Shankar: On a success spree

Who can forget the mellow voice behind the famous ad jingle Kuch Khaas Hai Hum Sabhi Mein?
Shankar Mahadevan, the voice behind it, has today come a long way and is one of the most sought-after music composers in the industry. But, Shankar has his feet firmly on the ground and has no airs of being a successful musician.
Shankar Mahadevan is on a high as his latest venture, Chandni Chowk To China, which just hit the screens, has evoked good response.After the momentous Rock On, the formidable combination of Shankar Ehsaan Loy has given some good soundtracks in Chandni Chowk To China.
Ask the musician about it and he smiles, ���The title song is a fun track and is a fusion of Indian, western and oriental rhythm. There is also a Chinese influence in the soundtrack that brings something new to the table,��� he says.
Rock On had the true flavour of rock music that went on to become a rage among young music lovers. ���We knew that the songs would become popular but we never expected them to achieve a cult status. It was quite a challenge as we wanted to make a bold attempt but at the same time, retain the purity of rock music,��� says the composer.
Shankar Mahadevan is the front man of the band of musicians that comprises Ehsaan Noorani and Loy. The trio is also known as the Amar Akbar Anthony of music in Bollywood and has, to its credit, blockbuster hits like Dil Chahta Hai, Don, Lakshya, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Bunty Aur Babli, Kal Ho Na Ho, Taare Zameen Par and the Tamil hit Aalavandhan, to name a few. Ask Shankar about the chemistry between the three and pat comes the reply. ���We are entirely different from each other and that is what keeps us going. We get along like a house on fire,��� states the crooner.
With several awards under his belt, including a national award for Santhana Thendralai... from Kandukondain Kandukondain, Shankar Mahdevan has lent his voice for big stars like Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan. But has singing taken a backseat after the musician started composing tunes? ���I cannot do away with singing. But I agree that I have become very selective with my songs these days.���
Ask Shankar Mahadevan, why he has not scored music for Tamil films after his maiden attempt, Aalavandhan, and the musician replies, ���I would definitely love to do Tamil films but I did not get any offers after Aalavandhaan. But now the good news is that I am scoring music for Yaavarum Nalam starring Madhavan.���
Shankar Mahadevan does not forget to thank his mentor A R Rahman, who played a vital role in his career. ���The credit for my success in music undoubtedly goes to AR Rahman. He gave me back-to-back hits in Tamil ��� Mazhaithuli Mazhaithuli... from Sangamam, Sandhana Thendralai... from Kandukondein Kandukondein and Thaniye... from Rhythm in my early days which put me on the right track,��� he says with gratitude.
With a number of projects in his kitty, Shankar Mahadevan seems to be on a roll. ���I have signed quite a number of projects ��� Luck by Chance, Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai, My Name is Khan, Shortcut and Yaavaraum Nalam in Tamil.��� The musician is indeed going places!
Also see Shankar Mahadevan���s Portfolio
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Till bed do us apart!