Reality Shows on television today may be dishing out singers at a rate that’s alarming but they have a battle bigger to fight today in the studios than ever before: that of competing with leading celebrities of film frat, from heroes to comedians, who have extended their interests to the mike and are singing film songs.
The latest to join the group was Chiyaan Vikram, who by singing all songs of his film Kandhasamy, triggered media and public interest in the music score, composed by Devisri Prasad. A lot of actors, from Dhanush who has sung a duet with wife Aishwarya Dhanush, to Simbhu, are wielding the mike for films today.
Directors, many of whom are turning heroes as well, are also trying their luck in front of the mike. Heroines, lyricists and comedians haven’t turned a blind eye to this development, and are also turning singers.
Calling it a marketing tool, sheer interest or real talent, cinema music just got more glamourous with the entry of these stars. Expresso takes a closer look.
Heroines:
Among the heroines, the most recent singer was Kushboo, when she wielded the mike to sing for the Vivekhstarrer Magane En Marumaganey.
Mamta Mohandas, a trained singer, has sung for Villu, apart from Kaalai.
Andrea, who has also crooned for Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu and Aniiyan has sung a couple of songs in her forthcoming Aayirathil Oruvan.
Comedians:
Chandrababu is still remembered for his singing abilites. Many comedians today are taking to singing as well. Karunas, in fact, recently saw his debut as a music director as well with Rajaadhi Raja. Kovai Sarala lent her voice for the title song in Villu while Premgi Amaren, who has also been launched as a composer for Adhey Neram Adhey Idam, has sung a couple of songs. Vadivelu is yet another actor to have proven his singing prowess.
Directors:
Director Mysskin, who has turned hero with Nandalala, has already sung the bar number Kannadasan Karaikudi in Anjathay. Sasi Kumar has also crooned for himself in his first movie as a hero, Nadodigal.
And the same goes for Ameer who has sung in his first flick as a hero, Yogi. Venkat Prabhu has also sung for films like Adhey Neram Adhey Idam.
A musician without a singing voice
While most of the Kollywood composers, from Ilayaraja to Deva, GV Prakash, AR Rahman and Yuvan Shankar Raja sing for their films.
Harris Jayaraj remains the only composer in this league to have not sung a single song till date.
Heroes sing for other heroes too
We’ve known actors like Kamal Haasan and Vijay sing on a regular basis. What is new, however, is that more actors are singing for other heroes’ films. Dhanush has currently sung a song for Kathi, in Aayirathil Oruvan, along with his wife Aishwarya. Simbu is touted to be singing in song for Ajith in Asal, while he has already sung for other heroes like Srikanth, (April Madhathil) Manoj Manju (Ennai Theriyuma) and Sundar C (Sandai). Likewise, Devisri Prasad gave actor Sidharth an opportunity to sing for Jayam Ravi in the film Santhosh Subramaniyam.
Other actors who have sung for themselves include Rajini (Mannan), Prashanth (Parthaen Rasithen), Sarath Kumar (Yei, Chanakya and Thalainagaram) and Vikram, in Kandhasamy and Gemini.
sharadha@epmltd.com
