How it happened
It all started when M. S. Senthil Kumar, then producer of ‘ Sapthaswarangal’ , came to my college culturals and heard my friend and I perform the ‘ Chandraleka ’ song from Thiruda Thiruda . That’s when I realised I did have the talent to pursue a career in the music industry. I started singing choruses for Vijay Antony. I have also sung for James Vasanthan, Imman and the signature tune for Hello FM composed by K.S. Simon. When I was working with Vijay Antony, he recognised I had a flair for penning English lyrics.He gave me a chance to write a small piece in English for one of his songs which I also sang — ‘ En Enakku Mayakkam’ in Naan Avan Illai . Soon, Vijay gave me the huge opportunity to write and sing ‘ Kalloori’ in Ninaithale Inikkum and render ‘ Sexy Lady’ in the same movie. Usually, everybody gets a break with one song, but I got to sing two.
How it felt
I was on cloud nine. I remember Vijay with his keyboard giving me a feel of the tune he had composed for ‘ Kalloori ’. He wanted me to write something a college senior would like to convey to a fresher. We completed the song in half an hour. I went to Vijay’s studio and listened to the final mixing. It felt awesome listening to the song, more so because I had penned it. I made it to the theatre on the day of the film’s release. It was amazing to see Priya Mani lipsync the song sung by me. Someone told me I was the first woman lyricist-singer in Tamil cinema.
How life changed
Life has not changed much but I am recognised more as a singer now. I am thankful to Vijay and the other music directors, singers and my parents who have supported me.
