BEHINDWOODS COLUMN

Shruthi J an Indian NRI is a youth sensation, rock-star, pop queen of Malaysia and the list just goes on. At her teens, her profile and portfolio is longer than Great Wall of China. Waiting to break it big in the Indian music scene, we manage a special interview with the prodigy.

 

 

1. Rightfully named Shruthi, how and when did the musical journey have a beginning in your life? 

 

Let me try giving a non-clichéd answer. I probably started learning when I was 2 years old. That's what my parents claim, I didn't have a clue of what was happening then, but I definitely enjoyed the experience of singing. There is a very interesting trivia dating back to my kindergarten days. I was busy playing in the corridor and there were students of the choir rehearsing Malaysia's national anthem. 

 

I was sure of somebody from the group hitting the wrong notes. I went into the room and reported to the music teacher about the faulty singing. The teacher challenged me if I could sing it correctly, all by myself. Whenever my competitiveness comes for a test, I do my best. I did sing the complete anthem like the original. My parents knew I could sing, but when the music teacher went and told them that I was meant to do this, the act of singing, my parents made me learn Carnatic music. So, this is when it all started. 

 

2. What is singing to you? 

 

It's my existence. Without music I don't make sense as an individual. It's a very emotional process I undergo every time I render a song. It takes me on a very personal trip teleporting me to a whole new world. I see it as a devotion to god. The lyrical content attracts me over the tones and rhythms. More than being extra cautious about what I sing and how I sing, singing to me is a free-flowing, instantaneous outburst of joy and love. Krishna Nee Bhegane from Colonial Cousins and Harivarasanam drove me into singing. This unadulterated pouring of affection through performing arts is singing to me.   

 

3. Malaysians seem to be more inclined towards Tamil. How has that helped you lure into music?

 

Malaysia is one place, where we are progressive yet grounded. We love the language, its dialect and usage more than anything else. The place I belonged had no formal, preconceived ideas on independent music and musicians as such. When I ventured into stage performances, there was not much of a competition. No compulsions as well. I had to literally sketch out the game-play and strategy. Malaysia's westernized culture, amalgamated tradition and progressive nature gave me the support and space to improve. Malaysia is truly a treat! 

 

4. From a bathroom singer to showcasing your singing talent at family functions to the stage, how was your travel?

 

 

From the start, it has been the stage. I'm basically an attention seeker and I love singing on a stage with all the costumes and accessories more than anything else. The lighting, uproar from the crowd, cheer and applause addict me and exploit my talent to the fullest. 

 

The stage factor in my life started when I went and sang the Malaysian anthem (again) at a local celebration during the vacations in India. I just straightaway hopped onto the stage, grabbed the microphone and began my performance. I never got intimidated by the audience or get shy of singing. I've always been ready for performances. 

 

5. You’re a top level pop singer in Malaysia? Who is your inspiration? 

 

Without inspirations, you can't have the drive and motive in that particular field. It might be a clichéd answer, but it's Micheal Jackson. He is responsible for what I'm today. He is one legend who never gets out-dated. I'm not driven by an individual. It's the personality who's a brand by himself. Jackson is one such person. It's an unbearable loss to the music world. I miss him. I look upon him for life. He just knows every part of his song. I then looked into the mirror realizing, what am I doing? I want to be one such artist having an aura of one’s own self. 

 

 

6. What do you want to give this world with your music?  

 

I want to give people a thought. Too much non-sense is going on this world. Everything is just a downward spiral into nothing. It's so sad. Only music can save this world. Go to two people fighting and check their track list. They will be listening to the same set of songs. Music can put a rest to all of this. I'm not saying, my music will bring a balance but I would definitely put a thought to the listener. 

 

 

7. What are your future plans? 

 

I prefer being a stage singer than a play-back, studio singer. I am sure about teaming up for feature songs, but live shows still bring the best in me. I'm going to give it a shot and start meeting music directors. With independent scene not that great, artists are forced to take up singing commitments for movies. I want to be seen and heard everywhere. Let me work for that.

 

Interviewed by- Vj Abishek

Sourced by- PRO Venkat