Today was the final telecast of Airtel Super Singer Junior and starting next week it will be the second season of Jodi No 1
This post is also in reply to several comments/mails with regard to Airtel Super Singer Junior. A lot of times, with regard to why I did not sing when everyone else did. I did not feel that as a host, I have to reaffirm that I can sing in a talent hunt for children. Though Chitra ji and Usha Ji kept asking me, I sang for them alone privately and never on stage. Probably the producers also felt that the participants and the children would get restless if I sang.
In the finals, I did not realize in the height of having have to remember what to say that Vignesh was not given an award or anything to that effect, until Dr Balamuralikrishna brought it to my notice and thereafter the general public as well, wherever I go. It still happens, and I guess it will for a quite a while to come.
When I tell people that I have no idea what is going to happen, they do not believe me. Until I wear my make up and go into the set, I have no idea about the concept of what is going to be shot that particular day, how the competition is going to be taken forward, and of course no written script either. I would be given a briefing by the producers and then I ll have to remember as much as I can and blah-blah away. That explains the bloopers and the number of out-takes. There was only so much that I could remember in the last 15-20 minutes before the cameras started rolling. Almost every instruction was last minute, but I presume thats how reality shows are made like.
I have never known which special guest was going to come, like for instance the show where the Wild Card Round winner was announced, I knew that Mr Unnikrishnan had come after we had started shooting and just after I announced the ad break, before the announcement, I came to know that he was the special guest. These were instances when I wished I had more time to prepare to introduce the guest in a better fashion and the fact that I have to watch every word that I say, especially about other musicians and stalwarts. I would have been the happiest person if I had known that Dr Balamurali Krishna was going to come at least the previous day to do some reading up on my own.
The team was very dedicated about keeping their secrets to such an extent that even I never knew what was going to happen until I went to the floors to shoot.
In a similar manner with Airtel Super Singer, I knew only from SPB Sir when he announced that Nikhil Mathew won. The team refused to tell me.
Of course the entire team had too many things to take care of. All this last minute mugging probably did some good to my semantic memory!
And again, I do not know whether there will be an Airtel Super Singer or the Junior Part 2, this year or the next. And I do not know whether I will be hosting that either :)
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
I have ranted about this before, but I sincerely cannot understand the way some people work. I have often seen that when people are behind schedule with regard to translation assignments for our firm, they have a very easy answer, my disk went corrupt, electricity has gone off. And some times when it has genuinely happened to me during the torrential rains in Chennai, and we were off power, I used to cringe with that excuse.
And "Disk Corrupt Salvaging Data" is an excuse that I get a lot of times from the translators here. And a few translators overseas. Of course I get different ones from abroad. like skidding on snow, and very easily a family member 'dies' or gets admitted to the hospital, and of course Blame-it-on-the-PC excuse. And even if the PC excuse were an honest one, I can't but help getting irritated when people fail to keep their word. Or rather, deliver their words in this case.
And thereafter you ask them for a status so that we can ascertain what we should tell our clients, there will be no reply, and their phones will be switched off, and mails not replied to.
Its enraging to say the least.
Arrrrrrgh for wrong work ethics.
And "Disk Corrupt Salvaging Data" is an excuse that I get a lot of times from the translators here. And a few translators overseas. Of course I get different ones from abroad. like skidding on snow, and very easily a family member 'dies' or gets admitted to the hospital, and of course Blame-it-on-the-PC excuse. And even if the PC excuse were an honest one, I can't but help getting irritated when people fail to keep their word. Or rather, deliver their words in this case.
And thereafter you ask them for a status so that we can ascertain what we should tell our clients, there will be no reply, and their phones will be switched off, and mails not replied to.
Its enraging to say the least.
Arrrrrrgh for wrong work ethics.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Bloopers on Airtel Super Singer Junior
I had looked forward to watching them, because more than the out-takes, the way it is edited and the 'counter' dialogues are what makes it funny in my opinion.
In response to mails and the comments on other posts, the voice in the background belonged to Mr Rajkumar, one of the producers in Vijay TV. The voice in the children-s episode belonged to Mr Nelson, another producer. Though they are technically called producers, they are the ones who direct the parents, participants, judges, special guests and finally me. They are also the ones who go to the cities where the action happens days before the event finally takes place, especially with regard to regionals.
And thereafter, visiting the kid's houses in their respective cities, getting their friends and family to speak, and taking care of editing, handling the action while it happens and creative inputs as well. I shall update this post with the pictures shortly to name the brains behind the show.
And more than last time, the out-takes this time were better, probably because I had already worked with this team and camaraderie was better.
I have to shoot 2 more episodes and with that, we will wrap up Airtel Super Singer Junior.
In response to mails and the comments on other posts, the voice in the background belonged to Mr Rajkumar, one of the producers in Vijay TV. The voice in the children-s episode belonged to Mr Nelson, another producer. Though they are technically called producers, they are the ones who direct the parents, participants, judges, special guests and finally me. They are also the ones who go to the cities where the action happens days before the event finally takes place, especially with regard to regionals.
And thereafter, visiting the kid's houses in their respective cities, getting their friends and family to speak, and taking care of editing, handling the action while it happens and creative inputs as well. I shall update this post with the pictures shortly to name the brains behind the show.
And more than last time, the out-takes this time were better, probably because I had already worked with this team and camaraderie was better.
I have to shoot 2 more episodes and with that, we will wrap up Airtel Super Singer Junior.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Pictures from the Canada Trip
The pictures from my recent Toronto trip are in FlickR. I published from Flickr once. But now I seem to have lost it. How do I get the pics from Flickr on to my blog?
TIA
Update: In my Photo Blog.I forgot about the 'Blog This'!
TIA
Update: In my Photo Blog.I forgot about the 'Blog This'!
Airtel Super Singer Junior - the curtains draw for now....
Its amazing how much children know. Especially when there is a reality check they understand a lot more between the lines than you do, its funny and surprising at the same time.
Most of the kids at the current level of ASSJ are at the threshold of their teens and they way they size up and make a meal of almost everything that comes their way.... the tenacity and the grit is .. amazing to say the least.
Almost all the children sing really well, and God willing, and especially the children willing, or should I say, the current educational system willing, they have a future in the starry skies of music, to twinkle, or shine or become the sun if they so please.
