Food in Chennai is to die for: Shreya Ghoshal

Ahead of her concert on December 20 to celebrate 3.5 lakh of copies of the Chennai edition of The Times of India, one of India���s most sought-after playback singers Shreya Ghoshal talks to us about her association with The Times of India, working with legends like Ilaiyaraaja, her love for south Indian food, Tamil audiences, and more���
Tell us about your musical association with The Times of India���
Every single event I do with TOI is special. This time, the combination is great as I will be performing in Chennai for The Times of India. What I like the most about my association is that they organize the events beautifully. Be it the venues or the arrangements ��� TOI is just fantastic.
What is it about the Chennai audience that you find special?
I always look forward to performing in Chennai because I get the best audience, who���re hardcore music lovers, here. This is one place where artists are treated with utmost love and respect, irrespective of their age. In fact, my fans get to know when I am coming to Chennai every time I land in the city. I���ve seen fans waiting for me at the airport even in the wee hours. I even know a few of them by face and name. Such is their loyalty.
What can the audience expect to hear from you at the YMCA Nandanam concert this Saturday evening?
I���ve already been getting requests from fans in Chennai! I will be singing some new Hindi songs like Manwa Laage, Sunn Raha Hai, Nagada Sang Dhol Baaje. I will also be singing some Tamil classics like Munbe Vaa and Mannipaaya, along with some new songs. I am preparing a huge list.
What do you like about Chennai most?
I love south Indian food. One of the reasons why I agree to fly down even for one song is because I get to eat some really good food here. Be it the thaalis, idlis, dosas or the different varieties of chutneys ��� the food here is to die for. I���d been to Murugan Idli once and I had the softest idlis there. Though I haven���t visited many places in Chennai, I am definitely planning to head to the beach this time.
Some of your most memorable collaborations on stage in Chennai���
My concert with Ilaiyaraaja sir in the year 2006 was a dream-come-true. I saw the energy of the audience and how much they loved Raaja sir. It was an honour to share the stage with him and to sing his compositions. It meant a lot to me when he praised me.
Who are your friends in Kollywood?
I am friends with most of the composers here. Currently, I am singing a lot of good songs for SS Thaman. Last time I had a concert in the city, Haricharan and Shweta Mohan surprised me by dropping by. Though all of us are contemporaries, each of us respects the other���s talent.
How different is working in Kollywood from Bollywood?
I am greedy for good music. At a time when music is being commercialized, it is heartening to see good compositions in the Tamil film industry. Few of my Bollywood songs don���t require any expertise in singing. Somewhere, you feel that the melody is lost. I fulfill my craving for good music here. I���ve sung some hardcore melodies and a few classical-based songs. The compositions are rich and that is why I cherish working in Kollywood.
Shreya Ghoshal live concert is organised by the TOI. Collect your complimentary invites from The Times of India office, Chamiers Road, Nandanam on a first-come-first-served basis from 10 am to 6 pm. Or, just SMS TOISG Name to 58888.