KOCHI: “I always knew that God had blessed me with a talent for music,” says musician Timson Thomas. “But I never thought I would take it up as a career. I was inspired by [the Oscar-winning composer] A R Rahman. My dad was the one who persuaded me to take up music. He realised that “I was blessed and different from the others. Initially, it was difficult, but my parents supported me a lot. I kept working hard and believed that God had a plan for me.”
Yes, indeed, God had a plan. Timson is the lead vocalist of the Indian pop rock band ‘Bandish’. The other members include Christopher Powell (drums), Desmond Powell (guitars), Bobby (multi percussion), Ritesh Khokhar (keyboards) and Gavin Pacheco (bass).
But it was not easy to be a member. “‘Bandish’ has been one of the leading bands in India since 2006,” he says. “It comprises the top musicians in the country. All of them are experienced in their specific fields. So, for me, the initial struggle was to match up to the quality of music that they play.” Incidentally, he is also the lead vocalist in a Gospel band, ‘Acts of Apostles’. “It brings me a lot of pleasure,” he says. “I want to live in the beautiful garden of music.”
Timson has recorded jingles on TV and radio for companies like Airtel, Vodafone, Aircel, Hyundai Santro, Suzuki, Pepsi, among many others. He has performed for former President A P J Abdul Kalam and Kerala Governor Sheila Dikshit when she was Chief Minister of Delhi. Timson has also sung in a Bollywood film, ‘Manjunath’. “It was a great experience to be part of this project,” says Timson, who did his grade 8 from the Trinity College Of Music, London. “I am hoping to do more such projects.”
However, as a Delhi-based Malayali, who did his BA English (Hnrs) from Kirori Mal College, his popularity has not extended to Kerala. “As a Malayali, I love the language very much, although Hindi and English are my usual languages,” says Timson, who is originally from Pala, in Kottayam district. “But I prefer my own language. Music, actually, has no language. To sing in a Malayalam film will be a great thing. I hope my voice will have the ability to touch hearts in Kerala.”