KOCHI: Soumya Ramakrishnan’s mobile is rarely silent these days. But this happy lass has no complaints, as the incessant calls that she gets are congratulatory remarks from across the state for her song ‘Mazhanila’ in Lal Jose’s latest flick Vikramadithyan.
Some of the films that Soumya sung in are Minnaminni Koottam, Violin, Apoorva Ragam, Pakida, Angry Babies in Love and the yet to release Homely Meals to name a few.
“Music was always there in the family. My parents and sister are trained classical singers so I grew up listening to them.
I have formally learned singing only for a short while and couldn’t continue it as I got caught up in my studies,” says Soumya who is an MBA graduate currently working with a private firm in Kochi.
It was not until she reached college that Soumya started getting serious about singing. In college she participated in every music event that there was. “As most of the events that I participated in were group events it was more like a knowledge sharing session for me,” she says.
Soumya started off with singing in main stream with jingles. Remember the famous Club FM theme song Mazhayathum veylathum…ton kanikkinu fun’? Yes, the voice behind it is none other than Soumya.
“My tryst with jingles started quite young when I was still in school. Thanks to music director Bijibal who is also my mentor in music, I got to sing in a number of jingles. It is because of him that I got the opportunity to sing in films as well. I had sung a jingle for Lal Jose, and he liked my voice and offered me the song in Arabikatha,” says Soumya.
Although Arabikatha is Soumya’s first film, the song that gave Soumya her first break was ‘Vaakin Ullille’ the one she sung in Ozhimuri directed by Madhupal.
Even though Soumya has been in the industry for almost seven years it is only a handful of songs that she has to her credit. Asked the reason for it she says, “I have never gone to anybody asking for chances. Most of the songs that I sang were offers that came to me. And I consider myself very lucky that I got to do those songs especially because this being an industry where there is no dearth of talents. The songs that I have sung was for Bijibal sir and it is only three other music directors other than Bijibal that I have worked with. I think I haven’t marketed myself enough and that could be one of the reasons that I haven’t got more songs.”
“The reason I did not really approach anyone with my work was because, I think I did not have that much confidence in me. Now that I have a song that gave me huge recognition I have gained some confidence in approaching directors with my work.”
Of late Soumya is in full swing trying to pick up from where she left off in Carnatic music, and is regularly practicing. And in the long run she would like to do bhajans and like to do musical concerts apart from concentrating on films.
About managing a full time career and singing she says, “My job is my bread and butter and singing is my passion which I love. I have a very supportive office atmosphere so I have never felt the pressure. Maybe once I start getting lot of singing offers and I feel I cannot manage the two together I might think of quitting my job. As of now I am happy.”
Soumya says her family has been her greatest support. “My family is thrilled that I am doing something that they couldn’t. There are none of the apprehensions of singing in films and such. As long as I am singing they are happy.”
About future plans she says, “Making me visible by marketing myself would be the next thing on my to-do list. And I want to concentrate more on singing.”