In an insanely competitive field, it is no mean feat to be a part of six Malayalam movies. Young singer Niranj Suresh has crooned songs in films like Asha Black, Beware of Dogs, Rockstar, Two Countries and Anuraga Karrikkin Vellam and most recently his self proclaimed cherry on the cake — the title song of the Mammootty starrer Thoppil Joppan. Niranj has already sung the English track of the title song of Two Countries but what makes Thoppil Joppan’s track special is the music composer behind the song — Vidyasagar. It was fellow music director Deepak Dev who suggested Niranj’s name. “Vidyasagar needed a singer with Western singing experience and I was made to go through some rehearsals.”
“He told me exactly what he wanted and I finished the song in three and a half hours. We also did a video of the song. This song is a part of a big banner film and I am hoping it would open more doors for me in future,” says Niranj. Incidentally Niranj is a part of a band called Blank Planet and the band is also a part of the title track. “It is a progressive rock band with Carnatic influence. We are experimental and we just released a video called Maya which is getting good response. There is a niche for independent music and a small but dedicated crowd for Western music,” he says animatedly.
Expressing his views about the number of singers and musicians sprouting, Niranj stresses on the importance of talent. “It is very competitive but most singers and musicians are involved in a lot of different kinds of music besides film scores. The talented ones are doing covers and posting their songs on YouTube and the social media. Most often, established composers listen to these songs and give a call to the singers. The social media has opened up avenues like never before! But at the end of the day, it is the contacts you maintain, the talent and the tone of your voice that is important,” he opines.
Like his music which is experimental, Niranj too believes in going beyond his comfort zone. He has also tried his hand at acting and was a part of the recent Biju Menon-starrer Anuraga Karrikkin Vellam. He shares, “I am also a part of the upcoming film by Joshy Thomas which is a college campus musical. I get to play a lengthy role in this film too. I am planning a solo project called Niranj Live,”he signs off.
