Latest news with #ChinmayiSripada
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Ordinary people who sell flowers in market define Chennai for me'
The real charm of Chennai, for me, lies in the manner in which scores of flower sellers go about their business every day, especially duringthe festive seasons. I haven't seen such a wide variety of flowers – Shenbagapoo, Malli, Kanakambaram, Sembaruthi, and others– that we get in the markets of Chennai in any other city. It is something that I love about the city. The flower sellers are always nice and always offer a little extra something to wear or keep in my puja room. They are nice across the board – whether one is a celebrity or not, says singer Chinmayi Sripada. The ordinary, working class people have always proved that they can show great resilience during a crisis, as was seen during the floods, cyclones, and othernaturaldisasters that have affected thecity. As a musician, I feel that the city hosts some of the finest musicians who specialise in a wide range of genres – folk music, Carnatic music, western classical, ghazal, semi-classical, and the unique and enjoyable Gaana. Every form of music also enjoys a great patronage, which again, is something that is unique to Chennai. (As told to Udhav Naig)
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Chinmayi Sripada Visits Protest Site To Support Chennai Sanitation Workers' Job Demand
Last Updated: Chinmayi Sripada backs Chennai sanitation workers' protest for permanent jobs and promised pay. Playback singer and social activist Chinmayi Sripada has extended her support to Chennai's sanitation workers, who are staging a prolonged protest demanding permanent employment and salaries they allege were promised by the government. The protest, now into its second week, has drawn attention to the plight of workers, many of whom are single mothers and sole breadwinners, affected by the privatisation of waste management. Chinmayi visited the protest location, bringing water and biscuits for the demonstrators. Speaking to the media, she said, 'They are only asking for the jobs they were promised. They deserve both the jobs and their salaries." She added, 'My intention is to amplify their voices and support them." Workers demand permanent jobs and pay parity The protesting sanitation staff have called for reinstatement as permanent employees and parity in pay with what they earned before the city's waste management system was handed over to private contractors. The privatisation, they say, has left many without stable employment or adequate compensation. Government's response In the face of mounting criticism over uncollected garbage in certain areas, the Tamil Nadu government has released videos of cleaning operations in Zone 5 (Thiruvika Nagar) and Zone 6 (Royapuram). Despite these efforts, the workers remain resolute in continuing their protest until their demands are met. Chinmayi's advocacy for #MeToo Chinmayi, a noted playback singer with a career spanning Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films, has often used her platform to raise awareness about social issues. She came to the forefront of the #MeToo movement in India in 2018, alleging misconduct by lyricist Vairamuthu. In a recent development, veteran composer, director, and lyricist Gangai Amaran voiced his support for her, describing Vairamuthu as a 'not so good human being." Career graph Born on 10 September 1984, Chinmayi rose to prominence with her acclaimed song Oru Deivam Thantha Poovae from Mani Ratnam's Kannathil Muthamittal, composed by A. R. Rahman. In addition to her singing career, she has worked as a voice actress, composer, entrepreneur, and skincare business owner. She is the founder of Blue Elephant (a translation services company), Skinroute (formerly Isle of Skin), and the medi-spa Deep Skin Dialogues in Chennai and Hyderabad. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Star Singer: Chinmayi Sripada set to grace the show, KS Chithra says, ‘We are all your fans'
Chinmayi Sripada is debuting on Malayalam television with Star Singer. The episode will feature her popular songs. It will also include personal revelations. Singer K.S. Chithra welcomes her warmly. Sithara Krishnakumar admires Chinmayi's conviction. The episode promises music, emotion, and honesty. It is expected to be a memorable experience for fans. It will celebrate music, strength, truth, and artistic integrity. South Indian playback singer Chinmayi Sripada is all set to make her much-awaited debut on Malayalam television with her appearance on the popular music reality show Star Singer. The upcoming episode promises not only soulful music but also heartfelt moments and powerful revelations. In the newly released teaser, Chinmayi is seen lighting up the Star Singer stage with renditions of some of her all-time favourites, including the soulful Oru Daivam Thantha Poovu and her recent hit Muththa Mazhai. The performance visibly