This cherubic choirboy from Tiruchi has had an evolutionary journey many can only dream of. From a prolific gospel musician to becoming a household name as a television anchor and subsequently scoring as a music composer, James Vasanthan has not only reinvented himself over time, but like a rare few of his ilk, made that definitive mark at every track change.
With the audio release of ‘Eesan', the music composer is busy donning hats as anchor and judge for various television shows. But what keeps him on tenterhooks are the auditions for the reality talent hunt, ‘Paadava Duet Paadalai' on Kalaignar TV, conceptualized and directed by him. The show is all set to air in January, anchored by Suhasini Maniratnam, and James is buoyant about the innovative concept that will have duos crooning duets for the top prize.
Tryst with tunes
Meanwhile, its back to square one with ‘Eesan' as the student teacher duo get back together after their shared debut ‘Subramaniapuram', (James was director Sasikumar's music teacher at school), what irks James is the lack of acceptance as a musician.
With more than a decade of the ‘anchor' tag attached to him, James the composer is yet to establish his identity. “When people identify you with something for a decade, they don't take you seriously when you make a transition dismissing it as a case of experimentation. I want to prove that I'm a serious musician,” he says determinedly.
Interestingly, his tryst with music began at the All Saints Church, Puthur, which he dubs as one of the best choirs in South India. James who was initiated into chords and scales trained in Western classical music from the Trinity School of Music, London, before venturing into Carnatic music to ‘broaden his knowledge'.
Little wonder his music resonates with an earthy feel that mingles an Occidental touch. For instance, the sensational ‘Kangal Irandal' has a strong fan following till day. “I knew the song would be liked, but never expected it to be such a massive hit,” he says.
James graduated in literature from Bishop Heber College and completed his masters at Jammal Mohamed College, while composing gospel albums which easily number around 500. “I will continue to compose gospel music, as it is first on my priority list,” says James, staying steadfast to his original persona.
Playing the host
Though the suave entertainer swears by music, his introduction to regional audiences came in the form of an anchor. “I moved to Chennai when satellite television came to Tamil Nadu and approached SUN TV for a job. They saw my CV and offered me the role of an anchor as I had played emcee at numerous events,” he recalls his small screen debut.
James instantaneously struck chord with audiences given his friendly demeanour, warmth and cordiality that seemingly transcended the screen when regional television was in its nascent phase. He went on to anchor and direct shows of every conceivable kind and ran the whole gamut from game shows to reality events.
. Though I try to evade television, I land up having my hands full with shows all the time,” says James of his attempts to associate himself more with the silver screen.
The break in music was a long time coming for the man who ‘always wanted to compose music.' “I am incapable of selling myself. No one knew of my musical talent other than my inner circle of friends.” Precisely that is why his debut in film music was orchestrated by his student.
James Vasanthan is five films old but has made a mark as a composer. . He has six projects lined up, one in Malayalam and five in Tamil and interestingly all with debut directors. “I prefer working with a debut director. He has to succeed to survive, so he'll give it his all.”
The composer is foraying into Malayalam cinema with Mammooty starrer ‘Doubles', which he says required extensive research as he had to come up with a French song for the film. Though melody has been his forte, James feels that he is capable of creating music of any kind, but on one condition : “I believe every song must have a soul,” he signs off.
