Singer Unnikrishnan needs no introduction. The King of
Melodies was gracious to give us an exclusive interview
amidst his real hectic schedule.
When you had to choose between cricket and music, what made
you to choose music?
I would say that it all happened on its own. I did not plan
anything. But I must accept that in cricket I did not see much
scope, as I did not get into the right level.
When critics like Subbudu criticize the carnatic singers
singing movie songs, do you get offended or feel guilty?
Not at all. I enjoy doing both and so I am doing it.
In Tamil film industry we see a lots of playback singers
from Kerala. What do you think is the reason behind this?
I think it is mainly because of Yesudas. He inspired many people
like me.
Do you have any inclination for composing?
I do have inclination. Composing consumes lots of time and efforts.
But I have absolutely no time for it now.
Do you think you are at the
peak of your career now?
I really do not think so. I have lots to learn and a long way
to go.
You have achieved everything now - you are very popular,
doing a lot of concerts and film music, received numerous awards.
What next?
I think I really have to be critical about myself, aim for the
best, work hard, be sincere at work and make others happy.
Apart from music and cricket, you have any other talent that
is unknown to us?
I play a lot of tennis as well.
Which was the toughest song among your film songs?
It was in a Malayalam movie called Devadasi and the music director
was Shareth. It was the toughest song I have ever sung.
Does the lyrics or music of the songs you sing affect you?
It very much depends on the lyrics and the tune. Some songs
do make a very deep impact on you and keeps lingering for a
long time. Some songs do not make an impact and very easily
goes out of your mind.
When you sang 'ennavale', you were an executive with Parrys.
What did 'ennavale' do to an executive?
When I was working in Parrys, I was also doing classical concerts.
But after 'ennavale' my career took a turn and I had to give
up my job and that was a good decision because you can only
concentrate on one profession at a time.
At the time of recording, you would visualize something and
sing. When you see the visuals in the movie, do they match with
your imagination?
They are different sometimes. Most of the time the music director
explains the situation and the way he is going to film it and
that does help getting a fair idea.
We are talking about global village now. How would the reach
of western music affect the Indian music?
Already Indian music has been affected by western music. The
youth is very much attracted towards pop and rap and to satisfy
them, most of the film songs have that sort of tunes.
Do you think the classical music will also get affected?
Indian classical music has its own audience and one has to develop
a taste for it and it does not come over night. We must try
to attract more youngsters to Classical music. It is difficult
but with a lot of young musicians performing and with the support
of sabhas we can definitely find a lot of youngsters coming
into the foray of Carnatic music.
You would have two different sets of fans for your classical
music and for your film songs. Do you find any difference between
them?
Oh, yes. Some of the classical fans do not want me to sing film
songs. But film songs fans do not have any such demands. They
just enjoy what I sing.
Have you felt music as a burden at any point of time in your
life?
To be honest, at times because of too many commitments, I have
felt so. Especially during December festivals, there are many
concerts and I really feel the pressure.
