INTRODUCTION
After a long break, the SmuleIndiablog team will publish four more posts of singers selected for the featured artist’s list posted here. This week it is all about this young talent Anushka Hemant. This profile is supported by all our team members and was initially proposed by our esteemed team member Karthik Jayaraman. Here is a link to know more about this singer of the highest caliber.
Anushka is by no means an unknown singer among the Indian Smule community. In a brief period after joining Smule Anushka had sung many outstanding songs on her profile. This young singer is highly collaborative and focused on a singing career in India’s music industry. The selection of Anushka is from more than 150 initial screened singer profiles from Smule India, down to the top ten. Our members all took their time to come to meet with Anushka and are acknowledged.
Introduce yourself briefly with special references to your music.
I am Anushka Hemant, 17 years, hailing from Trivandrum, Kerala. I have completed my class 12th in St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Pattom, Trivandrum. My father is working as a manager in a private organization in Muscat. My mom is a homemaker. My younger brother Akash is a class 9 student in Trivandrum. My earlier studies up to 8th were at Indian School, Muscat, and currently have moved to Trivandrum. All at home is musically inclined. Early during my gulf life, Shri Ramesh Narayan in Muscat classically trained me for 5 years. I learned Carnatic music up to Keertanas during this period. This helped me gain an interest in classical music and I started listening to various classical songs and artists. There was considerable improvement in my singing skills thanks to his able guidance. Shri Ramesh Narayan sir was very instrumental in giving me early exposure to singing on stage and that helped me build confidence while singing in public and overcome my stage fear. (Shri Ramesh Narayan is a well-known music teacher with many students trained that are performing artists from both Muscat and India under his guidance). I was lucky to have many opportunities to sing in Karaoke Nights and share the stages with playback singers. This helped a lot in shaping me as a singer and performing on larger stages. I am still blessed that he listens to my songs and gives me honest feedback to correct and improve upon my skills.
After moving to Kerala, I am blessed to have Shri Perumbavoor G Ravindranath as my Guru. The 4-year studies at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Nalanchira Trivandrum, and St Marys Higher Secondary School Pattom, Trivandrum from Class IX to XII have given me many opportunities for singing. All my teachers have been very encouraging. To name a few Mrs. Manju Thomas, erstwhile music teacher in Sarvodaya Vidyalaya was quick to identify the music in me, making me part of the choir group.
What is your earliest memory of interactions with music as a child?
At the early age of three, I started learning music. I learned the basics of music before I learned my alphabet. My childhood Days started by listening to Hindi songs by Mohd. Rafi and Lata from the collections of my grandfather. My father’s frequent job appointments caused many breaks in my early learning days of music. Moved to Muscat at the age of Eight and further participated in music competitions /social clubs and cultural programs and won many prizes.
Who influenced you the most as a child as far as your music interests and talents?
I have learned many Malayalam poems from my grandfather and chanting Geeta / Narayaneeyam from my mother. Our family gatherings were the first stage for me to perform singing and that would have awakened the singer in me.
Describe all your current Classical music learning under Perumbavoor sir.
Yes, currently I am learning from Shri Perumbavoor G Ravindranath who is considered a great teacher. He is a very soft-spoken, kind-hearted person, and has an incredibly unique style of teaching. He explains music to students from a music composer’s perspective. To have someone of his stature and immense knowledge as Guru is a dream come true for me. What makes me respect him more is his disciplined practice and eagerness to learn and compose light music and Film music even at this late stage. His tutelage helped me to try and attempt many tough compositions that demand great breath control and modulations. I know I still have a long way to go. Still, I am ambitious and look forward to learning Hindustani as well as ‘Veena’. At the moment, along with my studies, it’s a challenge to devote too much time to music but having very supportive parents makes this process even more enjoyable.
How are you going to take your music lessons to your playback prospectus?
My training in classical music gave me the base to sing a variety of songs. My introduction to Smule and friends singing on this app helped me boost my confidence to sing all genres of songs. Today, I can confidently sing a variety of Indian languages like Tamil, Hindi, Kannada Telugu, Bengali, and Odiya. Gujarati and Marathi.
How did your music evolve from School to college?
