Chennai is a two-syllable phrase. In its pause, lies an increase and a fall, a push and a pull. In this pause between ‘Che’ and ‘Nnai’ the metropolis comes alive; it’s on this pause that you simply discover its individuals. You get up to some of them, have a good time with them, and typically even strictly adhere to their directions. But have you learnt the individuals who make Chennai’s soundscape iconic? Come, let’s meet them.
Rahul Nambiar and Ranjith Govind, CSK anthem
Singers Rahul Nambiar and Ranjith Govind
| Photo Credit:
Prasanna Mahadevan
For years now, the lion’s roar at the Chepauk stadium has been adopted by a loyal and foot-thumping rendition of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) historical anthem ‘Idhu Chennai Super Kings’. But again when it was created in 2008 throughout the first version of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ranjith Govind and Rahul Nambiar, two of the 4 singers on the observe, mentioned they’d no thought what they have been recording for composer Mani Sharma.
“At that point, nobody knew what the IPL was or what it was going to be. We just thought it might be a fun song to clap to at a game. Ever since though, during every four, six and wicket, when the song plays at a CSK game, it is great to see the crowd come together and sing this anthem we recorded ages ago,” says Rahul. Ranjith says that although the two singers have sung hit numbers throughout numerous movie industries in India and are well-known for his or her work, their contribution to the CSK anthem is hardly identified.
“I do not think anyone ever recognises us [and singers Naveen Madhav and Suchitra] from this song but it is always a delight to see it play during the tournament. We once performed this song live some 15 years ago with a whole band and got to watch the match from the performance stand. That was a cool experience,” he says. Ranjith and Rahul say that they’re honoured to be an element of one of Chennai’s most cherished celebrations — the moments when CSK performs — and they wouldn’t commerce it for anything.
Devasena ES, Chennai Metro Rail voice
Voice artist Devasena ES
| Photo Credit:
Prasanna Mahadevan
Devasena ES’s first job as a name centre worker was answering the telephone and saying “Hello, this is Pizza Corner. How may I help you?”. Is that what ready her to ultimately turning into the announcer for Chennai Metro Rail?
“When I was a call centre executive, people often told me that I had a nice voice. At a time when I switched different careers and eventually landed a job in tech, I was miserable and wanted to move to a different field. That is when I came across an article in The Hindu that said they were offering training for people to be radio jockeys (RJ) and voice-over artists. I didn’t think I was cool enough or cut out to be an RJ but I ended up eventually becoming one!” she says. “I was RJ Deva on a popular radio channel in Chennai for years. But I also continued my voice work on the side. It is when I was asked by the National Film Development Corporation if I would be interested in submitting my voice for the Chennai Metro Rail. That is where it all began,” says Devasena.
The former RJ says she had no thought her voice was used till the second a good friend known as her to say that he had recognised the voice inside the metro. “I took the train from Teynampet to a few stations and back to confirm that it was indeed me,” she says. Devasena is used to being behind the scenes and says that the limelight is a fuzzy place for her however is thrilled to have her voice recognised. “At shops, when I ask for things, people often say they’ve heard my voice somewhere. Then it hits them,” she says. Devasena continues to file the names of new stops and strains added to the Chennai Metro Rail community and hopes to be the voice inside the prepare for a few years to come back.
Sachin Sundar, Greater Chennai Corporation Garbage anthem
Music Composer Sachin Sundar
| Photo Credit:
Prasanna Mahadevan
If we informed you {that a} music on garbage turning into a city-wide pop-culture second, you’ll be calling us out for spinning yarn. But Sachin Sundar’s garbage anthem ‘Namma Ooru Samma Joru’ is a shining instance of the phenomenon that something can occur.
This 27-year-old’s music that performs from the audio system of battery operated garbage autos, is one which invitations bouquets and brickbats alike. “I thought it would get trolled but when I met this sanitary worker who collects waste at home, he told me that people request the number,” Sachin says. Sachin’s father, M Sundar, a sanitary officer with the Greater Chennai Corporation, informed his son that senior officers at the native physique have been on the lookout for a vibrant and catchy music to encourage higher waste administration.
“In a couple of hours, I wrote, composed, and sang the song. I had sent it in as a draft but everyone at the Corporation seemed to enjoy it and the first attempt at the song was approved,” he says, chuckling. Sachin says that his father usually teases him. “I don’t wake up too early because I work late. My father says, ‘Here you are, sleeping, while Chennai wakes up to your song’.”
Sachin, who’s the music director of the movie Andha Eazhu Natkal releasing on September 12, says that the producer of the movie gave him the alternative solely after listening to the garbage anthem. “I feel proud and socially responsible after having created that sound. I hope we can all play a part in making Chennai a better place,” he says.