A versatile singer with a unique, beautiful, malleable voice that drew everone's attention in the super duper hit song of 2003 - 'Manmadha Raasa'. Now popularly known -Manmatharasa Malathy speaks about her experience in light music concerts, singing in different voices and tamil film music…………………

Was the success of Manmatharasa expected while recording?

No, I did not expect such a resounding success at all. In fact after the song was recorded we went for a US tour for forty days. When I came back I was informed that the song was a real hit. But I should say that the success is not because of the song alone.The location, the dance movements of Dhanush and Chaayaa Singh - every thing has contributed for the success of the song. The music director, the dance master have all combined to make this song a hit.

Manmatha rasa was a turning point in your musical career. What is necessary for such turning points to happen?

To become popular by this single song I had to wait for nearly 15 years. Basically hard work is necessary for any success to happen. Without looking for the results you go on doing your work sincerely. Then by god's gift you meet right persons at right times. It is a combination of all these factors.

Will it be a good thing to be branded for such songs only without exploring your versatility?

In cine field it is common that the people are branded. Once an action hero is successful then he gets a series of action-oriented films. Happens the same with comedians and villains. So is the case with play back singers also. But I am asking Ilayaraja sir for a break from this style in my forth coming film Balu Mahendra's 'adhu oru kanaakaalam'

You sing in many different voices including K. B sundarambal. When did you recognize this?

For a Laksman Shruthi's stage performance, I had to sing in the style of famous folk song singer Vijayalakshmi Navaneetha Krishnan, in a different voice. The audience received that very well.In fact an old lady in the audience was overwhelmed and presented me with a gold chain. In my early days in Lakshman Shruthi Mr.Lakshman used to say that if one has to stand out from the crowd in music one should cultivate a unique voice. That is how I started singing in different voices. Including K.B.Sundarambal's. I had to practice hard to cultivate the solid voice.

What kind of songs do you like to sing?

I want to sing all types of songs not to be labeled for a particular style of song

Play back singing and live stage performances differ widely. What are the special qualities a singer should have to be a successful live performer?

With the modern technological advances in recording I think that singing for films is relatively easy. In olden days songs had to be recorded in one go. Now it could be recorded in installments. But in stage performance it is a different story. The show is live. Hard work, constant practice, rehearsals before the show are very important to be a successful performer. Basic knowledge in carnatic music will be an added advantage.

Do the stage singers get the same recognition as the play back singers.?

Not necessarily, there are talented stage performers who are yet to get proper recognition. But who knows? One day or other they get overnight recognition with God's grace.

What is the reason for Lakshman Shruthi's success?

There is more than one reason. We have 40 troupe members and we have done more than 5500 live shows in India and abroad. This troupe has been functioning for nearly 17 years. I think it is because of the team spirit, Lakshman's commitment and hard work and the support of the entire family. It is because of the well knit family and friends’ cooperation and involvement. Also the absolute professionalism with which the performances are conducted. The innovative programmes like 36 hours non stop programme, bringing S.P.B and K.J.Yesudas under the same dais, exclusive ladies special programme etc have been bringing up a whiff of fresh air.

Can we expect music album from Lakshman Shruthi?

Yes, we want to bring out a music album soon.

What is the next mile stone for you and Lakshman Shruthi ?

To sing more songs in many languages and to give our audience always the very best.

Malathy concludes the interview saying:

One should do their duty without great expectations. Once you pitch your expectations very high, the disappointment will be more.

Courtesy: Nilacharal