It was a long time ago. The current rage ‘Thaikkudam Bridge’ had not yet formed. Young Govind P. Menon was participating in a talent show. That’s where I met him and saw him winning the first place. Govind later visited my home in Ottappalam. There, the two of us made a deal — that if I ever made a film, Govind will compose the music... that both of us will make our debut in films together, with the same movie. So when North 24 Kaatham was made, Govind the singer-cum-violinist became Govind the music composer in films. And then he started making music elsewhere, singing on stage with a dozen friends, calling themselves the ‘Thaikkudam Bridge’.
The pooja of my film North 24 Kaatham was performed the same day that ‘Thaikkudam Bridge’ had their first recording for the Music Mojo show on Kappa TV. It was this show which became viral on the internet and won a huge fan following for the new band. Even before they became a group, I have worked with several of their members. Like Siddarth Menon who sang a jingle for me when I was an ad filmmaker. And Mithun and of course, Govind. The song that Govind first sent me was a version that was sung by his dad and mom. The whole family is into music. In fact, I think the band’s song Fish Rock… was written by his sister Dhanya. Govind’s wife Ranjini is also into writing.
I have plans to feature the band in my next film. An ensemble, with different types of music. And Govind will compose the music once again.
The band is doing very well I believe. And I hear Siddharth’s boyish voice has a lot of female fans. It has tempted me to attempt singing too!
As told to Cris
