As of today, “Golden Sparrow,” the hit song from the highly-anticipated Dhanush-Priyanka Mohan starrer Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam, has amassed a staggering 18 million views and garnered over 4,200 comments on YouTube. The song has sparked heated debates on X (formerly Twitter), dividing audiences into Gen Z and pre-Y2K camps. Each generation passionately defends their musical era, fervently arguing over which produced better music. Amidst the discourse, 24-year-old musician Sublahshini, the voice behind the song, finds herself reveling in her moment of breakout success.
“I’ve read nearly all the comments. Initially, most were about [actor] Priyanka Mohan. Gradually, some started appreciating my voice. This is such a significant moment for me,” says Sublahshini. Her deep voice, which had long been a source of insecurity, found prominence alongside established names like Dhanush and rapper Arivu, under the musical direction of GV Prakash Kumar.
Growing up, Sublahshini faced the challenge of aligning her voice with the high notes typically sung by female artists. “My parents cut off the cable connection the year I was born to ensure that my brother and I focused on our studies. Consequently, radio became my only source of entertainment. I listened to music every free minute I had, but I noticed the female singers always hit the high notes I couldn’t reach. To compensate, I often sang the male parts,” she recalls. The deep voices of artists like Adele, Bombay Jayashri, and Usha Uthup provided solace and inspiration, validating her own vocal range. “They showed me that a variety of voices could sing, but it was always tough to be confident. All I needed to do was adjust my pitch.”
Though “Golden Sparrow” is her first playback number, Sublahshini is no stranger to the music industry. She has recorded and released numerous independent songs across various platforms, particularly Instagram, which has been her preferred medium for showcasing music, especially covers of English songs.
. “Music producer and singer-songwriter Ritviz once reposted my music, which really helped my profile gain visibility at the time,” she shares. Her journey took a significant turn in 2020 when she won a contest and got the opportunity to sing “Kanaa,” a track produced by renowned Indian music producer Nucleya.
Despite that opportunity, her breakthrough came during the pandemic in 2021 with a one-minute song titled “Kaathadi,” created in collaboration with Anand Kashinath. The song’s success was sealed when actor Dulquer Salman publicly mentioned it in an interview, saying he liked it. “I’ve always been a fan of Dulquer Salman because.. well.. just look at him. Hearing him mention my song was absolutely thrilling,” she says.
Known for her love of puns, Sublahshini played with her name to construct a unique identity on social media, moving away from what she humorously calls a “once-cringe” Instagram handle. This reinvention not only resonated with her audience but also allowed her to carve out a dedicated niche in the music space. With newfound success, she temporarily stepped away from her day job as a human resources professional to focus solely on music. “I’ve been working on an English album for a while now. I’m excited to finally put out my independent music, hopefully by the end of the year,” she reveals.
Substantial success has now arrived with the viral hit, and Sublahshini is fully embracing this “golden” moment. Her song “Golden Sparrow” stands as a testament to her talent and determination, proving that perseverance and authenticity can triumph over long-held insecurities. As she basks in the recognition of her distinct voice, the musical world waits eagerly for her forthcoming projects, marking the beginning of what promises to be a luminous career. For now, Sublahshini enjoys the overwhelming praise and attention her “Golden Sparrow” has raked in, and she looks forward to the next chapter of her musical journey.
