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Anchoring with melody

Swati's training in music is an asset in the music-based shows she anchors

PHOTO: K. GAJENDRAN

WINNING HEARTS Anchor Swati Maitreyi has a sweet voice

In times when channels are inundated with amateurs woefully lacking in talent, she stands apart. And in her chosen area of music-based shows on Telugu channels, she clearly left others miles behind. Swati Maitreyi's training in music is an asset and is reflected in the way she conducts the music shows. With judicial choice, , she has built a reputation of an anchor to watch out for.

Her Padamani Nannu Adagavalena on Gemini and Teja ran forever as viewers remained fully anchored to Swati's sweet voice and perfect mannerisms. The viewers were asked to call in and sing along and they just loved it. The show ran on and on, and in the process earned a loyal viewership, which is hard to gain in these days of channel browsing.

An M.B.A. graduate, Swati has her training in music at Sri Thyagaraja Music College in the city and under the famed Hyderabad Sisters, Lalitha and Haripriya. The Carnatic singer also did quite a few bhakti cassettes, though her solitary effort with an album did not really take off.

She is currently busy with Telusa Manasa on MAA TV in which she moderates an Anthyakshari between two callers. Her handling of the innovative concept is deft and the affable anchor herself adds to the proceedings with occasional crooning.

"The show is getting good response and I am encouraged at the way viewers are calling in," she gives a smile of contentment.

A professional singer, she can be spotted in different shows and also does tracks for music directors like Keeravani and R.P. Patnaik. And she also appeared in the movie Nenunnanu in which she did a brief singing-based role pitched against the lead actress Shriya.

"The big screen is a different ball game altogether. I am happy at the way things are moving for me. Appearing regularly on the small screen, I have an identity of my own and it is quite satisfying for me," she says.

She has a melodious voice, but a real break on the big screen is yet to materialise. Surely, those scoring music for silver screen can't miss a talent of her calibre. "I am just waiting for it to happen," says Swati before signing off.

T. LALITH SINGH

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