A lot of times I have had to speak to the kids on camera, trying to engage them in some sort of a conversation, because that is how it is supposed to be. And I must say this has been the most difficult portions in my interaction with them. All of them either have express instructions as to not to speak to me and answer in a word or two, or they its just the way they are made. No matter how much I try asking them, say for example, how do you think the judges are? - Good. How much practice did you put in? - "nerayya"
Do you want to say or ask something to the judges? - "No".
I have heard of children having lots of nice things to say, but probably they are all born careful now. Watching their words in front of the camera. And once they are sure the camera has stopped rolling they become different personalities, laughing, kidding around. I wonder why they don't want to be the children they are and act 35. Soft spoken, watching what they speak.... It has made me wonder whether the children have collectively lost their innocence. In the midst of all this, we had a kid asking for the viewers to vote for her sister so that she can come back to compete in the wild card round, and she said "if you like my sister's singing please vote for her, otherwise, no need". And the same kid, has seen me asking the directors of the show, on which camera on the floor to face, in the plethora that is there in front of me. Apparently she has seen me ask that a lot of times, and when the director told her "action" she asked in all seriousness "which camera"?
Most of the times older people look to children, to reclaim a spark that they have lost, or to just to smile in their moments of gray. As time goes, I wonder whether we will lose the chance to do that as well. And probably, a lot of times, I would probably ask the parents to let their children be their age and not make them act a few decades older.
The judges - Usha Uthup ji and Chitra ji were delightful to be with. Lots of laughter and lots of joy. And lots of goodness. Both of them have been straight forward in what they have wanted to say to the kids and honest as well. In spite of their status in the industry, they floor me with the simplicity they have. And Ushaji's energy is completely matchless. In the otherwise, stoic atmosphere, which I must say was created by the children, she lightened the mood made them laugh and dance and brought out the importance of stage presence, which is completely lacking in the performers from the south of India. Here we have people judging women who dance on stage while singing, you are given a once-over from top to toe, and immediately judged as someone who is not, 'adakkam and odukkam" enough.
Why should the singer not enjoy his own song? Why is the performance repressed in the name of "right behavior", and when the joy does not permeate from him, how will it communicate to the audience?
Usha ji proved that you can bring dignity into any profession that you chose to be in. I daresay that She brought pop-culture to the limelight in India, and you can wear Kanjeevaaram and still rock the cells out of the audience. And am so glad that children who are moulded to be subdued are exposed to someone like her. To be true to your music, how to interact with the musicians and how to generally communicate to the audience, because if you are on stage, you are there for the people and not for yourself. And Usha ji is to mark the contestants on this show for stage presence and overall performance. Chitra ji was marking the contestants on the Pitch and rhythm.
Though she seems to have a strict exterior, she is one of the most soft hearted people I have seen. And every time she used to correct the children, she mutters to herself, that "Oh God, let me always be in tune and in rhythm that I can honestly correct the children" And the times she was asked to sing, she would ask the children "seriya paadinaena?" And ask them to give her marks on pitch and rhythm. She is one of the very very few people who are pitch perfect, a singer who everyone wants to be, everyone wants to sing like. And this was one of the best combination of judges - Usha ji and Chitra ji.
Shooting with Vijay TV is always fun, and much against people saying that we are making the children cry, the channel just captures what goes on. And the facts. Everything is shown as is. And I'd say that this is a reality show that lives up to its name. If scenes were shown of the girl who went and demanded to the Judge who eliminated her from the contest, it shows that the children nowadays question what they feel is wrong, that they are outspoken and no matter how young they are, they speak up for themselves. And some parents encourage such behavior.
And if the children and their parents have decided to take part in a contest of this magnitude, they understand that they have to be prepared for Success and Failure with equal readiness. And this is a learning experience for the ones who are involved, the ones that are part of the show, and the ones that watch it.
As for me, I am richer with experiences and I must admit that I am pretty much surprised most of the times, as should be the feeling with most people.
The finale was an awesome experience giving me an opportunity to share the stage with Dr. Balamuralikrishna. Most of the times I am at a loss of words when I have to 'introduce' a musician of his stature on a show. How much can a singer of my stature and my age say? Questions of this sort have always plagued me on the show, I had the same trouble last time when I had to invite SPB sir on stage for the finale last year, and I have lost my cool, been a bundle of nerves just before the camera starts rolling. This is when the crew supported me a lot. The show, like Airtel Super Singer, has been a super learning experience, albeit a little different.
A question that I have been oft asked, why did I not sing? Because it was not the show's format, the producers did not plan that I should sing in an episode, and I did not want to keep establishing that I can sing, especially in a talent hunt for younger children, as with Airtel Super Singer. When I am a host, I am there to speak and not to showcase what I can sing. There are other platforms for me to sing in, and God willing I will be blessed with such platforms.
Also, that I seem to shout/scream. :) I am yet to learn how to hype up something without shouting. Most of the times the audience just does not react in spite of all this. A quiet presentation sometimes does not work when a lot of energy is needed. But perhaps there is a better way to exude energy in presentation, I watched a few episodes of presenters in Western shows and when it is necessary, the decibel has gone up. I definitely have a lot to learn on that front.
And it was very nice for me to hear the children singing the songs that I have sung.
And I stay thankful to time that gives me these opportunities.
Most of the kids at the current level of ASSJ are at the threshold of their teens and they way they size up and make a meal of almost everything that comes their way.... the tenacity and the grit is .. amazing to say the least.
Almost all the children sing really well, and God willing, and especially the children willing, or should I say, the current educational system willing, they have a future in the starry skies of music, to twinkle, or shine or become the sun if they so please.
A lot of times I have had to speak to the kids on camera, trying to engage them in some sort of a conversation, because that is how it is supposed to be. And I must say this has been the most difficult portions in my interaction with them. All of them either have express instructions as to not to speak to me and answer in a word or two, or they its just the way they are made. No matter how much I try asking them, say for example, how do you think the judges are? - Good. How much practice did you put in? - "nerayya"
Do you want to say or ask something to the judges? - "No".
