Najim Arshad is one of the few recognisable voices among the new crop of playback singers in Malayalam cinema, with hits such as ‘Marivil kudaneerthum…’ (Drisyam) and ‘Thotttu thottu…’ (Diamond Necklace).
It was as the winner of the Star Singer on Asianet in 2007 that he had shot into fame.
Long before that though, he had made his mark at the State School Arts Festival, winning the first prizes both in Light Music and Classical Music.
In this chat withP.K. Ajith Kumar, he recalls his experiences from the school festival days.
I have been competing at the district-level school festivals since I was studying at the Second Standard of the Thrivikramangalam L.P. School, Thiruvananthapuram. The prize I first won was in mimicry. Those days I used to compete in many events, including Urudu and Kannada recitations. I had won the Kalaprathibha title for 13 times at the district and sub-district levels.
I had narrowly missed qualifying for the State festival in 2000, so I was delighted to compete at the 2001 edition held at Thodupuzha, representing A.M.H.S.S., Thirumala, Thiruvananthapuram.
I had sung a song written for me by Poovachal Khader, who is a family friend, beginning with the line Vaidehiyennum…
It was composed by Aryanad Raju, my guru.
I was extremely happy to win the first prize, something I badly wanted to. The first prize in Classical Music, which I got by singing Pahi jaga janani… , in Vachaspati Raga, was a pleasant surprise.
I would like to see the system of announcing the winners at the venue coming back. Just declaring that everyone has got an ‘A’ Grade is not enough.
