What an amazing track!

The song in question is Janmantharangalil from the film Orissa. “For the film, initially I was called to sing the track for Karthik sir and his version was recorded. But later, the director of the film felt that my voice was more suitable for the feel of the song and he decided to use my version in the film. But then the version sung by Karthik was included in the audio CD. In fact, there is confusion over whether it is the jury or those who submitted the movie who are at fault,” says Pradeep, who is shocked by the sudden attention on him. “I am so confused that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. However, I am trying not to take the controversy surrounding the award too seriously.”

The upcoming singer is becoming popular as the social media if full of supporting voices. “I am really overwhelmed by the immense support that I am getting through the social media. I never thought that singing would make me popular or famous. I started singing only because I loved music,” says Pradeep, a native of Thrissur.

Pradeep, fondly called Deepu by those close to him, is the son of actor T.G. Ravi’s younger brother and is a practising doctor. He got his break in films through the movie Beautiful by singing the cover version of Chehare Hai Ya Chand Khila Hai… That was the introduction scene of Anoop in the movie. “When I was doing my medical studies, I got to know about the audition for the film where the search was on for a voice similar to Anoop’s. I gave it a try and Ratheesh Vega, the music director, selected me,” says Pradeep.

After that, he sang around eight different songs and the track in Orissa was the last one. “My medical profession and music are the two important things in my life. I have been learning music and practising piano since childhood. I had to take a break from music for the sake of studies. Now I am planning to give equal attention to both fields,” says Pradeep, who is now doing his stint as a house-surgeon in one of Thrissur’s major hospitals.

Ratheesh Vega, the composer who introduced Pradeep to Mollywood, says that he is an amazing singer and a dedicated artist. He says, “After the CD was launched, director Padmakumar felt that Pradeep’s vocals suit the movie’s visuals better and that is why we kept his song in the movie. We didn’t inform Karthik about this sudden change of plan because after all, it is for the director to decide what to include and what to leave out.”

Ratheesh adds, “We have decided to approach the jury for the correction as Pradeep deserves this award. Karthik is an established singer and is known around the world for his skills. If Pradeep gets the award, it will be a big boost to his career. We will file an affidavit and the jury members have said that it will not be a problem to re-announce Pradeep as the winner.”