I have heard of children having lots of nice things to say, but probably they are all born careful now. Watching their words in front of the camera. And once they are sure the camera has stopped rolling they become different personalities, laughing, kidding around. I wonder why they don't want to be the children they are and act 35. Soft spoken, watching what they speak.... It has made me wonder whether the children have collectively lost their innocence. In the midst of all this, we had a kid asking for the viewers to vote for her sister so that she can come back to compete in the wild card round, and she said "if you like my sister's singing please vote for her, otherwise, no need". And the same kid, has seen me asking the directors of the show, on which camera on the floor to face, in the plethora that is there in front of me. Apparently she has seen me ask that a lot of times, and when the director told her "action" she asked in all seriousness "which camera"?
Most of the times older people look to children, to reclaim a spark that they have lost, or to just to smile in their moments of gray. As time goes, I wonder whether we will lose the chance to do that as well. And probably, a lot of times, I would probably ask the parents to let their children be their age and not make them act a few decades older.
The judges - Usha Uthup ji and Chitra ji were delightful to be with. Lots of laughter and lots of joy. And lots of goodness. Both of them have been straight forward in what they have wanted to say to the kids and honest as well. In spite of their status in the industry, they floor me with the simplicity they have. And Ushaji's energy is completely matchless. In the otherwise, stoic atmosphere, which I must say was created by the children, she lightened the mood made them laugh and dance and brought out the importance of stage presence, which is completely lacking in the performers from the south of India. Here we have people judging women who dance on stage while singing, you are given a once-over from top to toe, and immediately judged as someone who is not, 'adakkam and odukkam" enough.
Why should the singer not enjoy his own song? Why is the performance repressed in the name of "right behavior", and when the joy does not permeate from him, how will it communicate to the audience?
Usha ji proved that you can bring dignity into any profession that you chose to be in. I daresay that She brought pop-culture to the limelight in India, and you can wear Kanjeevaaram and still rock the cells out of the audience. And am so glad that children who are moulded to be subdued are exposed to someone like her. To be true to your music, how to interact with the musicians and how to generally communicate to the audience, because if you are on stage, you are there for the people and not for yourself. And Usha ji is to mark the contestants on this show for stage presence and overall performance. Chitra ji was marking the contestants on the Pitch and rhythm.
Though she seems to have a strict exterior, she is one of the most soft hearted people I have seen. And every time she used to correct the children, she mutters to herself, that "Oh God, let me always be in tune and in rhythm that I can honestly correct the children" And the times she was asked to sing, she would ask the children "seriya paadinaena?" And ask them to give her marks on pitch and rhythm. She is one of the very very few people who are pitch perfect, a singer who everyone wants to be, everyone wants to sing like. And this was one of the best combination of judges - Usha ji and Chitra ji.
Shooting with Vijay TV is always fun, and much against people saying that we are making the children cry, the channel just captures what goes on. And the facts. Everything is shown as is. And I'd say that this is a reality show that lives up to its name. If scenes were shown of the girl who went and demanded to the Judge who eliminated her from the contest, it shows that the children nowadays question what they feel is wrong, that they are outspoken and no matter how young they are, they speak up for themselves. And some parents encourage such behavior.
And if the children and their parents have decided to take part in a contest of this magnitude, they understand that they have to be prepared for Success and Failure with equal readiness. And this is a learning experience for the ones who are involved, the ones that are part of the show, and the ones that watch it.
As for me, I am richer with experiences and I must admit that I am pretty much surprised most of the times, as should be the feeling with most people.
The finale was an awesome experience giving me an opportunity to share the stage with Dr. Balamuralikrishna. Most of the times I am at a loss of words when I have to 'introduce' a musician of his stature on a show. How much can a singer of my stature and my age say? Questions of this sort have always plagued me on the show, I had the same trouble last time when I had to invite SPB sir on stage for the finale last year, and I have lost my cool, been a bundle of nerves just before the camera starts rolling. This is when the crew supported me a lot. The show, like Airtel Super Singer, has been a super learning experience, albeit a little different.
A question that I have been oft asked, why did I not sing? Because it was not the show's format, the producers did not plan that I should sing in an episode, and I did not want to keep establishing that I can sing, especially in a talent hunt for younger children, as with Airtel Super Singer. When I am a host, I am there to speak and not to showcase what I can sing. There are other platforms for me to sing in, and God willing I will be blessed with such platforms.
Also, that I seem to shout/scream. :) I am yet to learn how to hype up something without shouting. Most of the times the audience just does not react in spite of all this. A quiet presentation sometimes does not work when a lot of energy is needed. But perhaps there is a better way to exude energy in presentation, I watched a few episodes of presenters in Western shows and when it is necessary, the decibel has gone up. I definitely have a lot to learn on that front.
And it was very nice for me to hear the children singing the songs that I have sung.
And I stay thankful to time that gives me these opportunities.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Of late there have been people who have gone all out to say that I can't sing to save my life and I should not have sung Sahana and that I should try and learn to sing, especially in beeped out words and the like. Why am I writing about it? Because I am now wondering why someone would be so vocative in conveying something of distaste. Have things always been this way with people over the years, or is it just that, say in the past 20 years or so people have become highly rude in conveying their dislike to certain things? Have we lost the art of being tactful?
In some cases, the critics on these media have told me, that they write to me in such a manner, only to elicit a response from me.
Just out of curiosity, how well do we remember the person who writes in to us like that? How do we associate with them? Good feeling? Squirmy feeling?
Why is it that we have to be aggressive in putting forth our views? Is it not the conviction in our thoughts and the belief in what we say that makes them communicated to the subject and not aggression? Is it not a poor substitute because we believe that we might not get the expected response from the target?
Have politeness and basic acts of courtesy gone down the drain? What would be the best way to express dislike and distaste to anything?
I still have not come to the state where rudeness towards me doesn't affect me. Probably I ll learn in a few years.
I got a comment from a certain lady in the past couple of days that I have to learn to sing esp with regard to Sahana, and in the turn off-s section in her profile, no points for guessing - rudeness.
Brings me to what has been communicated for a decade or so in every form. That people no longer want to give but want to receive all the time. And the desire to have excellent fruits from the seeds of hate. How in the universe is that going to happen? Not to mention, the lack of tolerance.
When someone is rude to me, should I remain quiet? Should I retort? Should I smile and go? I am told to feel stronger, and these are lessons to that effect.. Actually the time that I spend learning how to feel stronger on such issues, I 'd rather do something more productive, something better than come-back skills.
