yet, at the same time, it should have a cinematic quality as well," she adds. The singer-turned-composer says the whole experience was challenging, though she had already made music for video albums, jingles and TV serials.
"I have sung for movies. Then, you just go to the studio, do your part and leave. It ends there. But, being a composer is a different thing altogether. There are a whole lot of responsibilities, starting from composing, programming, mixing and mastering. One is equally responsible for all the aspects. It can keep us on our toes, but I enjoyed the process a lot. Music is my passion and it can never bore me," says Anitha.
She began her career singing playback for the Mohanlal-starrer, Rock and Roll in 2007. Her hits include Ola.. Ola.. song from In Ghost House Inn. Her last song was Thakiladi Melam... in Vishwasapoorvam Mansoor (2017).
Pinbe Nadappaval opens with the song and sets the mood. Lenin sir wanted a traditional feel. Yet, it should have a cinematic quality as well.