moves the audience and the panel of judges, with veteran singer and judge K.S. Chithra warmly welcoming her by saying, 'We are all your fans.' The camaraderie and admiration between the artists add an emotional touch to the episode, making it one of the most anticipated this season. The episode is not just about music. In a powerful moment, Chinmayi opens up about deeply personal experiences and challenges, including her fears about the end of her music career and her outspoken stance against awarding the ONV Kurup Award to lyricist Vairamuthu, a controversy that sparked national conversation. Earlier, Star Singer judge and playback singer Sithara Krishnakumar took to social media to share her admiration for Chinmayi after meeting her on set. 'Had the privilege of meeting Chinmayi Sripada, a voice we've all cherished, and a spirit I deeply admire. In a world that often celebrates diplomacy over truth, it was refreshing and inspiring to spend time with someone who stands unwaveringly by what she believes in… Here's to women who speak up, sing out, and live with conviction. What a beautiful day it was!!!' Sithara wrote. With a powerful blend of music, emotion, and raw honesty, Chinmayi Sripada's episode on Star Singer is poised to be one of the most memorable yet. Fans can look forward to a soul-stirring experience that celebrates not just music, but also strength, truth, and artistic integrity.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Art & activism cannot and shouldn't be separated: Chinmayi Sripada
Chinmayi Sripada Chinmayi Sripada's voice has defined the soundscape of South Indian cinema — whether through songs like Priyathama, Yenti Yenti, Unnatundi Gundey, Titli, Tere Bina, and Zehnaseeb, or as the dubbing artiste behind some of the most memorable female leads in Tamil and Telugu films. And yet, she often encounters fans who are stunned to learn she sang their childhood favourite or a hit they've cherished for years. 'My career is filled with people saying, 'Wait, you sang that?'' she says, laughing. In town recently for a special performance, Chinmayi spoke to us about moments like these — including the viral rediscovery of her Ben 10 title track — and also opened up about online hate, lost work, and why she refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice. 'It's always a moment When people finally connect my voice to the song' Despite delivering chart-toppers like Mayya Mayya, and more, Chinmayi's voice has often outpaced her name recognition. 'When someone says, 'I really love your song,' that moment of being seen as an artiste — that's enough,' she says. She recalls the viral resurgence of a lesser-known credit — the title track of Ben 10, a popular animated series. 'Someone tweeted asking if I'd sung it, and I casually said yes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play Chess on Your PC, Free Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo People were stunned — they had no idea! So many wrote saying it was a part of their childhood. It's heartwarming to know something you did years ago can still spark that kind of nostalgia.' The singer recently performed live in Hyderabad to a packed crowd, belting tracks like Mayya Mayya from Guru 'Art has always been the voice that speaks truth to power' For Chinmayi, music is more than melody. 'Art has always been the voice that speaks truth to power,' she insists, drawing parallels with the work of Black musicians, Tamil filmmakers like Pa Ranjith, and historical poets who challenged regimes. 'Poetry, in particular, has historically challenged authority — not always popular, but always powerful. The artistes have always been a threat to the government, historically speaking. So if they wanted to clamp down first, they will first go after the artistes and the poets. Art can also be activism. In Tamil cinema, directors like Pa Ranjith are using their craft to confront caste. There are some people who would rather not speak about what they're thinking and rather have their art speak for them. So no, I don't think art can be completely separated from activism — even if it isn't overt. And similarly, I don't think we can fully separate art from the artist. Because that art gives the artist not just fame but access to money and power.' Chinmayi also laments how modern pressures — like tailoring music for Instagram virality — stifle artistic expression. 