Anupamaa Reunites with AR Rahman on Stage After Two Decades
Singer Anupamaa, best known for her iconic rendition of Chandralekha from the 1993 film Thiruda Thiruda, recently shared the stage with legendary composer AR Rahman during his concert in Chennai. This marked their first performance together since 2003, sparking nostalgia among fans.
A Candid Conversation with the Talented Vocalist
In an exclusive interview, Anupamaa expressed her excitement about the reunion. "It's always amazing performing with him because there is no better place to showcase your talent," she said. "It's the best space to be for an artiste like me who loves the stage." She highlighted how Rahman has evolved over the years, noting that in the 1990s, he was shy and reserved, whereas now he is much more open and expressive.
The Unforgettable First Meeting and Chandralekha's Legacy
Anupamaa recalled her first encounter with Rahman in 1992, admitting she had no idea he was a film composer at the time. "I sang a few jingles for him and went to sing July Matham from Pudhiya Mugam, thinking it was a jingle," she shared. Her unique style, which deviated from the prevalent imitations of singers like Chithra or Janaki, caught Rahman's attention.
Reflecting on the timeless appeal of Chandralekha, Anupamaa described it as a song that transcends eras. "When it released, I felt it was pathbreaking but wasn't sure audiences would accept it," she said. The track was initially conceived with a Michael Jackson-inspired vibe, featuring English lyrics in a scratch recording. However, Rahman assured director Mani Ratnam that once Anupamaa sang it in Tamil, its magic would be evident.
Career Shifts and Struggles with Indie Music
Despite her Carnatic music training, Anupamaa considers herself a singer who relies on feel rather than technical perfection. Dissatisfied with the playback singing opportunities she received, which she felt didn't align with her style, she shifted her focus to composing jingles and working on her own album. "I realised I'd have to create the songs I wanted to sing," she explained. Her last film track was Nazrein Milana Nazrein Churana from the 2008 movie Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na.
Anupamaa's journey into independent music was fraught with challenges. Her first indie song, Naan Nee, composed in 1999 and recorded in 2002, wasn't released until 2023. "I went into deep depression because I wasn't able to bring out a single song," she revealed. Recording companies praised her music but dismissed indie projects as commercially unviable. It was only in recent years, with the rise of artists like Sai Abhyankkar, that she noticed a growing acceptance for indie music.
She also faced setbacks, such as a planned women's empowerment song in 2016 that was shelved due to demonetisation, further delaying her indie pursuits.
Principled Stand on Lyrics and Playback Singing
Anupamaa has maintained a strong ethical stance in her career, even walking out of recordings over vulgar lyrics. "I was called unprofessional because I refused to sing them," she said, acknowledging that this might have led to fewer opportunities. "As a human being, should I not have the choice over whether I want to sing a song or not? But I have no regrets."
Regarding playback singing, Anupamaa admitted she didn't miss it much and never actively sought chances. "I'm also not someone who will ask for chances. I never tried to reach out to people," she stated. She acknowledged that the industry has changed, requiring more networking and self-promotion, but she remains true to her introverted nature. "I'm also not a PR person. But I've been told that's the way to go about it since it's a comeback and I've got to make a mark," she concluded.
