Young guns of Kollywood

���I used to perform in small associations and won several prizes. Later, I learnt Carnatic music,��� Ranjith, who initiated the conversation said. Haricharan, who also has a musical background, chipped in. ���My grandfather had a sabha. I have been learning Carnatic music for the past 14 years. My father introduced me to classical music.��� However, Krish had a different tale to narrate altogether. ���I never learnt music but I listened to a lot of music at home. My family members encouraged me to take up singing. They were also my first critics,��� he added.Ranjth, who has been mesmerising the audience for almosthalf-a-decade now, got nostalgic when reminded of his first song. ���I mademy debut with Hey Penne in Aasai Aasaiyai. I was thrilled to see my name on theCD. A lot of FMs were launched at that time and I was excited to hear my voiceon radio.��� For Haricharan, the Kollywood journey began in 2004 with Unakkena Iruppen... from Kaadhal, which was a super hit. ���My friends did not believe me when I said that I was the one who had sung the number. Only when they saw my name on the CDs and cassette did they acceptthe truth. I went to the theatre with my friends for the movie and every time,my song was played, my friends leapt with joy.���Every singer shares a special relationship with the music directors who introduce them to the industry. And these singers are no different. ���I admire HarrisJayaraj. Working with him helped me identify his real personality. He isdown-to-earth and concerned about others,��� said Krish. Ranjith, whilecommenting on his mentor Mani Sharma, said, ���I lived in Mani���sstudio. His passion for music is amazing. He never compromises with his tunes.���I also loved working with A R Rahman. I am glad to haveparticipated in two of his live shows, Unity of Light and Three DimensionalTour,��� he added. Haricharan, for his part, praised JoshuaSridhar. ���I share an excellent rapport with Joshua and feel free to workon my songs. I also loved working with Dharan in Parijatham,��� headded.While there are several people who feel that music realityshows on television provide youngsters an opportunity to get into the filmindustry, these three disagree. Commenting on the issue, Haricharansaid, ���I participated in Sapthaswarangal. Earlier, there was purecompetition among the participants. But, now these shows are flooded with lavishprizes and popularity determines your success.���Ranjith too hada similar opinion. ���Even though I had been a part of Sapthaswarangal, Ihad to begin from scratch in the film industry. I was picked from the chorus. Ibelieve that the individuality of a person counts. These shows put you in aplace where you never belong. There is no shortcut to success,��� pointedout Ranjith. When asked about the reason for the increasing numberof young singers in Kollywood, Krish instantly reacted, ���All credit goesto A R Rahman. He came at the right time and did the right thing.���Haricharan felt that the current music directors were ready to experiment withnew voices.Bollywood has always had a fascination for singers fromthe south. Would they be willing to sing in Bollywood?���Singing at the national level is not an easy task. But Iwould love singing in Hindi,��� said an eager Ranjith. ���If Bollywoodbeckons me, I would definitely sing,��� added Krish. Haricharan however didnot seem to be fascinated by Bollywood.���I prefer what I amdoing now,��� said the proud Tamil singer.On their dreams,Ranjith said, ���I want to sing more, experiment and perform in more liveshows.���Haricharan seemed to be more interested in musicalbums. ���I want to bring out my own album,��� he said.���Iwant to become an actor, earn more money, buy a BMW and pay off all myloans,��� concluded Krish.