'So many talented composers can't realise their full potential because they're stuck making 'hooks.' That's not real creativity. That's catering to an algorithm.' Chinmayi Sripada 'The mental harassment, the abuse, the courtroom trauma — none of it can be undone' Known for her outspokenness, Chinmayi has been one of the most prominent voices in the second wave of India's #MeToo movement. In 2018, she named lyricist Vairamuthu as a sexual harasser and supported women who accused South Indian Cine, Television Artistes and Dubbing Artistes Union president Radha Ravi of misconduct. Soon after, she was removed from the union. Though she later secured an interim stay on the ban, she says the ban still stands — especially in Tamil cinema. Pointing to the wider culture of silence that enabled it, she says, 'When women began speaking up, everyone forgot about the Hema Committee report — especially the redacted pages. No one talks about it now. In Malayalam cinema, women turned the tide. But when male stars were questioned, most stayed silent, calling it an 'insult to Malayalam cinema.' It was never about the art — it was about the silence around abuse. Tamil cinema was no different. I was cast out, and those in positions of power continued unchecked — while the industry looked the other way. That silence speaks volumes.' The singer sees her case as a stark example of how far a system can go to silence dissent. 'Years from now, I'll still say Tamil Nadu remains the only place where an actual work ban was imposed on someone. Others have faced shadow bans or lost work — but a formal, coordinated ban? That's rare. This isn't about who suffered more. It's about how a system was weaponised to ensure I didn't get work. The mental harassment I faced, the abuse, the courtroom trauma — none of that can be undone. ' Chinmayi with husband Rahul Ravindran Hyderabad has been a primary home for me and my husband Rahul for over a decade. I love its year-round weather and vibrant energy. Creativity isn't bound by location, but Hyderabad is truly a wonderful place to live in and nurture it – Divya Shree
News18
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Chinmayi Sripada Slams Dropped Hema Committee Cases: 'There's No Difference…'
Last Updated: Singer Chinmayi Sripada spoke to News18 about her concert comeback, the toll of being a whistleblower, Hema Committee and why the system still punishes women for speaking out. Singer, voice artist, and outspoken activist Chinmayi Sripada is in the spotlight as her voice has once again gone viral, this time through AR Rahman's Thug Life song, Mutha Mazhai. But while her songs trend and her vocals cross languages, Chinmayi continues to be shadowbanned in Tamil cinema—a fallout of her bold stance during the #MeToo movement. In this candid, freewheeling interview, Chinmayi opens up about her chameleonic voice, the ongoing battle to reclaim her career, Hema Committee cases getting dropped, and why she'll never stop speaking up for survivors—even if it costs her everything. Excerpts from the interview: Q: You have done your first solo concert in Hyderabad. Are you planning something similar in Chennai? I'd love to. I definitely wish to have a concert in Chennai. I hope the stars align and make it happen. That's what people are saying, but I honestly don't understand algorithms or engagement. If I had, my life might've been better six years ago! Q: You recently joked about a concert idea titled 'You Didn't Know I Sang This Song." That sounds… kind of perfect. People are currently surprised that many popular songs are sung by you. Exactly! I feel like that's my entire discography. People are discovering that I've sung songs they've loved for years, and they're shocked. In a way, that's great. It wasn't a plan, but I think I just took the path that the song and the composition took–If it wanted a slightly different tonality or projection or a performance from me. I am glad I was able to deliver what was asked of me at that point. And therefore, I don't think they were able to connect all of these songs or from the same singer. Because after Dheivam Thandha Poove, somebody is listening to Sandipoma and then they are suddenly listening to If You Wanna Come Along, they are like: 'Okay, how can this be the same singer, right?' Q: Some singers create a vocal signature. But you've chosen versatility. Do you see it as a strength or a challenge? I think in a way, I am looking at it as a boon because I would rather surprise the listener. I like that game. I like keeping people guessing and surprising them at the end of it when somebody is like: 'Is this Chinmayi?' That's my thing. Q: What's the one song people are most shocked to learn is yours? Initially, it was Sahana. Then Sarasara Sarakathu, Mayya Mayya too. It keeps happening. Q: What would you say is the Chinmayi voice? The one that represents you? That's hard. Every song is a part of my voice. None of it is fake. If I need to sing husky, I can. If it doesn't work, I accept that. My job is to try my best and see if I can make it work. Q: Have there been songs you've walked away from? Yes. Once because the lyrics were vulgar. It was Tamil, and it felt too much. I just couldn't do it. I don't even remember the song now. And then once, when I was 18, someone was like, 'She has produced a hit too early. So let me put her in place.' I ended up crying and leaving the studio. I couldn't sing. These things happen. A lot of singers have such stories. