It has been a day since the release of ‘Minikki Minikki,’ the first song from the much-anticipated actor Vikram starrer, Thangalaan, directed by Pa Ranjith. For playback singer Sinduri Vishal, this moment feels like a significant milestone in her career.
“This song is probably the biggest project in my Tamil film career,” Sinduri shares in a phone interview from Hyderabad. Composed by the acclaimed GV Prakash Kumar, ‘Minikki Minikki’ is a celebratory folk song featuring Sinduri’s playful and energetic vocals, paired perfectly with the engaging lyrics written by Uma Devi. The lyric video, which accompanies the song, showcases lead actors Vikram and Parvathy, participating in a lively celebration.
Reflecting on the experience of recording the song, Sinduri describes it as a joyous, laid-back jamming session which lasted just over an hour. “A few months back, I was called to GV Prakash’s studio to record the song. At that time, I had no idea which film it was for. Given how folksy it is, I was asked to work on the tone and sing in my chest voice,” she recalls. Pa Ranjith and Uma Devi were also present during the recording session, assisting her with the dialect and encouraging expressive singing.
While the catchy hook of the song immediately enthralled Sinduri, she praises its overall appeal. “It just sticks in your head,” she laughs. Following the initial recording, she also sang the song in multiple languages—Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi—highlighting the film’s pan-Indian reach.
Though ‘Minikki Minikki’ might be her significant Tamil breakthrough, Sinduri Vishal is far from being a novice in the world of playback singing. She has lent her voice to over 75 songs across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. Remarkable Tamil tracks include those from movies like Kuttram 23, Oh Manapenne, and Rathnam. However, her Telugu songs have particularly resonated with audiences, turning into massive hits. She sang for Sai Pallavi in ‘Hey Pillagada’ from Fidaa, and later in ‘Oh My Lovely Lalana’ from Padi Padi Leche Manasu, picturised amidst the captivating scenery of Kolkata.
. Her soothing vocals were also a highlight in one of 2022’s beloved duets, ‘Kanunna Kalyanam’ from the blockbuster Sita Ramam, featuring Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur.
“I like to believe I have a flair for languages. Even if I’m not fluent, I’m comfortable singing in them,” she says. Having been trained in Carnatic music from a very young age, Sinduri gradually exposed herself to ghazals and eventually delved into western classical music. “I love exploring different styles and genres. I am thankful for having sung diverse songs over the last decade. When I step into the studio, I’m excited to bring my touch to a composition,” she elaborates. She also cites iconic singers such as Chithra, Bombay Jayashri, and Hariharan as significant influences and inspirations.
Sinduri Vishal’s musical journey is further enriched by her frequent collaborations with husband and composer Vishal Chandrashekhar. Despite misconceptions of her only singing for him, she has cemented her credentials through various projects. “This is something I hope my song in Thangalaan will help me address. While our songs are profoundly special, I am keen on establishing my identity as an independent singer,” she asserts. Music is the foundation of their relationship, and Sinduri, who serves as a music supervisor in his team, brings a strong Carnatic background to their collaboration, while his expertise lies in western music. “We share great professional comfort and ensure we don’t interfere with each other’s musical processes and decisions,” she adds.
With ‘Minikki Minikki’ already among the top trending songs on YouTube, the hype around Thangalaan continues to grow. Sinduri is optimistic about the year ahead. “I have some exciting songs lined up with composers I deeply admire and can’t wait to share them,” she concludes.
Sinduri Vishal’s dedication and versatility promise an exhilarating future in the world of playback singing, and she is poised to make even greater waves in the industry.
Tamil cinema / Telugu cinema
