Singer Nanditha turns composer

Popular singer Nanditha has turned composer with

Nanagishta

which is directed by Dinesh Baboo. Her mentor Hamsalekha has written the lyrics for the only song in the film. The techie-turned-singer told Mirror that this was one of the biggest decisions of her life.

The four-time State award winner has been singing for films for two decades now.She made her playback debut in 1998 in the film Habba. Incidentally, Hamsalekha had composed the music for the film. Prior to that, Nanditha used to sing tracks for film songs. The sole song that she has composed for Nanagishta will be sung by veteran singer Chithra.

Speaking to Mirror, Nanditha said she had been contemplating this for long.“My singing assignments kept me very busy. However, I used to compose songs at home whenever I found time. I have composed music for a few veena albums. But these were not commercial.

“People in the industry have been urging me to start composing music for a while now. But I was waiting for the right opportunity.

“Dinesh Baboo is very talented. When he approached me, I couldn’t refuse,” she said. The film has only one song, but that didn’t make things easy for Nanditha.

“There are two versions of the song that keeps playing throughout the movie. It had to be very haunting. That was a challenge,” she said.

Nanditha says she has a stock of tunes ready for filmmakers. “I have composed hundreds of tunes over the years. But I know things don’t work that way in the world of films. The tunes have to suit the situation in the film and it has to appeal to the filmmaker. However, if somebody likes a particular tune, I am ready to give it to them. Else, I am always willing to compose new ones,” she said. Does this then mean the end of her singing career? Nanditha says she won’t quit singing but hopes her compositions will be liked by the audiences.
“I will not stop singing. But I hope I will be remembered for my compositions more.

“I believe that the voice of a playback singer has to suit a song.

“So I won’t be singing all my compositions if I believe that my voice won’t do justice to the song,” she said.

Director Baboo is thrilled that Nanditha has decided to make her debut with his film.

“I have known Nanditha for many years. She has tremendous knowledge of music. She has trained under the wings of Hamsalekha. That has surely helped her.

“I have only one song in my film but that one tune is so beautiful. Even Hamsalekha was so happy with the tune,” Baboo said.