T he fun-loving and ever-smiling Mano is one of the few singers who dabbles in different roles with élan. A singer, voice-over artiste and television anchor, Mano has chartered territories with his smile and cheerful personality. Now, in a judge’s avatar for the TV reality show Bol Baby Bol , he’s set for another innings. At Annapurna Studios, the singer walks across with his trademark smile to join us in a conversation.
With Mano’s parents involved with theatre, music was a constant factor at home. He believes the humble background and growing up in an unpolluted environment played a big role. “ Appudu life lo ekkuva tensions undevi kaavu (There were not many tensions in life then),” he laughs. His journey to success was a slow and a steady one. His first song was in ’84 for Karpoora Deepam and since then, he has sung in different languages including Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu, Konkini and even Assamese. “I wouldn’t know the meaning of the words, but I’d learn its meaning and bring in the right emotion. People have complemented me for my pronunciation of words in other languages,” he recalls.
Another high point in his career is being the voice of Rajinikant in Telugu! Mention the superstar’s name and Mano exclaims, ‘ Kabaali da! ’ “I feel extremely lucky to dub for the star,” he smiles.
He has also worked under music director A.D. Chakravarthy’s orchestra team. While Raju and Koti were his seniors, music directors Keeravani and Vandemataram Srinivas were his juniors. “It was one school where we all shaped up,” he smiles.
Mano believes every opportunity that gives an exposure to young singers should be utilised well. “The simple reason for the success of music shows is because the shows connect with every member of the family,” he states and maintains this familiarity brings young singers close to the audience. “As youngsters, we never knew how the earlier playback singers looked. Only their small photos appeared on cassettes and record labels. Television has brought today’s singers into our drawing rooms. Also, youngsters who want to take up a singing career follow the shows, judges’ remarks and improve their skills,” he points out.
Although he endorses music reality shows, he exhorts youngsters not to get carried away with success. “The popularity brings in ego and one can’t grow further; one needs discipline, humility and dedication to learn and understand that he/she is a student always. Parents have to guide and create the right environment.”
Mano wonders why some of the peppy music shows on radio channels never credit the team, which has worked for a song. “The RJ weaves witty lines around a current topic and plays songs in between. But I am disappointed that they never credit a singer or the lyric writer who have contributed for a hit number.”
Currently he is also seen as a judge on Vijay TV’s Super Singer . “I also do a lot of shows abroad. I feel blessed for this life,” he concludes.
