13 minutes
POPULAR Indian singer Krishh has toured many places, but Malaysia is, in fact, his favourite place to perform.
“The Tamil community here loves the Tamil language, and they give so much to Tamil music,” he said.
Krishh, who has a slew of hit Tamil songs, was in Malaysia last week to promote his upcoming debut concert in Kuala Lumpur.
During an exclusive interview with theSun, the singer revealed that “expression” is the most important quality in a singer.
“For me, I think of expression and emotion through voice and lyrics. Expression is the key for any singer and it is very important,” said Krishh, or real name Vijay Balakrishnan, whose voice could melt hearts.
Known for his soul-stirring songs and electrifying performances, the handsome singer was in Malaysia to launch the sale of his tickets for his concert on Aug 24.
Switching roles
His iconic song June Ponal July Katru is one of the most loved by fans, so he was asked if he could recreate the same magic in another song.
“For me, the best is yet to come. That’s how I see it,” replied Krishh.
The multi-talented performer sings, acts and composes music. Now that he is on the other side of the recording console producing other singers, how does he feel about the switch of roles?
“It’s hard, and there are a lot of responsibilities. It’s one scale higher. I have to be extremely sensitive towards what I give to people, satisfy listeners and do justice to the movies that I compose,” answered Krishh.
Asked on what would he like to change in the Tamil music industry now, Krishh thinks there is a lack of melody in songs.
“Fast tracks will be a hit for a while and then it’s forgotten quickly, but melodious songs always remain in the mind.”
In the past, he says fast tracks composed by music directors had melodies but now, he feels it is missing.
True calling
Growing up in New York, his music-loving parents inspired his passion.
“I got it from them. Songs were always playing in my house,” admitted Krishh.
Krishh, who was formerly a network engineer, started his career at Goldman Sachs and later at Siemens and Yahoo before quitting his job.
“On the side, I was singing with local bands over the weekends,” said Krishh.
“I felt I was sick and tired of what I was doing. One fine day, I said to myself – this is not what I want to do. I want to do something like music or acting, and then I joined the New York Film Academy,” said the 46-year-old artiste, who made his first playback singing debut with the song Manjal Veiyil from the movie Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu in 2006 and performed in concerts in many countries.
Touring with a legend
Recalling his memories, he spoke about his European Tour with legend S.P. Balasubramaniam and singer Mano for concerts in six countries.
“Bala Sir, keep ‘pulling me’ (teasing) on every stage, saying I took all of his awards in 2008 and 2009.”
Krishh remembers SP Bala saying only good things about him everywhere they performed and reminisced the times when Krishh used to drive the late singer whenever he visited New York.
“Those were beautiful memories that will always go with me to my grave,” said Krishh of SP Bala who passed away in 2020 due to complications arising from a Covid-19 infection.
“He had given us beautiful songs and beautiful memories for us to cherish for another 1,000 years. He had to go one day, but he gave us the best experience in all of his songs. We will miss him.”
A love story
What inspires him in life?
“Love. Love inspires everything. That is one thing that can inspire anyone,” Krishh promptly replied.
Speaking about love, theSun prodded further about his real-life love story with his wife – actress and TV host Sangeetha.
“In 2008, I won the Best Playback Singer Award. Sangeetha announced the winner on stage and presented me with the award. I saw her for the first time. She gave me the award. Nothing happened. Then, I met Sangeetha at the after-party.
“My friend (actress) Lakshmi Rai introduced me. One day, she proposed to me, saying that she was interested and wanted to take the relationship further, and we tried it out, and it worked. The next year, in 2009, we went to the same awards show as a ‘couple’,” revealed Krishh.
They were married in 2009 and have a daughter.
“She is an amazing mother. She is a strong person and raises my daughter to become tough, both mentally and physically,” said Krishh.
Coming back to Malaysia
The “Krishh Live in Malaysia” concert, presented by Harekrishna Textiles and AK Films Production, will take place at Megastar Arena.
“More than excitement, I am very nervous. I am concentrating more on giving my best. It’s not just going to be my song alone, but from all the music directors. I will be singing all my favourite songs, which I grew up with. It will be two hours non-stop.
“I am really excited about working with local artistes and not just singing before my performances. I want the local artistes to be a part of my show because we have amazing talent. Some musicians took my breath away,” divulged Krishh.
As for a piece of advice to the young singers and youth in general, Krishh said: “Stay grounded. Popularity is only temporary, it’s not permanent.”
Asked why he remains popular all these years, he humbly replied: “God’s blessings.”