During schooling, In Muscat, my participation was in school competitions, Indian social clubs, and other music programs organized by social groups, and I have won many prizes.” Ilayanila”, a tribute to the Legend, Ilayaraja and “Devaragam, a tribute to Devarajan master of Malayalam industry were few programs I was fortunate to have opportunities to do solos and duets on stage. After I moved to Trivandrum, Sarvodaya Central School gave me many opportunities like Kalolsavam (district and state-level prizes with an A-Grade). St Mary’s Higher Secondary School Pattom gave me many opportunities online and on Stage to perform even during the pandemic. About two years ago, I got to know about Smule. Despite a pandemic stricken the past two years, this app gave me the right opportunity to still practice my singing. Special mention to Karthik @Karthik_KKJ whose support as a mentor till this day was really a learning experience. Weekend live jams were not just passing time but meant a lot to me as I spent hours practicing and learning songs of new genres. The first time I was given a chance to conduct a Live Jam was by Jay Krishnan @Jay_K17. Smule plays a key role in helping me perfect my singing.
What exactly does your music mean to you?
Music is everything to me and that’s why I pursue a career in music. First, it’s a nice relaxation for me and at the same time, and at the same time, it gives me an opportunity to learn something new every day. I get better acceptance among schoolmates and other friends through my music and always get a chance to sing in our get-together functions or ceremonies which gives me that little popularity that I really enjoy. I intend to take this to the next level and perform in major stages.
What are your views about the general landscape of India’s classical music?
Our two major traditions, Hindustani in the North and Carnatic in the south represent the great culture of our country. Today’s generation has better access to learning both these forms, thanks to the cosmopolitan nature of cities across India where there are qualified Gurus teaching both Carnatic and Hindustani. Online platforms are gaining relevance in academics of all forms and irrespective of distance one can choose to learn from musicians across the globe.
Tell us your thoughts about popular music or film music, or regional music?
I mostly sing melodies as I am at my best while singing them. Nevertheless, I am equally fond of trying various regional songs as there are a lot of other great music directors and compositions in regional languages. Apart from Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, Bengali songs are my current favorites. I am blessed to have a guru, Shri Perumbavoor G Ravindranath, who himself is a well-known composer in the Malayalam industry with lots of hit songs and light music songs.
World music and other language music of India.
I have been fascinated by the different compositions and styles in Western and Arabic music. Listening to Michael Jackson, Alan Walker, and the likes have inspired me to learn more about western music.
Social responsibility for an Artist, what do you think about it?
Artists across all fields have a key role to play in being socially responsible. The messages can be easily conveyed and influence the public when an influential person communicates. There are plenty of examples in history where art has influenced society and changed people’s perceptions. Music talks to society, books inspire them, movies change hearts, and cartoons are satirical. Likewise, every art form can have a social message in its own style.
If you are a socially responsible artist, will you take a stand if you can influence the decisions taken at political or other levels?
I try to keep myself abreast with the political, economic, and other decisions and their direct or indirect influence on society. While everyone in society holds different opinions it’s not required for an artist to voice his/her opinion every time. When it comes to matters of sincere concern, I personally would want to convey a strong message and take an unbiased stand.
Do you pay attention to the lyrics and meaning of songs? Do you think they are important for music? If yes, then why?
Yes. Lyrics convey the essence of a song. Evergreen songs have lasted because of their lyrics and melody. From a musician’s perspective, it is critical to understand lyrics and convey the lyricist’s point of view to the public. Understanding lyrics helps convey the right mood, emotions, and feelings. Honestly, I was not too focused-on lyrics in the initial days of my knowing music, but as time progressed it was when I started singing in other languages not familiar to me, that I realized the importance of lyrics and their meaning.
What career ambitions do you have in music? Then how are you planning to achieve it?
Building a career in music demands, willingness, sincerity, and challenging work apart from a God-given voice. Training in music started at an early age, and I continued learning despite a few breaks. Now it is a passion and I intend to make a career in music by constantly learning and utilizing every platform I get to perform. It may be incredibly challenging, but with dedication, experience, and good exposure, it is achievable. Teaching is the best way to learn and hence I am also interested in teaching music.
How are you planning to manage family life and a very prospective career in music?
It’s too early for me to think of those things. Still, as the question is posed, I want to comment on it. It’s important to strike a good balance between working and being present for a family. It’s tough but possible. The key to balancing family life and a music career is learning to be fully present in every moment. When you work on music, you must commit your full attention to singing and your family deserves that same focused attention when you’re with them.
