Anusree Madhavan ([email protected])
It cannot be insisted that only the artist should be socially responsible. Moreover, I am saying that every citizen should show social responsibility. There is no difference between an artist and a common man.
Interview
Suraj Santosh
mMusician Suraj Santhosh has started his journey in Layala cinema and independent music scene for more than a decade. Sooraj won many accolades including the State Film Award for Best Singer. Suraj has appeared as a playback singer in many films in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada. Although he owes a lot to film accolades, Sooraj’s main foray is independent music. Suraj says it is the best platform to talk about his politics and ideas. Sooraj Santhosh is opening his mind when the song sung by Sooraj Santhosh in the Dulquer Salmaan starrer Seetharamam, composed by Vishal Chandrasekhar, hits the hearts of the people.
How did Sita get into Rama?
Vishal Chandrasekhar is the music director of this movie. His wife Sindhuri is a vocal arranger. Both of them work together. The music director was calling directly. The recording experience was great. I recorded from Kochi. They are also in Hyderabad. It was a new experience for me. It was realized that such technologies can be used in the time of Covid. People seem to like the song. That’s what I realized when I saw the responses. I don’t know any more.
Have you been in the independent music scene since coming to the movies? How was that trip?
I sang for the first time in 2010. Apart from being a film singer, I want to be known as an independent musician. That is what I have always strived for. I am an active participant in art festivals. The song was there from a very young age. He was active in independent music even before singing in films.
Are there fewer songs in films today compared to the past? Do you feel that the importance of singers is being lost in films?
You cannot insist on having songs in the film. Film is not an art made for song. Some movies use song to communicate some idea. The song is never an integral part of the film. Music is not limited to movies. I mean everyone should make their own music. All musicians have their niche. It doesn’t have to compete with each other.
What is the politics that Suraj promotes through his music?
I make music recognizing my privilege. I want to communicate all the things I have to say and my ideas through music. I mean ideas that underpin progressive politics and humanity. That should be my music. One should be aware of what the song is for. These are all my personal preferences. I’m not saying others should.
It cannot be insisted that only the artist should be socially responsible. Moreover, I am saying that every citizen should show social responsibility. There is no difference between an artist and a common man. Every work of art is shaped by its socio-political environment. Therefore, there is no such thing as politics. An artist cannot live without seeing or hearing it, especially when living under a fascist regime. Some may pretend not to see it for the sake of survival. But those who are not like that will keep telling politics through art. What we are saying may be annoying to some people. It doesn’t matter. Let there be discussions, let things be corrected…
Aren’t independent musicians getting a little more acceptance in Kerala these days?
Indeed, it is very promising that many independent musicians are getting a platform in Kerala today. Social media platforms help them in their publicity. Many people who put in the time to create original music were disappointed that it didn’t get enough attention. There could be many reasons for that. But today that is changing.
It is believed that independent musicians can stand up for the marginalized. Can people like Sooraj not be able to bring their artists to the public and provide a platform?
Of course, all tribals have their own unique music. There are great artists among them. They need public support to become mainstream. I have spoken to many of them. We have to prepare the stage for them. But don’t take their songs and turn it into our product. I disagree with doing so. All we have to do is make the opportunity to stand free.
Content Highlights: Sooraj Santhosh, Independent Musician, Sita Ramam, Dulquer Salmaan, Movie, Politics Music
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