You hail from a very musical family.
True. My father, music maestro Malabar Gopalan Nair, was a well-known folk and traditional singer and a doyen in contemporary drama. My mother Kamalakshy Amma is a singer especially famous for her rendition of lullabies. My elder brother M.G.Radhakrishnan is a household name in Carnatic and Malayalam film music. And my elder sister Dr. K.Omanakutty is a post-graduate in music and holds a doctorate in Carnatic music.
Did you also learn music from them?
Yes. My initial music lessons were with my father and brother and I learnt the nuances of classical music by intently listening to my brother performing in the music societies of Kerala and at his film recordings. It was my brother who also gave me the first break.
But you were also a banker for a while.
(Laughs) Oh, that was a very significant part of my life! I was good at studies, so I graduated in Commerce and was selected by the State Bank of Travancore in 1982. I was already singing and a lot of my colleagues forced me to take to music full time, though at the same time they did not want me to leave the bank, but I finally did that in 1986!
How did Priyadarshan choose you to score music for Kanchivaram? Can you tell us something about the music?
I was very surprised too, for though I have sung for many of Priyan’s films in Malayalam and in Hindi I had never worked with him as a composer. But all I can say is that was some kind of divine intervention.
You see, I go every three months or so to the Mookambika shrine in Ullur in Karnataka - she is the goddess of music. I usually present a few songs there in the Saraswati Mandapam, which is supposed to be good for the devotee. I recall calling up Priyan from there to ask whether I should offer prayers and homa for his family’s well-being too. It was then, on the ‘phone that he told me that I was doing Kanchivaram, his dream project!
I composed the sole song for the film in the naat called Samantha Malahari, which was apt for the theme and mood of the entire film. After doing that, I decided that I will compose the entire background music in the same naat and every instrument played - like the veena, flute and others - was in the same mood to give a uniform colour to the film. The track is a group song during the ceremony where the father is giving honey to the newborn child.
Did you expect to win for the film too?
Frankly, yes, I did. I have won two National awards and several state and other awards as a singer but none as a composer. But I guess that will also happen soon!
Let’s talk about your Hindi innings.
I have sung mostly for Priyadarshan’s films - starting with his first Hindi film Muskurahat in 1992 for Raamlaxman. I sang under R.D.Burman for Gardish, Nadeem-Shravan for Saat Rang Ke Sapne, A.R.Rahman in Doli Sajaake Rakhna and Kabhi Na Kabhi and a few outside films like Rahman’s Dil Se… and Jatin-Lalit’s Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya.
How’s your experience with the various composers?
They are all very talented people and nice human beings. I have not yet had a hit in Hindi - my only hit song was Jiya jale in Dil Se…, in which my portions were in Malayalam and not in Hindi. But what I cannot forget is that the great Lata Mangeshkar was my co-singer, and I stepped into the cabin in Rahman’s studio after I listened to her sing her portion and come out.
Another unforgettable incident was my singing for the great R.D.Burman. We were all there, the producer, director, musicians and I when he made more than one tune spontaneously in front of us for the same song after the direction explained the situation! It was an incredible experience!
How do you rate your Hindi?
I can read and write Hindi, but my singing does have a powerful Southern accent. But I guess I am no worse than when Udit Narayan or someone from Mumbai sing in the South! (Laughs). In fact that is the reason why I am not looking at singing in Hindi films. But I am open to scoring music. But interestingly in my live shows, I do sing songs of Rafisaab and Kishoreda, and O duniya ke rakhwale and Mera jeevan kora kagaz are my favourites.
Which is the Hindi film for which you are scoring the songs?
This is a children’s film from Priyadarshan for which Sameerji is writing the songs. It is titled Bam Bam Bole and I will be composing two songs. It is a fantasy film and the music will reflect that quality.
You are also a top television anchor.
Yes. My show Sa Re Ga Ma has created a record by being continuously aired on the Asianet television channel for more than five years and getting the highest TRP ratings. I have also been principal judge on the very popular reality show Idea Star Singer.
Can you say something about your social and charitable activities?
I consider it my duty to economically help weaker musicians and promote young artistes. And I love performing in temples and churches.
And will the musical legacy of your family continue?
Not really. My daughter is studying in the USA. And my wife Lekha is a true friend because she is my best critic!
