Star Singer: Chinmayi Sripada opens up on Kollywood Ban, says 'Though I was getting opportunities from other industries, it felt like I was thrown out of my home'

Time of India

08-07-2025

Playback singer Chinmayi Sripada debuted on Malayalam television through Star Singer. Her performance and reflections moved many. She shared her career journey and struggles, including the ban from the Tamil film industry. Chinmayi expressed gratitude to the women of Kerala for their support during the #MeToo movement. Judge KS Chithra praised Chinmayi's strength.
Popular playback singer Chinmayi Sripada has made a powerful and emotional appearance on the music reality show Star Singer, marking her debut on Malayalam television. Her performance, reflections, and moving tribute on the show have captured the hearts of fans across the state, with her rendition of "Muththa Mazhai" now going viral on social media.
Chinmayi's guest appearance in the latest episode of Star Singer was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment she stepped on stage, she mesmerized both contestants and judges with her soulful voice and heartfelt comments. The episode also included a touching tribute that took her, and the audience, through an emotional journey, highlighting her career highs and personal struggles.
The show featured a special video biography chronicling Chinmayi's journey, from her debut at age 15 to becoming one of the most sought-after voices in South Indian cinema, and the unexpected turn of events that saw her being banned from the Tamil film industry.
Overcome with emotion, Chinmayi opened up about the difficult period following her exclusion from Kollywood. "When the ban happened, I thought that my whole career was gone. I was just juggling between court and home,' she said. 'Even during that time, I used to get opportunities from Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada. But think of the situation when you can't sing in your mother tongue. I felt like I was thrown out of my own home.
"
She added, "I used to scold God, asking why this was happening to me. But I believe, God has now blessed me with this moment too. Because whatever is happening around me, no human can do something like this. It's a God's gift."
The singer also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the women of Kerala for their support during the #MeToo movement. Recalling the time when lyricist
Vairamuthu
was selected for the ONV award, she said, 'The women in Kerala protested that such an honour shouldn't be given to someone like him.
The way they stood up for another woman, I didn't get that kind of support from anywhere else.'
Veteran singer and judge KS Chithra praised Chinmayi, stating that her strength and journey have inspired every contestant on the show. As a token of appreciation, the Star Singer team presented Chinmayi with a traditional Kerala saree, to which she responded with joy, promising to wear it for the upcoming Onam festival.