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TAKETWO

`We get our due in stage shows'

PHOTO: R. SHIVAJI RAO

Playback singers Sujatha Mohan and Unni Menon on music and more

Sujatha Mohan and Unni Menon have a lot in common. Besides being playback singers, both hail from God's Own Country and call Chennai their home; both have a cheerful disposition and positive outlook; both began their career in Tamil under maestro Ilaiyaraja's baton; and both are happiest when they are with their families. To top it all, both shot to fame with the same song! The song in question? "Pudhu Vellai Mazhai" from the 1991 blockbuster "Roja."

Sujatha, who has been lending her beautiful voice to many a heroine for 30 years, made her debut as a 7-year-old with none other than K. J. Yesudas. After singing for many Malayalam movies, she took a four-and-a-half year break before romancing the mike again. And there's been no looking back as she gave life to the tunes of Ilaiyaraja, Bharadwaj, Vidyasagar, Deva and Harris Jeyaraj to name a few.

It was a machines-to-music story for Unni, who gave up his job at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi, to take up a career in playback singing. Whether "Ooo la la la", "Nadiyae nadiyae", Telugu number or an Ayyappa devotional, Unni is at ease whatever be style. His business acumen is evident in the way he manages his two studios, in Chennai and Kerala. And now as host of the popular "Sapta Swarangal" show, Unni has added another feather to his cap.

When the two friends met for a Take Two at Sujatha's tastefully done up home, the camaraderie was palpable, their smiles infectious. All Savitha Gautam had to do was press the record button.

Unni: Suju, did you know I was a big fan of yours even in those days? I used to attend every concert where you performed with Dasettan. You used to wear frocks and were known as `Baby' Sujatha.

Sujatha: Really? (almost blushing). But you were a late starter as far as music went.

Unni: Yes, by the time I started in 1981, you were a veteran of more than 1,000 stage shows and many, many songs!

Sujatha: I sang my first song in 1975 for the Malayalam film "Tourist Bungalow". In 1976, I sang for Raja sir for the film "Kavikuyil." By the way, we took notice of you as a good singer when you sang your first Malayalam number.

Unni: Yeah! I sang three songs for Yesudas. But when the film "Kadathu" was released, they were credited to my name, much to my surprise. Suju, I think we really met as professional singers when I had to fill in for Yesudas at a concert.

Sujatha: Yes. After that, we sang many Malayalam songs together, before "Pudhu Vellai Mazhai."

Unni: But don't you agree that we were truly launched in Tamil with "Roja"?

Sujatha: Oh, yes! That was really the beginning.

Unni: I would say that was the biggest and best thing to have happened to us, thanks to Mani Ratnam and Rahman.

Sujatha: Actually, I knew Rahman when he was just Dilip. I would sing jingles for him. (Pauses) I think one of the ads was for Nivea talc.

Unni: Rahman believes a good singer must be given a chance. He has opened the door to many singers. In a way, he broke the monopoly that existed till then.

Sujatha: Rahman chooses singers according to the mood of the song not the vocals. That's his specialty. It's great working with him. And he gives his singers a lot of freedom to experiment. Actually, I enjoy working with any music director.

Unni: Yes. Each one has his own style. I am happy the way my career has shaped up. To be around for so long means something! (laughs)

Sujatha: True. Today, there are so many singers and music directors...

Unni: Yes, anybody can sing any type of song. Suju, tell me, don't you feel we singers never get the importance we deserve? I always felt we are sidelined...

Sujatha: True. Even in the film credits, our names scroll down towards the end, and sometimes the operator even switches off the reel... (the trademark smile is back) I suppose we get our due when we do stage shows. Also, we get to sing songs of our choice.

Unni: Yes. Suju, how do you manage to look cheerful all the time?

Sujatha: That's just a mask. (With an amused look) I have a temper. You have caught me several times in a bad mood.

Unni: (Nods and then laughs) How do you feel before a show? Are you nervous as I am before taking the stage?

Sujatha: Nervous? Boy! I have a 1,000 butterflies in my stomach. But once I start singing, the music envelops me. Do you know even Chitra says she's nervous before every song?

Unni: Really? Actually even SPB sir once told me he is tense before a show. He learns to relax only after a couple of songs!

Suju: Yes. Unni, are you happy with the level you've reached?

Unni: I was never unhappy at any point. I am plain lucky as I never went after anything. Opportunities just fell into my lap all along. I have even acted in a film ("Sthithi"), composed music and am now hosting a show. Suju, have you ever considered becoming a music director?

Sujatha: No. I don't think I have it in me. I am happy doing what I am. Today, my focus is on grooming my daughter Shweta. She has already sung in a couple of Malayalam movies. But I do not want to push her too much. I believe in destiny. What about your sons? Are they into music?

Unni: Not really. The elder one is doing Architecture and the second one is in Class VI. They are musically inclined but whether they will make a career out of music, only time will tell.

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