You get to sing four songs on your debut, that too for A. R. Rahman and one of the songs fetches you a national award. Now, that’s what you call a dream start. Naresh Iyer has lived that moment. He has come a long way since then, having sung in all the South Indian languages, in addition to several Bollywood numbers. “It feels lovely and nice,” says Naresh over the phone. An electrifying performer on stage, the 33-year-old was recently in the city to record a song for the film John Paul Vaathil Thurakkunnu , directed by veteran Chandrahasan. The movie is slated to release on August 15.
Naresh talks to MetroPlus about the singing in Malayalam and the highs of his music career. Excerpts…
In John Paul Vaathil Thurakkunnu
The number ‘Thirakalil tharimmanu pol…’ was composed by Ashwin Johnson of Q8 band. I had performed with the band for a New Year Eve programme and that’s how we got to know each other. It was really nice of him to have remembered me.
It is actually the promotional song of the movie and it has come out well [The peppy song, written by SJ, describes the film’s protagonist John Paul and will be released this weekend. A video on the making of the song will also be released at the same time.]
Singing in Malayalam
I have sung 10 songs in Malayalam. Initially, it was difficult because it is not the easiest of languages to master. There are a lot of consonants, which are quite difficult to pronounce.
But once I started singing regularly, I was able to figure them out. In fact, when I was studying in Mumbai, I had taken Malayalam as one of my optional subjects. It was my father who insisted that I learn Malayalam. My father hails from Palakkad and maybe that’s why he wanted me to learn the language.
Interestingly, even though nowadays I sing more in Tamil, I can’t read or write in the language. Whereas, in the case of Malayalam, I can’t speak the language, but I can read and write it!
Changing phases of the music industry
Social media has become the platform to showcase talent. When I started out, not many of us were aware of it or its potential. But today people breathe the internet. There is a huge amount of untapped talent out there and not all of them get into films or the entertainment industry. Another change is the increasing importance of technology in the music industry. But, I believe that technology is something which should be used as an aid. After all, we created technology and not vice versa. Ultimately, it depends on how you use it. It shouldn’t be allowed to take us over completely.
As for newcomers and celebrity singers, I believe that if somebody is talented, they should get the opportunity to showcase it. It’s up to the music director to choose the best voice for a song. I am not unduly worried about competition.
Reality shows
But for a reality show, I would not have been here. Although I didn’t win it, Rahman sir noticed me and gave me the songs in Rang De Basanti .
When you look at the amount of talent on such shows, you can’t say they have reached a saturation point. However, as a viewer, the whole concept has become rather boring. Every 10 years or so the trend changes and something equally exciting will come along to catch our interest.
In the concert circuit
I am learning Carnatic music from Padma Shandaliyan, though these days I have not been able to attend class regularly.
I really want to give more concerts. But I need to find more time for that because it is the purest form of music and you have to do your homework before you perform.
Life outside music
Outside the recording studio, I am just a regular guy. I like to experience everything. I play table tennis and cricket and love to catch up with my friends. We talk about movies and many other interesting things over pizza. Basically, we just laugh, laugh, and laugh!
Wedding bells
Well… people at home have started asking me about it. I have kept my options open. Let the right person come into my life and I am ready to tie the knot!
Top hits
Naresh chooses some of his favourite songs:
‘Innisai’ (Varalaru)
‘Tu bin bataye’ (Rang De Basanti)
‘Mundinam paathene’ (Vaaranam Aaayiram)
‘Tere bin’ (Dil To Baccha Hai Ji)
‘Uyirile’ (Vellithirai)
‘Mel, mel’ (Ustad Hotel)
