Hamsika bags award for a Kannada film
By: Sharanu Hullur
Voice of jingles, singer in five languages, dozens of concerts and albums has not diminishedHamsika Iyer's passion for music one bit. It was the Chamak Challo song in Ra.One that brought her to centre stage. Daughter of the popular Hundustani music couple S Balachandiran and Kalyani Mani of Pune, Iyer has become a regular singer in Sandalwood recently. She won her first award as a singer for a Kannada film last week.
Given your background, music was always part of your life..
How did the move towards films happen?
I am from a traditional family. But music does not embrace conservatism. My parents encouraged me to learn all kinds of music. That is the reason I could learn and embrace film music too.
How has been the journey in film music?
This is a very popular medium. My first film song was for Vidu Vinod Chopra's Eklavya eight years ago. Incidentally there was only one song in the film and it became a hit. Doors opened in Bollywood. Later I started singing in Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali and other languages too. I was lucky to work with very good composers in some good films.
You have become a regular singer in films of Shah Rukh Khan.
After the Chamak Challo song became a big hit in Ra.One , he offered me a chance in Chennai Express too . The 1234 song in this film too became a hit. Composer Vishal Shekar has identified my correct pitch.
How did you familiarise yourself with Kannada industry?
I had sung for several Tamil films and therefore knew about the industry. I met Kannada film composer Mannikant Kadri while working on a Hindi film. He gave me the opportunity to sing in Prithvi and Savaari. Both the songs, Ninna Danigagai and Ninagende Viseshawagi, became hits. From there I got acquainted with more Kannada composers and singers.
What happened to your dream of an all-female band?
I am already singing for the Mumbai female music band. I want to start my own band. I am working on it. I am also the brand ambassador for child cancer care NGO GOAN Shave.
Voice of jingles, singer in five languages, dozens of concerts and albums has not diminished
Given your background, music was always part of your life..
My parents dedicated their lives for music and they are well-read. I was influenced by them. I stepped into the world of music at a very young age. Along with studies, I began to learn music. Later I began learning both Hindustani and Carnatic music. I also developed interest towards Rock music. Now I am able to sing in various genres of music.
How did the move towards films happen?
I am from a traditional family. But music does not embrace conservatism. My parents encouraged me to learn all kinds of music. That is the reason I could learn and embrace film music too.
How has been the journey in film music?
This is a very popular medium. My first film song was for Vidu Vinod Chopra's Eklavya eight years ago. Incidentally there was only one song in the film and it became a hit. Doors opened in Bollywood. Later I started singing in Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali and other languages too. I was lucky to work with very good composers in some good films.
You have become a regular singer in films of Shah Rukh Khan.
After the Chamak Challo song became a big hit in Ra.One , he offered me a chance in Chennai Express too . The 1234 song in this film too became a hit. Composer Vishal Shekar has identified my correct pitch.
How did you familiarise yourself with Kannada industry?
I had sung for several Tamil films and therefore knew about the industry. I met Kannada film composer Mannikant Kadri while working on a Hindi film. He gave me the opportunity to sing in Prithvi and Savaari. Both the songs, Ninna Danigagai and Ninagende Viseshawagi, became hits. From there I got acquainted with more Kannada composers and singers.
What happened to your dream of an all-female band?
I am already singing for the Mumbai female music band. I want to start my own band. I am working on it. I am also the brand ambassador for child cancer care NGO GOAN Shave.