When I go through the archives of my earlier posts, I see how things have changed in my perception. And somewhere down in time, when I look back upon this post, I ll probably have my own answers to the questions here...
In some cases, the critics on these media have told me, that they write to me in such a manner, only to elicit a response from me.
Just out of curiosity, how well do we remember the person who writes in to us like that? How do we associate with them? Good feeling? Squirmy feeling?
Why is it that we have to be aggressive in putting forth our views? Is it not the conviction in our thoughts and the belief in what we say that makes them communicated to the subject and not aggression? Is it not a poor substitute because we believe that we might not get the expected response from the target?
Have politeness and basic acts of courtesy gone down the drain? What would be the best way to express dislike and distaste to anything?
I still have not come to the state where rudeness towards me doesn't affect me. Probably I ll learn in a few years.
I got a comment from a certain lady in the past couple of days that I have to learn to sing esp with regard to Sahana, and in the turn off-s section in her profile, no points for guessing - rudeness.
Brings me to what has been communicated for a decade or so in every form. That people no longer want to give but want to receive all the time. And the desire to have excellent fruits from the seeds of hate. How in the universe is that going to happen? Not to mention, the lack of tolerance.
When someone is rude to me, should I remain quiet? Should I retort? Should I smile and go? I am told to feel stronger, and these are lessons to that effect.. Actually the time that I spend learning how to feel stronger on such issues, I 'd rather do something more productive, something better than come-back skills.
When I go through the archives of my earlier posts, I see how things have changed in my perception. And somewhere down in time, when I look back upon this post, I ll probably have my own answers to the questions here...
Sunday, July 08, 2007
How to - American Appliances in India
And I got a 1800 watt and 280 watt appliance, blenders to be precise from Canada. I have no idea what kind of converters I should use, if there are any.
I heard about all these step-up and step-down converters. I bought one from nearby, a step-down, and it started smoking. Even after the guy tested the appliance there.
Can anyone help?
TIA.
I heard about all these step-up and step-down converters. I bought one from nearby, a step-down, and it started smoking. Even after the guy tested the appliance there.
Can anyone help?
TIA.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
And what a concert!!!
Once in a lifetime thing. I sang about 4 songs in a 24 song SPB KJY show. Chitra amma herself sang only about 5 songs and only one solo in that.
I sang KMI, Sahana, Thesalvudhe thenmalaraale and Ennaatha solvenungo. Was supposed to sing Mayya Mayya, but the audio people did not have an out chord for the laptop, and neither did they have a CD player. The musicians had told me that it was impossible to play that song.
It was probably the first time in 5 years that KMI was properly played by the musicians. This song is always botched up. "Shyaam group" is what they call themselves, but most of the musicians are highly established in the professional music maker's circuit.
I was supposed to sing Thenral Vandhu with KJY sir but since it was pushed to the end of the show he was not keen on singing it after the tempo had picked up to very fast numbers.
The response that we get especially from the Tamils here is out of the world. The monitors for the female voices was pretty bad, but after a point the engineer got a hang of it. Both Chitra amma and I had a tough time hearing ourselves sing before he could.
The Air Canada centre was totally packed - read 10,000+ people. And in an auditorium like that, getting the sound right is a herculean task. But then, most of the times, I have not really had a good monitor.
I gotta learn to get the in-ear monitor, but I tried it once while singing at Mumbai for the Filmfare awards, I wasnt quite comfortable with it.
Yesudas sir and Chitra amma said that my Thesulavudhe was very nice. Chitra amma always goes OTT praising me. She had takena soft corner for me right from the beginning and now, the bond we share is a special one.
I was looking forward to singing with KJY sir, but then I hope there will be another oppurtunity.The run order did not have a song that I could sing with SPB sir, and that was disappointing as well
Sahana - the applause I got was out of the world. Some of the times that I thank God and send him a silent prayer, and a silent thank you to Rahman sir. When I performed KMI first at Nehru Indoor Stadium for the then Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, Rahman Sir's act had Hari ji, a huge battalion of small children singing Vande Mataram and I. And we started with KMI. Rahman sir told me to give a short alaap before beginning with KMI and also told me how to finish, in an unpredictable way. The video is there in this blog and in YouTube to see. As soon as I had finished with the Alaap and started with the song, everyone applauded and did so again at the end. That was goose-bumps-happening time. And I had the same exp last night as soon as I had finished Sahana. I will not say that my rendition was perfect, it was tough to figure out what I was singing becos of the monitors. But in spite of that people went berserk. These are times when a singer gets the reaffirmation as to where the credit really belongs. With the music maker. And the movie.
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei is an excellent album. But except for abroad, people in Tamilnadu don't know of these songs because the movie did not do well. Once we cross the shores, only the music matters to the people here, the success of the film does nothing to the way they relish the music.
Everytime, Rahman sir makes sure that I dont disappear from the scene. He has kept me alive in this industry. Its common knowledge that I have not sung a million songs otherwise. Which is why now, none of the similies for "gratitude" to Rahman sir would quite suffice. Honestly, I have no idea why.
I do not think there will be time to look around this city this time. I have another concert this evening. And we fly back right after.
God willing, there will be another oppurtunity to look around this city.
P.S.: KMI = Kannathil Muthamittaal
I sang KMI, Sahana, Thesalvudhe thenmalaraale and Ennaatha solvenungo. Was supposed to sing Mayya Mayya, but the audio people did not have an out chord for the laptop, and neither did they have a CD player. The musicians had told me that it was impossible to play that song.
It was probably the first time in 5 years that KMI was properly played by the musicians. This song is always botched up. "Shyaam group" is what they call themselves, but most of the musicians are highly established in the professional music maker's circuit.
I was supposed to sing Thenral Vandhu with KJY sir but since it was pushed to the end of the show he was not keen on singing it after the tempo had picked up to very fast numbers.
The response that we get especially from the Tamils here is out of the world. The monitors for the female voices was pretty bad, but after a point the engineer got a hang of it. Both Chitra amma and I had a tough time hearing ourselves sing before he could.
The Air Canada centre was totally packed - read 10,000+ people. And in an auditorium like that, getting the sound right is a herculean task. But then, most of the times, I have not really had a good monitor.
