HYDERABAD: The Navratri in India is like celebrating Women’s Day for nine days that culminates as Dasara on the tenth day. In line with celebrations comes Tollywood singer Parnika Manya’s new YouTube video that released on Friday gives a new ‘rap touch’ to the legendary chant Ayigiri Nandini.
“I wanted to do something for women. But I did not want to focus on the sufferings and atrocities that women face. I didn’t want to sound like a sympathy monger with my video or my lyrics. I had an elaborate discussion with singers Geetha Madhuri, actor Nandu and my husband Nikhil. The idea of rap came to our mind. We were initially sceptical about a rap for Ayigiri Nandini song. What if we landed in a controversy? Then I researched and learnt that they are many versions and modifications on the same and none of them reacted negatively. Since, the rap was also on resilience of women, I was sure that it wouldn’t hit the headlines for the wrong reasons. I said I would take up the responsibility if something unexpected comes our way,” she recalls on how she conceptualised it.Parnika then approached Noel Sean, renowned rapper from the city and he readily gave a nod to this concept.
Although she did want to collaborate with Noel for the clip, he suggested that since there has been no video that has had a female rapping in the history of Telugu industry, she should do it solo.
“One fine day, singer Sri Krishna Vishnubotla, Noel and I sat down and wrote the lyrics for rap. It’s a Telugu rap, but I wanted to add a bit of English lyrics too. We did and Sri Krishna composed the rap portions of the video. Sunny (colourful chilaka song fame) helped us with keyboard and Arun with live guitars. Shadab, who worked closely with AR Rahman and Thaman in south, gave it the finishing touch.
Actor Nandu passionately planned the screenplay and story board for the video which was shot at Sarathi studio. “I liked the set Natraj master had in the background for his show. I asked if he could give us for a day or two and he agreed. From the sets to music,everything was ready,” the young singer beams.
Parnika looks stunning in the video and it was singer Geetha Madhuri’s touch to her makeup. “Geeetha helped me with makeup to guiding on the outcome, from boosting my morale to adding the fun element on the sets, she did it all and I can’t thank her enough,”she elucidates as her camaraderie clearly shows up in her words. The video is produced by Sayee Nikhileshwar, her supportive husband.