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On a steady note

Photo: Thulasi Kakkat

Happy days Playback singer Madhu Balakrishnan is busy these days

“I’m sitting out here watching airplanes go by, by, by…’ (Gary Allan: Watching Airplanes)

If there’s one thing that Madhu Balakrishnan never gets tired of, it’s watching airplanes. What began as a childhood fad somehow has grown with him. Growing up in North Parur, a small town off Kochi, it was usual to see navy planes on the ir regular training manoeuvres and the occasional, bigger domestic aircraft brightening up the ‘caramel coloured sunset sky.’ As a kid he used to sometimes idly dream about where the plane could take him, exotic journeys to far off places.

“Call it small town boredom or the thrill of the possible. I’m simply fascinated by these machines. Somehow, I can spot an aircraft even if it is just a speck. My head turns skyward the moment I hear that familiar whirr. I travel a lot these days. Sometimes it is a hassle, getting into the airport early, checking in, security… But the excitement of travelling in the airplane is ample compensation for all this. I often stand in the airport watching the airliners land, take off, taxi, trucks and baggage carts scurrying busily about,” says the singer who has found a firm footing in all the South Indian languages.

Shuttling between Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and home takes up a lot of Madhu’s time. With growing singing offers in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada he has decided to shift his base from the city to Chennai. “I have bought a house at Saligramam, very close to where Chitrachechi (K. S. Chitra) stays. Towards the fag end of last year I had almost moved there. For the new academic year I plan to settle down there with family. It makes things more convenient.”

The world will come a full round when Madhu sets up home in Chennai, the city that gave wings to his dreams. It was while studying music at the Academy of Indian Music and Arts here that Madhu made his debut in films.

“It was T. V. Gopalakrishnan, founder-director of the Academy who recommended my name. It was a duet with Chitra for Vijayakanth’s 125th film, ‘Uzhavathurai.’ The song came out well. Earlier, I had recorded for a Christian devotional and also sung a ‘sloka’ in another album before this huge break.”

Singing for Ilayaraja opened the doors to Madhu’s career. Here again this contact was established through a good word from music director V. Dakshinamurthy. “Swami (Dakshinamurthy), along with Ilayaraja Sir, was a guest at a programme at Kollur in which I was one of the singers. I believe Swami had told Ilayaraja Sir to listen to me and also asked him to give me an opportunity to sing in one of his films.” Madhu was called to Chennai and was asked to sing in the film ‘Bharathi.’ “I would have sung all the songs but finally ended up singing only two because of certain prior television commitments.”

Vidyasagar gave Madhu his first big hit with the song ‘Kanaa kandenadi thozhi... ’ in the film ‘Parthiban Kanavu’ and there was no looking back. Madhu is today a top notch singer whose classical style, essential tonal modulations, rich voice and dexterity to use it to suit any mood makes him much sought after.

In Malayalam, at a time when songs are hit by a severe recession, Madhu manages to get his regular quota. He has to his credit some of the best melodies in the year gone by and a line-up of more than half-a-dozen films.

With a fast growing fan base Madhu’s live programmes are much sought after abroad. “It is either my own show or I’m part of other accompanying artistes. I have actually downsized by live shows as it does become a bit strenuous, especially if there are recordings after that. But I do a lot of stage shows, which I believe is the true test for a singer.”

Madhu’s songs, especially his Tamil ones, are a rage in countries like Sri Lanka and Singapore that radio stations air special programmes and organise shows. “More than travel, I dread the food in some of these places. It is okay in the Gulf but in places like Italy I had a real problem. I’m a non-vegetarian but a very choosy one. Really, I prefer the very ‘naadan’ kind of food. I cannot make myself eat pizzas and that kind of stuff. I had to go through the few days in Italy with bread, again something I don’t like much.”

Relaxation is not a lost art for Madhu. Despite his hectic schedule he finds ways to destress himself. “Listening to music, of course, is one sure way to beat any sort of stress. I’m fine with any kind of music, any singer. Playing or watching cricket is another way. I used to be part of the school and college team.

“Then with Sreesanth in the family, there is always cricket in the air. I also love to shop with my family. My interest is restricted to electronics and mobile phones. You must really give it to the women when it comes to shopping. Their patience is simply amazing,” Madhu says with a laugh.

With that Madhu gets ready for the next recording session and a busy 2009.

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