I gotta learn to get the in-ear monitor, but I tried it once while singing at Mumbai for the Filmfare awards, I wasnt quite comfortable with it.
Yesudas sir and Chitra amma said that my Thesulavudhe was very nice. Chitra amma always goes OTT praising me. She had takena soft corner for me right from the beginning and now, the bond we share is a special one.
I was looking forward to singing with KJY sir, but then I hope there will be another oppurtunity.The run order did not have a song that I could sing with SPB sir, and that was disappointing as well
Sahana - the applause I got was out of the world. Some of the times that I thank God and send him a silent prayer, and a silent thank you to Rahman sir. When I performed KMI first at Nehru Indoor Stadium for the then Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, Rahman Sir's act had Hari ji, a huge battalion of small children singing Vande Mataram and I. And we started with KMI. Rahman sir told me to give a short alaap before beginning with KMI and also told me how to finish, in an unpredictable way. The video is there in this blog and in YouTube to see. As soon as I had finished with the Alaap and started with the song, everyone applauded and did so again at the end. That was goose-bumps-happening time. And I had the same exp last night as soon as I had finished Sahana. I will not say that my rendition was perfect, it was tough to figure out what I was singing becos of the monitors. But in spite of that people went berserk. These are times when a singer gets the reaffirmation as to where the credit really belongs. With the music maker. And the movie.
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei is an excellent album. But except for abroad, people in Tamilnadu don't know of these songs because the movie did not do well. Once we cross the shores, only the music matters to the people here, the success of the film does nothing to the way they relish the music.
Everytime, Rahman sir makes sure that I dont disappear from the scene. He has kept me alive in this industry. Its common knowledge that I have not sung a million songs otherwise. Which is why now, none of the similies for "gratitude" to Rahman sir would quite suffice. Honestly, I have no idea why.
I do not think there will be time to look around this city this time. I have another concert this evening. And we fly back right after.
God willing, there will be another oppurtunity to look around this city.
P.S.: KMI = Kannathil Muthamittaal
Saturday, June 30, 2007
had an interview session last morning and a rehearsal session today.
Worked damn hard crunching time meeting a deadline that was well, finally met. I shall finally get some peaceful shut eye.
Thanks to all this, I still have no idea how Toronto looks like except for the driving between several points
I heard the shopping places will be closed sunday and monday thanks to Canada Day and I ll have to pack in whatever I can tomorrow. If it is possible.
There was a banquet this evening with SPB Sir, Pa Vijay Mukesh, Suchitra (not of radio mirchi) and I. Pa Vijay is the host of this show. So this promises to be something new.
Also, every time I step out of the house, there is a limo in waiting. Though it looks great from the outside, I think that a Limousine is no great shakes. Also, its not comfortable getting in and out of the vehicle. And I admire the way the chaffeurs drive the car and the speed at which they go. Guess they get used to the car after a point. As time goes by, I am seeing that I dont get excited and all that with some things that I am supposed to get excited with. Like the Limo for instance. Probably its a good thing.
Looking forward to tomorrow..!
Worked damn hard crunching time meeting a deadline that was well, finally met. I shall finally get some peaceful shut eye.
Thanks to all this, I still have no idea how Toronto looks like except for the driving between several points
I heard the shopping places will be closed sunday and monday thanks to Canada Day and I ll have to pack in whatever I can tomorrow. If it is possible.
There was a banquet this evening with SPB Sir, Pa Vijay Mukesh, Suchitra (not of radio mirchi) and I. Pa Vijay is the host of this show. So this promises to be something new.
Also, every time I step out of the house, there is a limo in waiting. Though it looks great from the outside, I think that a Limousine is no great shakes. Also, its not comfortable getting in and out of the vehicle. And I admire the way the chaffeurs drive the car and the speed at which they go. Guess they get used to the car after a point. As time goes by, I am seeing that I dont get excited and all that with some things that I am supposed to get excited with. Like the Limo for instance. Probably its a good thing.
Looking forward to tomorrow..!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Currently in Canada
For a concert this 30th at the Air Canada auditorium.
Its going to be a super time for me, as I shall be sharing a small square meter of the stage along with Yesudas Sir, SPB Sir and Chitra ji. Mukesh is also a part of this show. Looking forward to a quite a bit and some great times.
Anyone who has suggestions on what I could do in Toronto, please do let me know!
P.S.: I wont be performing in the US on the 1st.
As for the songs I am going to be singing, the Run Order always changes on stage. So shaall report on what I sang.
Its going to be a super time for me, as I shall be sharing a small square meter of the stage along with Yesudas Sir, SPB Sir and Chitra ji. Mukesh is also a part of this show. Looking forward to a quite a bit and some great times.
Anyone who has suggestions on what I could do in Toronto, please do let me know!
P.S.: I wont be performing in the US on the 1st.
As for the songs I am going to be singing, the Run Order always changes on stage. So shaall report on what I sang.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Rest In Peace: Director Jeeva
I had a chance to meet him and work under him for a short sojourn, in Unnale Unnale, and I shall always remember those hours spent in the dubbing studio for the rip roaring time that I had. Even while speaking for Tanisha, I think we spent more time laughing and pulling everyone's legs than doing much work.
And once while I just started singing a song that was looping in my brain, while they were changing the reels, and I thought the mic was switched off, as it usually is, he had entered the console room, and the dubbing studio was such that I could not see who goes in and out of the console. The booth had the Mic and the TV, so that I could sync to the dialogues and yap away. When I finished humming, he just switched the talk back and said "very nice".
Unnale Unnale was one of the best times that I had dubbing and I shall always fondly remember it. I also wished that if ever I had a chance to make an album, he should wield the lens. Of course I never told him that. And now I never can.
I heard he passed away this morning while shooting for his movie Dhaam Dhoom in Russia.
To one of the directors who believed that I could speak for a lead female actor, and who gave me an oppurtunity to explore this facet. Thank You sir. I wish you hadn't taken leave so early.
And once while I just started singing a song that was looping in my brain, while they were changing the reels, and I thought the mic was switched off, as it usually is, he had entered the console room, and the dubbing studio was such that I could not see who goes in and out of the console. The booth had the Mic and the TV, so that I could sync to the dialogues and yap away. When I finished humming, he just switched the talk back and said "very nice".
