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"Being in front of the mike is an absolute pleasure"
An exclusive Interview
with Play back singer Balram
- Nila and Vignesh


Nearly all the songs you have sung are neat melodies. Have you tried any fast numbers? Which one you are comfortable with, singing a melody or fast paced numbers? 
Bharadwaj gave me this fast paced folkish number in "Junction" and another one in "Kadhal.Com". I am comfortable with both melodious & fast paced numbers. Composers are the best judge as to what will suit a voice based on the composition.

You have sung in Rehman, Yuvan, Vidhyasagar and Bharadwaj's music. What is the difference you feel working with each of them? Please tell us your experiences with them.
All of them have this great knack of making a singer comfortable in their own way. Vidyasagar is ever smiling. When recording for ARR, I was initially a bit nervous but once on the mike, it was an absolute creative experience.

If you get an offer to sing a song from Ilaiyaraja, A.R.Rehman, Harris Jeyaraj and Vidhyasagar at the same time, who will be your choice? 
I will pray to God that this should never happen!!!! I want to work for each one of them on separate occasions.

Heard that your song in the film "Kaadhal.com" is the highlight of the album. What is special about it? 
It is essentially a fast paced number, in a high pitch and totally folkish. You might not find any trace of PBS in this song. Check it out!

Now Tamil films have started a new trend of having a melodious song in the cassette. But it will not be picturised in the movie, stating that it is too melodious. Your song "Panikaatre" from 'Run' is one such song. How did you feel when that song didn't make it to screens?
I enjoyed myself recording this song, an absolute masterpiece from Vidyasagar. I was upset because Film & TV media can do a lot to a song. It has a good recall value.

The "Buck Buck" song in "Parthiban Kanavu", was a period song. Did you have to take any special care for that song?
Before recording this song Vidyasagar told me the background of this song. And by now I had listened to quite a bit of PBS's songs. Here I had to bring in his specific rendering style in a few places. Otherwise I just followed my natural style of singing.

Which is more enjoyable, singing for films or jingles? 
For me being in the studio, in front of the mike is an absolute pleasure whether it's recording film songs, jingles. All the time you are creating!!!

Mortein jingle in your voice is enchanting. Name the favourite jingle in your voice. 
In the Mortein jingle I have sung for a mosquito!!!. My favourite jingle is one I did a few years ago for "Johnson's Baby Oil". I sang this in Marathi though.

What if you were not introduced by A.R.R. in "Paarthaale paravasam"? 
I would not have the pleasure of giving this interview!!!

Suppose you are strictly prohibited from singing, what will you do for your living?
You mean prohibited from singing professionally. I would be still on this 9-5 Technical Services job with SKF Bearings India Ltd which I quit 6 years ago. I would possibly be singing in our  office get-togethers and get applauded by my bosses and colleagues. Then my MD would come and tell me," Balram you are in the wrong profession. You should be singing in films". This is not some story but what actually happened on Feb16th 1991 on one of our company boat parties. Our MD then Mr.Chhaya's one comment changed my entire destiny.And today I am giving this interview having sung for a few Tamil films. But I thank God for giving me this talent ,my parents for helping me develop this talent and last but not the least my wife Radha for her constant support when I decided to go professional in this music field.

Balram with his cool and humble personlity was more than cooperative while doing this e-interview. We thank him for his precious time and wish him all that he wishes in his life.

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