Legendary playback singer Vani Jayaram, whose song Maanathe Maarikurumbe from the Mohan Lal-starrer Malayalam film Pulimurugan got shortlisted at the 2018 Academy Awards for the original score as well as in the orginal song category, speaks to DC exclusively on how she felt when she rendered the title track.
Legendary playback singer Vani Jayaram
“From as far back as I remember, recording studios, raga and rhythm have been my life. Many songs have streamed through my blood but Malayalam film Puli Murugan’s title track Maanathe Marikurumbe touched my soul like nothing else did. A cosmic communion set me afloat when I heard the music director play this song for the first time. My soul was set afire as I felt divine energy flow throw my veins and while singing this rendition, I knew, was blessed,” the soft spoken singer starts her conversation.
She adds, “It gives me such great joy to be able to give this country, my India, a gift of this stature. This Oscar shortlist is a pride and joy not only for me but belongs to each and every Indian.” Heaping praises on ‘Lalettan’, she says, “What greater joy than to be the voice of the lullaby for one of India’s greatest superstars Mohanlal, who’s the pride of the country? The fact that Maanathe... has been shortlisted for the Best Original Song by the Oscar Committee humbled me and brings all of us Indians a chance to shine at the International stage!”
