Latest news with #Madhushree
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘AR Rahman always brings an element of surprise,' says singer Madhushree: ‘He adds his touch later, and it turns out to be magical'
Renowned playback singer Madhushree, who has carved a niche for herself in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema with her soulful voice and timeless songs, recently opened up about her creative process and experiences with some of the biggest names in the music industry during an interview with O2India. One name that inevitably came up in the conversation was that of Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman. Reflecting on her collaborations with Rahman on iconic tracks like 'Kabhi Neem Neem' and 'Marudhani', Madhushree shared how his style never fails to surprise her. 'Rahman ji always brings an element of surprise… whether it's this song or Kabhi Neem Neem, he adds his touch later, and it turns out to be magical,' she said. The singer revealed that often, Rahman records his parts after the initial track is laid down, adding a unique energy that transforms the song entirely. Also Read | Madhushree recalls collaborating with AR Rahman, Javed Akhtar for Kisna: 'Your romance is with your art, your voice' Beyond AR Rahman, Madhushree has also worked with a host of acclaimed South Indian music composers. Speaking of her experiences with them, she highlighted their distinctive approaches and artistic personas. 'Whether it's Yuvan Shankar Raja, Harris Jayaraj, or Rahman ji, they more or less follow the same process. First they compose the song, and then they give you the space to rehearse. That's where there's some similarity.' However, she emphasized a key difference that makes South Indian composers stand out: their deep involvement and clarity during the recording process. The singer siad, 'One thing about South Indian music composers is that they're so good, you never feel lost. They'll guide you with exact notations, where to pause, what expressions to use, they spell everything out, so you don't have to figure it out on your own. They are that good.' Madhushree went on to praise MM Keeravani specifically for his precision and directorial clarity during recordings. 'When you go to sing for M.M. Keeravani, you don't have to do anything, just follow whatever he says. All of them understand singers really well.' When asked about the key differences between South Indian and Bollywood music industries, Madhushree didn't hesitate to point out a cultural distinction she finds admirable. 'There, everyone works according to time. If you're called at 1 pm, the session starts at exactly 1. They are extremely punctual. They follow rules and regulations. That's the main difference.'
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Madhushree recalls collaborating with AR Rahman, Javed Akhtar for Kisna: ‘Your romance is with your art, your voice'
Composer AR Rahman has often talked about having weird working schedules and how he doesn't even feel the need for extra friends, as he is content with his work. Singer Madhushree, who has collaborated with Rahman on films like Kisna (2005) and Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu (2022), echoed these sentiments in a recent interview, sharing her own experience working with the musical maestro. In an interview with O2 India, Madhushree talked about the time when she recorded the song 'Hum Mile Na Mile' from the film Kisna and how she had to jump through several hoops to get it done. She shared, 'I was in my house in Andheri and got a call from Rahman's assistant who told me that I needed to get to the Taj hotel as soon as possible. I told her that it will take me at least 2-3 hours before I can get there, but she insisted that I get there right now. So I got into the local train, took a cab after that, and reached the hotel within an hour to work with him.' ALSO READ | AR Rahman reveals real reason behind his recent hospitalisation; calls it a 'humanising' experience: 'Realised that people wanted me to live' The singer added that her beautiful experience of working on that song did not end there, as she had quite an experience while finally recording the final cut of that song with Subhash Ghai and Javed Akhtar in the studio. 'I went to the studio, and I read the lyrics, and I usually always ask what the song means before singing. Javed sir asked me, 'Madhushree, what do you love the most?' I said, 'My music.' He said, 'I know it is a romantic song, but your romance is with your art, your voice. Sing this, keeping that in mind.' And that note really stuck with me.' Madhushree added that initially Hariharan was supposed to sing the song with her, but he was unavailable, and Udit Narayan stepped in. The singer admitted that she wanted to do another take of the song and kept pleading her case for the coming days until she got a call back during the most unusual time. 'I normally don't fast, but I had decided to keep one for Navratra that year. On the last day of the fast, Rahman told me that he was doing the final mixing for the song and I could come in and re-take the part I wanted to. Even though I felt weak and not up to the mark, I went, and the moment I started singing, I forgot all about my hunger and fast.' Kisna was directed by Subhash Ghai, and starred Vivek Oberoi, Isha Sharwani and Antonia Bernath in the lead roles. AR Rahman and Ismail Darbar both worked on the music for the film.
