Renuka Arun may not have made a debut in playback singing in Mollywood, but she is already a name to reckon with, in the Telugu film industry, thanks to her debut song, ‘Entharo..’ in the Nani starrer, Bhale Bhale Magadivoy.
The song, composed by Gopi Sunder, is a chartbuster and has earned Renuka the Gulf Andhra Movie Award.
The song earned good reviews, with many terming it an “absolute fusion masterpiece which mixes Carnatic, rock and Jazz elements and Renuka’s voice taking it to the next level”.
Says Renuka: “Gopi Sunder was looking for a person who has a strong inclination towards Carnatic music but with an exposure to fusion music. It was a guitarist in his group who told him about me. At that time, I was ailing after an accident but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so I rushed to the studio. But, I never thought the song would get so much attention,” says Renuka, who has performed in many Indo-European Fusion Concerts.
Not Apprehensive
Renuka says she didn’t feel apprehensive about debuting in a movie industry, which, until recently, was alien to her. “Maybe because the song itself had a classical touch. I am well-versed in Carnatic kirtans, which are mostly in old Telugu. So, language was not an issue. But, I was so nervous about the whole movie thing,” says Renuka.
She also has praise for Gopi Sunder. “He is a musician who is very professional and quality-conscious. He makes singers feel comfortable,” says Renuka.
Renuka is a software engineer with Ernst & Young, Kochi, and has been engaged with Carnatic Music for 28 years. She has also recorded a handful of albums with world-famous musicians and percussionists, combining the essence of Eastern and Western Music.