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On a steady climb

“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. As a kid growing up in North Parur, 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. 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 offers in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada he has decided to shift his base from Kerala to Chennai. “I have bought a house at Saligramam, very close to where Chitrachechi (K. S. Chitra) stays. For the new academic year I plan to settle down there with family. It makes things more convenient.”

His world will come full circle 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 doors to Madhu’s career. Here again this contact was established through a good word from music director V. Dakshinamurthy. 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, tonal modulations and rich voice 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 popular abroad. Madhu’s songs, especially his Tamil ones, have become such a rage in countries like Sri Lanka and Singapore that radio stations air special programmes and organise shows.

Relaxation is not a lost art for Madhu. Despite his hectic schedule he finds ways to keep away from being frazzled.

“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 simple amazing,” Madhu says with a laugh.

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

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