Unnale Unnale was one of the best times that I had dubbing and I shall always fondly remember it. I also wished that if ever I had a chance to make an album, he should wield the lens. Of course I never told him that. And now I never can.
I heard he passed away this morning while shooting for his movie Dhaam Dhoom in Russia.
To one of the directors who believed that I could speak for a lead female actor, and who gave me an oppurtunity to explore this facet. Thank You sir. I wish you hadn't taken leave so early.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Behind the veil of anonymity
.. a lot of people find it very easy to comment. I had once disabled anonymous commenters on this blog, because there was a lot of spamming for one. And of course it was very easy for a few people that don't like me to call me names. And small wonder, to the comments section to bad mouth the people I like.
Post PodWorks, there was Sagaro who asked me "what about Wordpress users?" And there I went enabling anonymous comments. The other day there was a commenter who sent me one saying I can't hold a candle to two other young and definitely hugely successful playback singers, whose names I shall not mention here, and that I am a piece of crap. To each his own.
No one knows about people's real names in the the web unless you know them offline and know of their online presence. When this is the case, most people go under the "anonymous" tag when they want to criticize.
I want to reiterate that I shall not publish any comments that degrade people in the industry, people I know or even do not personally. If I do, I believe that it will look like I am party to a person's views as long as criticizing someone else is concerned, if I publish them here. It is a very sincere request, that if you want to criticize another musician/popular person, please do so in your own Blog. And if you need to criticize me, please key in an EMail, I shall be glad to respond.
P.S.: Spell checked!! :D
Post PodWorks, there was Sagaro who asked me "what about Wordpress users?" And there I went enabling anonymous comments. The other day there was a commenter who sent me one saying I can't hold a candle to two other young and definitely hugely successful playback singers, whose names I shall not mention here, and that I am a piece of crap. To each his own.
No one knows about people's real names in the the web unless you know them offline and know of their online presence. When this is the case, most people go under the "anonymous" tag when they want to criticize.
I want to reiterate that I shall not publish any comments that degrade people in the industry, people I know or even do not personally. If I do, I believe that it will look like I am party to a person's views as long as criticizing someone else is concerned, if I publish them here. It is a very sincere request, that if you want to criticize another musician/popular person, please do so in your own Blog. And if you need to criticize me, please key in an EMail, I shall be glad to respond.
P.S.: Spell checked!! :D
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I watched Sivaji on the first day. a 2:30 show at Satyam. This was the first time I caught a Rajnikanth Movie on the First day with all the hype and hoopla. And I screamed myself hoarse whenever, well, everyone also screamed along. I completely adored the movie and loved the whole experience of a first day.
I am not the reviewing kind. I have no idea how to do that. But there are people who do, and how! If you want to read a review about Thalaivar's movie, it is at Sudhish's.
And I will probably catch the movie a few more times as well .... And I know the whole velocity of the euphoria that a Superstar movie creates. Whoah. Still to recover. Or Probably I wont...
I am not the reviewing kind. I have no idea how to do that. But there are people who do, and how! If you want to read a review about Thalaivar's movie, it is at Sudhish's.
And I will probably catch the movie a few more times as well .... And I know the whole velocity of the euphoria that a Superstar movie creates. Whoah. Still to recover. Or Probably I wont...
Sunday, June 17, 2007
The rain plays a rhythm outside, pigeons flutter outside our window, I see the city under the dark canopy of the sky with no stars peeking out to say hello, a cool breeze intertwined when nature is in one of her lucid moods....
Kabhi Neem Neem from Yuva looping on my system. A moment as sheer as white silk wafting beneath a single beam of light. The voices of the song and the voices of nature.... The notes in the song and the notes of nature .. Perfect harmony. Perfect Magic.
If only music can be translated to words. Ah... but then some things are better left untranslated. Wishing this moment upon everyone who is in the world right now.
Kabhi Neem Neem from Yuva looping on my system. A moment as sheer as white silk wafting beneath a single beam of light. The voices of the song and the voices of nature.... The notes in the song and the notes of nature .. Perfect harmony. Perfect Magic.
If only music can be translated to words. Ah... but then some things are better left untranslated. Wishing this moment upon everyone who is in the world right now.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Sivaji - The Boss - speaks
Just saw on a news channel.
The Superstar is "nervous" to know the result of the movie
How does he look so young, blond hair et al?
"Ask Shankar, its a trade secret" followed by a disarming grin. He says "I am just an actor, AVM and the Director Shankar have worked so hard on this movie"
I almost collapsed when I heard him say "I am just an actor" (!!!)
The movie has a message for educationists, youngsters, the politicians, everyone.
He is "touched with the amount of love and admiration that his fans are showing. They are such innocent people and shouting their love for me" There was an intercut of his fans eating off the soil, a typical Kovil Vendudal, people piercing the 'Vel' through their mouths, and the Superstar's eyes became moist.
He said to the reporter, that all the hype is because it is created by people like you in the media.
And another channel likened him to Big B, and he says it "disturbs him" because he considers himself a follower, a fan and admirer, and does not want to be likened to a "Giant" like Big B.
And the news reporter in the studios was astounded with the humility he exhibited.
Disclaimer: I am in a state of utmost euphoria, a zillion butterflies in my stomach before I watch the movie. What is written here is not a verbatim recount of the interview. Only whatever has reached my sensory register is given here.
Just saw: Sudhish Kamath is giving Live updates as he watches the movie at Satyam
The Superstar is "nervous" to know the result of the movie
How does he look so young, blond hair et al?
"Ask Shankar, its a trade secret" followed by a disarming grin. He says "I am just an actor, AVM and the Director Shankar have worked so hard on this movie"
I almost collapsed when I heard him say "I am just an actor" (!!!)
The movie has a message for educationists, youngsters, the politicians, everyone.
He is "touched with the amount of love and admiration that his fans are showing. They are such innocent people and shouting their love for me" There was an intercut of his fans eating off the soil, a typical Kovil Vendudal, people piercing the 'Vel' through their mouths, and the Superstar's eyes became moist.
He said to the reporter, that all the hype is because it is created by people like you in the media.
