A voice that heals: Chinmayi Sripada sings for charity

Hyderabad: In Andhra and Telangana, she might be best known as the voice of Samantha, but Chinmayi Sripada is more than just a dubbing artiste or a singer.

This artiste believes in something beyond money. “Of course making money and being able to live life the way one desires is important. But when you are gifted in something, you need to use it to give back to pay it forward.”

Palliative care, that essentially deals with pain relief and management of terminal ill, is an ‘emotional’ cause for Chinmayi. “Few years ago, when I visited a palliative care centre in Chennai for the first time, it completely moved me. It’s an emotionally draining experience. I saw and met patients who were abandoned by their families and there is complete sense of hopelessness. Ever since, I have been a supporter for the need for funding and awareness of palliative care,” says Chinmayi.

This trained Hindustani and Carnatic musician says that Sufi is closest to her heart. “As a teen, I enjoyed Sufi music and ghazals the most. But as my career began, I drifted off to playback and other streams over the years. Now, thanks to the Hyderabad show, after a good five-year gap, I can indulge in Sufi music again,” she says.

In South Cinema, Chinamayi is the voice behind the biggest heroines, Samantha, Tamannah, Kajal Aggarwal, Nayantara. “Most people say ‘You are the voice and Samantha is the body’,” Chinmayi says.

“Of all my dubbing projects, the toughest one has been Eega! The challenge was that I did not see the fly and I think even Samantha was brilliant in acting like that,” she says.

Recently, Chinmayi even made national news with her song for Chennai Express. She was was nominated for several awards for the song Titli.

Even at her recent marriage to actor Rahul Ravindran, of Andala Rakshasi, the couple ensured that no money went waste in gifts or flowers. In fact, they raised close to '4.5 lakh for an organisation that ensures that the children of Leh and Ladakh are educated.

As to the life after marriage, she says, “I know it’s too early and may sound cliched, but I really wish that every girl gets a well-suited husband like I have. I believe it is extremely important for women especially in industries like film and media.”