INTRODUCTION
In this journey we met with some very unassuming singers who surprised us with their talent in singing some of the toughest songs with such precision. When we went in search of the singers the surprise behind the voice was the most exciting part. Nilam’s feature was stuck for six months and finally we can’t be more happy here when finally made the arrangements to go public. She, as you all are going to listen and read, is one of the undiscovered gems of a singer. There is nothing more than what her songs embedded in here will tell how she came to be selected to be a featured artist. Without delay here is a short description of Nilam as she told us. Nilam who is more fluent in Hindi and marati wrote this interview all by herself in very impressive language.
I am a simple married Maharashtrian girl, deeply interested in music, presently located in Islampur of Sangli district (Maharashtra). On the academic front, my qualification is MA in English from Annamalai University, Vizag.
As I grew up, I was influenced by my grandmother’s and father’s musical background. They were into bhajan singing and my father took early notice of my singing prowess and sent me to a local Guruji who trained me. I took admission in Gandharva Mahavidyalaya where I enrolled for a three year course and got qualified upto Upaanyat Visharad which is equivalent to Bachelor’s degree of Music (in 2007).
Music is as dear to me as my life. This is no exaggeration… there is not a moment when I am not singing from within, regardless of the situation in life. I take my singing very seriously and do not endorse any slipshod singing… I always want my efforts to be the best I can do.
I firmly believe that classical training is a primer for sound musical performance, regardless of whether it’s classical or non classical singing. I am not biased against singers who do not have a classical background, but it is my observation that training always helps.
Lyrics, to me, form the soul of any song. I agree that the musical score/ composition itself is the most important criterion, but lyrics are no less important. The lyrics are responsible for the right emotional ‘feel’ of a song, without which the singing seems insipid.
I am proud of being a Maharashtrian as we have a distinctive and well known tradition in good classical music. I have been inspired by the Mangeshkars and numerous other Maharashtrian musicians who have been a huge influence in my musical inclination.
I would love to pursue a formal career in Music. Since I am not located presently in a major metro, I understand that it would be hard for me to seek out the best in the business. But I would be most happy if someone could contact me for any exciting singing assignment.
In five years from now, I would like myself making a mark in singing. I am aware that it’s a distant dream… but i guess I could do whatever it takes to achieve this.
My favourite singers are Lata ji and Asha ji. I am a huge fan of Hridaynath ji and like all his compositions. I am very fond of R.D. Burman, Lakshmikant-Pyarelal, Madan Mohan and Ajay-Atul’s compositions. Overall, it would be more appropriate to say that I am fond of good music across genres.
That concludes a short description of Nilam’s music and interests. Here are some songs she selected for the feature from her smule profile. She hardly ever makes a video song, so all of the songs here embedded are only audio files. Please listen.
Listen to me sing “Roz Shaam Aati Thi HQ Karaoke – Imtihan 1974” on Smule:
https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1094146189_2816753231
Listen to me sing “Suniyo Ji Araj Mhari – Lekin 1990” on Smule:
https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1094146189_1937812310
Listen to me sing “The Genius Of Madan Mohan” on Smule: https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1094146189_3178631231
Listen to me sing “Saamne Hai Savera (Crystal Clear)Bullett Raja” on Smule: https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1094146189_3476776112
Listen to me sing “Rajnigandha phool tumhare – Rajnigandha” on Smule: https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1094146189_3775938628
Listen to me sing “Piya Tose Naina Lage re (Original HD Quality)” on Smule: https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1094146189_3437868135
Listen to me sing “Bheti Lagi Jeeva” on Smule: https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1094146189_3391297736
Listen to me sing “Mala Jau Dyana Ghari Ost Natrang” on Smule: https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1094146189_1238096550
ENDNOTES
Nilam’s talent is unmistakable and so glad we found her profile compelling enough to write about her. She brings a representation of a whole nation whose musical world was ruled by India’s most recognized female artist Lata Mangeshkar. Nilam always showed huge influence on Mangeshkar sister’s music. Despite being a fan Nilam made all those Lata/ Asha classics into her own with a very unique voice quality and high quality singing. This is a highly deserving place for her profile in the top profiles that we pick for features. Here is a link to her profile on Smule and do visit her and follow her.