And another channel likened him to Big B, and he says it "disturbs him" because he considers himself a follower, a fan and admirer, and does not want to be likened to a "Giant" like Big B.
And the news reporter in the studios was astounded with the humility he exhibited.
Disclaimer: I am in a state of utmost euphoria, a zillion butterflies in my stomach before I watch the movie. What is written here is not a verbatim recount of the interview. Only whatever has reached my sensory register is given here.
Just saw: Sudhish Kamath is giving Live updates as he watches the movie at Satyam
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Avid - Intel Based Macs : Does it work?
So here comes another question which I could not find answer to myself.
I decide to get a video editor, and liking Final Cut Pro, and then the bomb drops that it does not work on Intel based Macs.
And then goes the search to see whether Avid would work, and I am not sure with all the technical specs that I see there. I heard a whoosh just above my head, and I knew that is how the information flew past.
Now could anyone tell me whether Avid would work on the MacBook Pro?
And if it so happens, as I heard from another source, that I need to invest on a desktop to work on avid since it might/does slow down the system.
And if it has to be a new system, what should the specifications be like?
TIA
I decide to get a video editor, and liking Final Cut Pro, and then the bomb drops that it does not work on Intel based Macs.
And then goes the search to see whether Avid would work, and I am not sure with all the technical specs that I see there. I heard a whoosh just above my head, and I knew that is how the information flew past.
Now could anyone tell me whether Avid would work on the MacBook Pro?
And if it so happens, as I heard from another source, that I need to invest on a desktop to work on avid since it might/does slow down the system.
And if it has to be a new system, what should the specifications be like?
TIA
Sunday, June 10, 2007
PodWorks - Day 2
As soon as I woke up, it was great to see the coverage in Page 3 by Karthik Subramaniam on The Hindu.
We have started off pretty much on time, at about 10 AM IST
The Hall is not fully packed yet, but I reckon it will be in another hour.
The first session kicks off with Sridhar Ranganathan from Yahoo!
How to get your Blog 'discovered' by search engines.
10:17 AM IST
PodWorks Day 2 Tidel Park
Currently drinking tea as sweet as payasam and listening to Dinesh talk on how to Edit videos using Adobe Premiere.
11:07 AM IST
PodWorks Day 2 Tidel Park
Vivin Mathew from CNN-IBN took over to talk about "How to make an interesting PodCast"
Thereafter, we had Mr Shashi Kumar, Freelance Cameraman with Nat-Geo, Cameraman for the title song of Chennai - 600028 and who was also in team of Super Singer 2006, which is how I came to know him initially, to talk on "Frames and Lighting"
It was the session that was most fun so far
12:30 PM IST
Yousuf from Sun Microystems spoke about Server Side for about 20 minutes.
Went off to catch a coffee from Qwiky's and had lunch.
Violin Concert from 1:45 to 2:00 PM by Krish Ashok, which is in another ten minutes.
Session on Video Conferencing by Mr Eric for about 30 minutes.
A super fast 10 minute presentation by Karthik Kannan on How to make a Vlog in 10 Minutes [thats jargon for Video blog, well I have been here for almost two days now.. time to drop some words :)]
2:44 PM IST
Sharanya gave a short presentation on what not to do in front of the camera.
She was an intern with the CNN IBN
We now have Mr Shanmugham talking about PodLearning
3:16 PM IST
Talk by Mr Vikram of Nautanki.tv
And that was wrapped up at around 4:40
Thereafter we had a quick session looking at some of our favourite PodCasts.
I had to leave right after we took the group pic because I had to shoot for Vijay TV.
Some of the pictures from today
You can check out a lot of interesting pictures at Vinay's Flickr
We have started off pretty much on time, at about 10 AM IST
The Hall is not fully packed yet, but I reckon it will be in another hour.
The first session kicks off with Sridhar Ranganathan from Yahoo!
How to get your Blog 'discovered' by search engines.
10:17 AM IST
PodWorks Day 2 Tidel Park
Currently drinking tea as sweet as payasam and listening to Dinesh talk on how to Edit videos using Adobe Premiere.
11:07 AM IST
PodWorks Day 2 Tidel Park
Vivin Mathew from CNN-IBN took over to talk about "How to make an interesting PodCast"
Thereafter, we had Mr Shashi Kumar, Freelance Cameraman with Nat-Geo, Cameraman for the title song of Chennai - 600028 and who was also in team of Super Singer 2006, which is how I came to know him initially, to talk on "Frames and Lighting"
It was the session that was most fun so far
12:30 PM IST
Yousuf from Sun Microystems spoke about Server Side for about 20 minutes.
Went off to catch a coffee from Qwiky's and had lunch.
Violin Concert from 1:45 to 2:00 PM by Krish Ashok, which is in another ten minutes.
Session on Video Conferencing by Mr Eric for about 30 minutes.
A super fast 10 minute presentation by Karthik Kannan on How to make a Vlog in 10 Minutes [thats jargon for Video blog, well I have been here for almost two days now.. time to drop some words :)]
2:44 PM IST
Sharanya gave a short presentation on what not to do in front of the camera.
She was an intern with the CNN IBN
We now have Mr Shanmugham talking about PodLearning
3:16 PM IST
Talk by Mr Vikram of Nautanki.tv
And that was wrapped up at around 4:40
Thereafter we had a quick session looking at some of our favourite PodCasts.
I had to leave right after we took the group pic because I had to shoot for Vijay TV.
Some of the pictures from today
Kids at PodWorks.
In action!
My most common PodWorks pose. Have been clicked in this pose by several over 48 hours. I lowwwwweee my MacBook Pro. Thanks Siva
A tradition that is followed after every Knowledge Foundation event, the participants sign on the Vinyl.
Everyone came in with their cameras to catch the action on the ones with the Marker Pens.
And there were some happy onlookers, who also eventually left their signatures.
A snapshot of what it looked like.
Mine!
And the very happy participants and Organizers.
You can check out a lot of interesting pictures at Vinay's Flickr
And this is how my day/evening took over right after PodWorks and went on till the wee hours of 11th morning. Life happens!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
PodWorks - And ITS ON!
Day 1 - PodWorks - June 09th 2007
Started off a a few minutes ago.
And we are just going through the introductions of the few Podcasters that are present here.
