Chennai, India – The much-anticipated Dhanush-Priyanka Mohan starrer *Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam* is already making waves ahead of its release, primarily due to its standout track, ‘Golden Sparrow’. This song has rapidly become a viral sensation, amassing an astounding 18 million views and over 4,200 comments on YouTube. Its popularity has sparked a lively debate on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), dividing Gen Z and older generations on which era offered the best music. Despite the ongoing debate, there is one person who is unequivocally relishing the song’s success: 24-year-old musician Sublahshini.
Sublahshini, who performed the song alongside industry heavyweights like Dhanush and rapper Arivu, under the direction of renowned music director GV Prakash Kumar, is delighted by the public’s response. “I’ve read nearly all the comments. Initially, they were mainly about [actor] Priyanka Mohan. But over time, I started seeing remarks that appreciated my voice. This is a huge moment for me,” she said, her eyes gleaming with pride and excitement.
For a young woman who struggled with insecurities about her deep voice, the acceptance and adulation she is currently receiving feel like a dream come true. “My parents disconnected the cable at home the year I was born to make sure my brother and I focused on our studies. Consequently, I turned to the radio for solace and inspiration. I listened every moment I could, but I always noticed how female singers hit the high notes I couldn’t. To compensate, I would often sing the male parts. It’s heartening to see the acceptance of varied voices now, thanks to artists like Adele, Bombay Jayashri, and Usha Uthup. They showed me that unique voices could stand out. All I needed to do was adjust my pitch,” she shared.
This track marks her debut in playback singing, but Sublahshini is no novice when it comes to music.
. She has made waves in the independent music scene, often releasing her work on Instagram. Her English covers have especially resonated with her followers. A significant career boost came when music producer and singer-songwriter Ritviz reposted one of her performances, significantly raising her profile. Additionally, in 2020, Sublahshini won a contest that gave her the chance to sing ‘Kanaa’, produced by noted Indian music producer Nucleya.
Her journey to viral fame took a pivotal turn during the pandemic in 2021 with the release of the one-minute song ‘Kaathadi’, created with Anand Kashinath. The song was a runaway hit and even caught the attention of Dulquer Salman, a popular actor and her personal favorite. “I’ve always admired Dulquer Salman. When he mentioned liking ‘Kaathadi’ in an interview, I was on cloud nine,” she exclaimed, still visibly thrilled by that recognition.
Known for her love of puns, Sublahshini had previously rebranded her Instagram handle to something less cringe-worthy, allowing her to carve out a distinct identity in the music landscape. This bold step also gave her the chance to take a break from her day job as a human resources professional and focus full-time on her music career.
An English album is in the works, hinting at more groundbreaking music from the young talent. “I’ve been working on an English album for a while now and I’m excited to share my independent music. Hopefully, I can put it out by the end of this year,” she revealed.
For now, Sublahshini is basking in the limelight brought by her heartfelt performance in ‘Golden Sparrow’. Her story, from a girl plagued by insecurities about her voice to a viral sensation, resonates with many and serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.
As she stands on the brink of widespread recognition and further success, Sublahshini remains an inspiring figure for aspiring musicians. The viral impact of ‘Golden Sparrow’ is not just a personal victory for her but also a moment of celebration for Tamil cinema and pop music at large. As *Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam* gears up for its release, the film and its soundtrack are set to create even more buzz, thanks to burgeoning talents like Sublahshini who are rewriting the rules and redefining the norms in the Indian music industry.
Published – September 25, 2024 03:23 pm IST
Tamil cinema / Indian cinema / pop music / film music
