Tirupati
SNEHA RAMESH
32
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
We chatted up with Shashaa Tirupati, the voice behind
the popular latest song Humma from OK Jaanu about
her musical journey, her popularity down south, classical
influences and more.
You are probably one person who
started out in the media field at the
very young age. How did you have the
interest at the age of 6?
My parents, though hailing from families
not supportive of anything close to music,
are exceptionally tasteful listeners.
Through them, around the age of 5, i
was introduced to the gems and classics
created between the 40s and 80s by Madan
Mohan, Naushad Saab, SD/RD Burman
midst others. They would have me sing
on local radio channels in Vancouver,
where ive grown up. That developed my
confidence and became a major source of
encouragement in the initial days. Live
shows followed by age 8, after which they
took me to Allahabad for training. Singing
in the studio began at about 16 years and
forth.
Being a multi lingual singer, how did
you first break the barrier?
Having been raised in Canada, we
were exposed to various cultures and
communities as children. I was raised
midst kids and families of the Punjabi,
French, Caucasian, Chinese, Italian and
Middle Eastern races among others,
so various languages naturally and
sub consciously penetrated us. I began
listening to the music in many of these
languages and others. My friend circle
was predominantly Croatian, Tamizh,
Pakistani and Persian, so I picked up a lot
of nuances of their respective languages
and intonations.
You are very popular down south too.
What was the first opportunity you got
and from who?
My first Tamil song was Oday Oday from
Raja Rani, which became a mass hit. I also
sang a beautiful melody, Kadhal Nergaiyil
with Javed Ali around the same time, both
composed by GV Prakash. However, it was
in 2014 that AR Sir called me to record Aye
Mr. Minor for Kaaviyathalaivan, which
bagged me the Mirchi Music Award for
Best Upcoming Female Singer and a string
of Tamil songs followed. Working with
the combo of Mani Ratnam and Rahman
Sir will remain perhaps the most magical
experience in my life. Ive had the privilege
of working with Raja Sir (Amma Kanakku),
Harris Jayaraj (Gethu), Leon James (Un
Kadhal Irundhaal Podhum - song name),
D Imman (Silikku Marame, Palindrom
Songs, Meenkuzhambum Manpaanayum,
Kotigobba 2 and others), GV Prakash and
Dharan.
What in your opinion is lacking in the
current music scene?
I think the current music scene
is growing to be exceptionally
technologically advanced and
experimental. I also love the sense of
adventure various music composers
maintain, wherein they are open to
using different vocal tones and textures.
And with the times, outlook, sound and
preferences will continue to change. It
would be interesting, though, to see
what it would be like to record as they
did in the olden days when they would
have 25 odd rehearsals followed by a live
take with all singers and musicians at
once!
Do you prefer Mainstream music or
Independent scene and why?
I'm open to anything musical! I'm doing
both simultaneously. Really wish to work
with Vishal Shekhar, Pritam and Amaal
Mallik
Hailing from a classical music
background, do you think that played an
important role in shaping your career?
I'm blessed that my parents took up the
responsibility and onus of bringing me
to India at a young age to have me train
in the basics of Hindustani Classical
music. For me that has and continues
to work as my base for pitching, tone,
and improvisation. Once the basics
are clear, one can easily build around
it. Thereafter, extensively listening
Photo credits- Jerin James