I am going to be updating this as frequently as possible during these two days.
9:32 AM IST
Talking on what stops people from Podcasting:
Quick Overview of what has been said
- Time or lack of it
- Unaware
- Unable to Monetize
- Audio Editing
- No quality attached to your name - Who will listen to me?
- Corporate prohibition
- Devices expensive
9:51 AM IST
BTW Kiruba is behind the Mic for the first session.
Thanks for the help on this picture - Srini and Manki.
And the Girl here is the youngest participant in PodWorks :)
A break for about 30 minutes for the Press Conference.
11:03 AM IST
The session by Karthik Kannan is already on in the meanwhile - Demo on how to make a Podcast in Audio
12:12 AM IST
Alternate seating arrangement.... Hey the is an 'Un'-conference :)
Alternate seating arrangement - Part 2
The Press Con - Sagaro a.k.a. Ganesh, Kiruba Shankar, Syed and Vignesh
Thats Karthik Kannan explaining "How to make an Audio Podcast in 10 Minutes"
1:03 PM
Break for lunch Back at 2:00 PM
Lunch was Pizza with Karthik Kannan, Pradeep and Preeti Chaturvedi.
2:00 PM and it was my turn to speak on Mic, Voice and Interviewee Management. OK thats a lot of jargon, but sometimes its a blessing :)
That is Kiruba Shankar a.k.a. Kribs.
2:52 PM IST
Talk on "Tips on Blogging on Wordpress" by Sridhar Rao, Vibhash and Himanshu from 2:37 pm IST
Post Lunch and the floor seats have more takers ;)
Learning how to embed YouTube objects. Yeah its just paste the code, but then hey, I admit I need someone to push me!
This session closed at 3:18
Now On: Vitamin M - How to make money through your Blogs.
By Sunil Nair - Nautanki.tv
3:20
And the session closed at 3:50
One of the best sessions today :)
Break of about 15 minutes to dunk some Red Bull.
Mr. Venkatesh
Talk on monetizing again,but to help underprivileged people.
4:08 PM
Talk on Corporate Blogging - by Dhempe later taken over by Vijay Sriram
4:10 PM
End of talk at 5:00 PM
Somewhere in between Kribs gives the announcement that Vans are available outside the venue for the Beach House Party.
Currently watching the route to the Beach House
Here is the damn cute clip
And video by Sagaro a.k.a. Ganesh
5:02 PM
First day wraps up at around the same time, but a lot of us hung out for a while.
One of the last 'working' pictures. With Sagaro
I finally reached home in time to watch the next episode of Super Singer Junior.
The team is partying at the beach house.
Tomorrow's focus will be on Video Podcasting.
Shall continue my updates tomorrow as well. And I had a rollicking time!
Started off a a few minutes ago.
And we are just going through the introductions of the few Podcasters that are present here.
I am going to be updating this as frequently as possible during these two days.
9:32 AM IST
Talking on what stops people from Podcasting:
Quick Overview of what has been said
- Time or lack of it
- Unaware
- Unable to Monetize
- Audio Editing
- No quality attached to your name - Who will listen to me?
- Corporate prohibition
- Devices expensive
9:51 AM IST
BTW Kiruba is behind the Mic for the first session.
Thanks for the help on this picture - Srini and Manki.
And the Girl here is the youngest participant in PodWorks :)
A break for about 30 minutes for the Press Conference.
11:03 AM IST
The session by Karthik Kannan is already on in the meanwhile - Demo on how to make a Podcast in Audio
12:12 AM IST
Alternate seating arrangement.... Hey the is an 'Un'-conference :)
Alternate seating arrangement - Part 2
The Press Con - Sagaro a.k.a. Ganesh, Kiruba Shankar, Syed and Vignesh
Thats Karthik Kannan explaining "How to make an Audio Podcast in 10 Minutes"
1:03 PM
Break for lunch Back at 2:00 PM
Lunch was Pizza with Karthik Kannan, Pradeep and Preeti Chaturvedi.
2:00 PM and it was my turn to speak on Mic, Voice and Interviewee Management. OK thats a lot of jargon, but sometimes its a blessing :)
That is Kiruba Shankar a.k.a. Kribs.
2:52 PM IST
Talk on "Tips on Blogging on Wordpress" by Sridhar Rao, Vibhash and Himanshu from 2:37 pm IST
Post Lunch and the floor seats have more takers ;)
Learning to Post a YouTube video on my Blog. This is the test.
Learning how to embed YouTube objects. Yeah its just paste the code, but then hey, I admit I need someone to push me!
This session closed at 3:18
Now On: Vitamin M - How to make money through your Blogs.
By Sunil Nair - Nautanki.tv
3:20
And the session closed at 3:50
One of the best sessions today :)
Break of about 15 minutes to dunk some Red Bull.
Mr. Venkatesh
Talk on monetizing again,but to help underprivileged people.
4:08 PM
Talk on Corporate Blogging - by Dhempe later taken over by Vijay Sriram
4:10 PM
End of talk at 5:00 PM
Somewhere in between Kribs gives the announcement that Vans are available outside the venue for the Beach House Party.
Currently watching the route to the Beach House
Here is the damn cute clip
And video by Sagaro a.k.a. Ganesh
5:02 PM
First day wraps up at around the same time, but a lot of us hung out for a while.
One of the last 'working' pictures. With Sagaro
I finally reached home in time to watch the next episode of Super Singer Junior.
The team is partying at the beach house.
Tomorrow's focus will be on Video Podcasting.
Shall continue my updates tomorrow as well. And I had a rollicking time!
Friday, June 08, 2007
I am speaking at PodWorks
I just heard from Kribs that I will have to speak there on How to work with the Mic. Apparently most people are not able to speak to a Mic as easily as they are able to speak to a congregation of people.
This would probably be the first time that I am speaking in front of some of the best brains in the field of technology. Of course, knees are losing their caps. But let me see how it goes. Shall keep this space updated. But at the end of the day, I am going to be having lots of fun.
Godspeed to Podworks!
This would probably be the first time that I am speaking in front of some of the best brains in the field of technology. Of course, knees are losing their caps. But let me see how it goes. Shall keep this space updated. But at the end of the day, I am going to be having lots of fun.
Godspeed to Podworks!
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