Where do you see yourself five years from now in your music?
As I said before I like to focus on my music, explore and gain more experience. I will try to improve my singing skills especially by focusing on voice modulations and breathing exercises for better voice control. I intend to learn Hindustani music along with Carnatic this year and learn western vocals. I see myself as a performing artist in the coming years and am working towards that goal. My dream is to do research in music and continue learning as far as I could.
Now it is time to list all your favorite musicians
There are so many musicians to name but I am trying to mention a few that I consider unique in their ways. Primarily, my favorite singers are Mohammed Rafi Lata Mangeshkar, KJ Yesudas, and KS Chitra. The voice quality and ease with which each of these singers can sing have made them legends of their times. I cannot imagine a day without listening to their voices and this stands as testimony to the substantial number of songs and movies they have lent their voices.
Asha Bhonsle, S.P. Balasubramaniam, S. Janaki, and Kishore Kumar are equally on my favorite list.
From new generation singers, Shreya Ghoshal and Harishankar are my favorite singers. Shreya is someone who inspires me the most with her ability to sing songs in various Indian languages with so much ease.
Among music directors, Madan Mohanji’s songs are my favorite. The other favorites are Shankar Jaikishan, Ilayaraja, AR Rahman, D Imman, and Vidya Sagar.
Special mention to Malayalam legends like Shri Dakshinamoorthy, G Devarajan Master, Shri Sree-Kumaran Thampi, Ravindran Master, and Johnson master the list goes on like that.
In Malayalam Shri M Jayachandran, and Shri Ouseppachan has given many gem compositions.
ENDNOTES
When we think of words to describe Anushka’s music is the great innocence of her voice which is very infectious and yet the maturity in her singing is amazingly perfect. During the meeting with the team, Anushka has come prepared to answer all the tough questions posed to her. She sang a few songs on the spot, and it was amazing to hear her directly. Team members all think she is a superb talent to be recognized here for excellent singing.
Personally, she is the sweetest girl one may come across. Her mild manners and a deep interest in serious music make it a happy effort to bring her music here for all of you guys. Throughout this process of working with her to write this up, her patience to critique and take responsive actions based on team members’ suggestions is what resulted in such a powerful selection of songs. All the best from all of us here.
Let us start with a Carnatic Krithi by Swati Thirunal ‘Mamava sadha janani‘. This is an exclusive song that she sang for the blog page.
Malargal Ketten with Bhanu B and amazingly talented singer constant support to many singers on Smule.
Malayalam Song – Ponmulam Thandu Moolum; Movie – Chandrolsavam (2005) Music – Vidyasagar; Lyricist – Gireesh Puthenchery Singers – KS Chithra
Song: Ee Sundara Album/Movie: Amruthavarshini Singer: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Chitra Music Director: Deva Lyricist: K. Kalyan
A special thanks to Karthik for always being there and being a strong member of the team and helping identify many talents from vast Smule profiles.
Movie – Bhoomi Song – Kadai Kannaaley Singers – Shreya Ghoshal, Varun Parandhaman Lyrics – Thamarai Music: D Imman
The track is composed and programmed by Navaneeth Sundar and sung by Anoop Sankar. A tough song amazing effort by Anushka and such efforts that makes this singer a distinction apart from many competitors.
Another tough number; outstanding singing by Anushka; Song Name – Samay O Dhire Chalo (Female Version 2) Movie – Rudaali Singer – Asha Bhosle Lyrics – Gulzar Music Composer – Bhupen Hazarika
Music: Madan Mohanji; Lata Mangeshkar | Jahan Ara, a beautiful ghazal.
Lata Mangeshkar, S.D. Burman combo excellent song selection no words for this beautiful singing.
S.Janaki, Ilaiyaraja combo. Nothing like this song and Anu knows it.
Artist Lata Mangeshkar Album Priyothama Ki Likhi Thomai, A beautiful song in Bengali. Must say the maturity and efforts to learn these tough compositions at such an early age itself shows how focused she is on a music career.
Lastly but not least an old Malayalam hit sung originally by none other than legend P Susheela. Movie Oru Penninte Kadha (1971) Lyrics Vayalar Music G Devarajan