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sony Music South India (@sonymusic_south) Q: Let's talk about Thug Life. Did you expect that kind of viral reaction to Mutha Mazhai? This isn't new. Even Dhee sang a song in Kadhalikka Neramillai, and it was performed by some other singer on a stage. It happens all the time. With Mutha Mazhai, I sang the Telugu and Hindi versions, so singing the Tamil version was natural. I already knew the tune, and I just read the lyrics and sang. I didn't think much about it. I was given a job, and I did it. Q: How do you respond to comparisons between your version and Dhee's? I don't know what to say. My entire career has been filled with many songs with multiple versions—male, female, happy, sad. I've sung sad versions, Shreya has sung happy ones. In Uyire, Harris Jayaraj had four of us singing one song! People are acting like this is new. Q: You've worked with so many legends. Who influenced your singing the most? I didn't grow up on film songs. But I loved Hariharan sir's ghazals. Asha ji's versatility. P. Susheela Amma's timbre. L. R. Eswari Amma's theatrics. Janaki Amma's ability to sing like a man, woman, and child in the same song. Yesudas sir's subtle sangathis. Chitra Amma's range. Sujatha ji's Netru Iladha Maatram—I heard it in a theatre and that was the moment I wanted to be a playback singer. And Hai Rama? That was the love of my life for years. Q: Why do you recently only get the Telugu and Hindi versions of songs, but not Tamil? How do I answer that? If I do, it becomes a speculation. Only producers and directors can answer. But that's been the story of my life for years. A sad thing. If a film is in Telugu, I would dub it in Tamil from Hyderabad. That's a different story. But, what they call a straight Tamil film… that has been few and far between. Q: Is it because of the dubbing union ban? How does that work? All the unions associated with Tamil films come under one mothership called Film Employee Federation of South India (FEFSI). They decide who should work and who shouldn't. Now, the dubbing union is headed by heavy weights like Radha Ravi, who also hold offices in other unions. That's how most heads are like–if one is a head in an union, he would hold office in others as well. When one union bans someone, it notifies FEFSI, which then sends notice to all unions to ban the person. If someone doesn't comply, they are also given ban threats. However, such actions are not taken against sexual offenders. If I do, then, they will hold it against me that I went to the police and filed a complaint. So, it is in the union by-law that I am not supposed to go to the police. So, basically, they tell me, they function as a different country. Q: But how can a union have a bylaw saying you can't go to the police? Exactly! That's what I've been asking. This is their system. It protects perpetrators and punishes complainants. Q: So what's happening with your court case fighting this ban by the dubbing union? I've gone to court asking to overturn the ban. I want my right to work back. People say it's useless, that they'll still shadow ban me. But at least I'll have a paper in hand. Q: What about the big names and stars—can't they help you out? It's not their problem to deal with. It's only the problem of the person facing it. If you're powerful, things are taken care of. If you're not, you're left to fight. Q: In an interview you said, you are numb despite all the recent praises? What has happened can't be undone. I don't think it can be reversed. It is like a severed hand that got reattached to the body. It will have scars. Q: Your thoughts on cases reported to the Hema Committee getting dropped by police… Malayalam actress Parvathy (Thiruvothu) has asked a pertinent question. The whole point of the committee was to protect the survivors, and she rightly questioned the safety in the police investigation. Why are Reema Kalingal and Parvathy's shadow banned? On the other hand, Dileep is getting promoted despite knowing he is a contract rapist. There is no difference between here and there. At least, there they had something like the Hema Committee, which initially gave me joy. Now, women there despite knowing something horrific has happened to one of their colleagues, go and rub shoulders with Dileep. Shame! Q: Do you feel any peace that you have set a precedent in calling all these men out? Do you think that changed anything? People talk about sexual abuse now. It's a drawing room conversation. I get DMs every day. Men are opening up. I saw a reel a couple of days ago of a man who was talking about being molested on a train. He had actually caught it on video. I said this is exactly what we are talking about. I've had adult men confide in me—saying they were molested by friends, colleagues. They ask if they should tell their wives. And I say yes. Women don't judge the way men often judge women. We listen. Survivors are recognising what happened to them. I think that's progress. First Published:
