On a singing high: Salih Haneef

From a full-time musician to a playback singer, Salih Haneef has ventured into the world of film music through his song Laila Laila from the movie Basheerinte Premalekhananam. The romantic track featuring Manikandan Achari and Ranjini Jose on screen is composed by Vishnu Mohan Sithara to the lyrics of Shinto Koodattu.   Salih, who hails from a music-loving family in Thrissur, is a guitar prodigy too. Introduced in films by the legendary Mohan Sithara, Salih has sung several tracks for his musical album Mahaaal Sahasram. Being a trained singer in carnatic music, Salih has done several stage shows and live performances at Thrissur’s Vadakkunatha Temple.

He started his on-screen musical journey with Asianet’s reality show Music India, in which he was a part of the musical band Thamarassery Churam. ‘’If we are ready to work hard, then it is easy to achieve our goals. I went to sing Hindustani and fast number tracks for Mohan Sithara Sir. And then, I was introduced to his son Vishnu Mohan Sithara. He gave me enough support and freedom to sing Laila... It was a great experience working with Vishnu, who is an expert in technical sound mixing,” says the 27-year-old.

Salih is currently busy working on some musical projects and stage shows. The curtain raiser of his music band will be in August, 2018. ‘’I want to do more things in music. I am still working for that. I believe that love and humanity lead to a peaceful world. Lokha samastha sukhino bhavanthu,’’ Salih quotes. His melody track from the movie Paulettante Veedu starring Sai Kumar is not yet released. Basheerinte Premalekhanam, directed by Aneesh Anwar, starring legendary actors Madhu and Sheela with Farhaan Faasil and Sana Althaf in lead roles, is set to hit the screen on July 21.