In his La La land

Growing up in a household ringing with music, Madhavan wished to be a singer like his mother Preetha, who has won every Malayali’s heart as the host of a popular music show back in the late 90’s. But little did he guess that he will actually step into the world of playback singing. Madhavan Nair is the voice behind the song Yela La La La... from the hit movie Hey Jude. Madhavan was amid the preparations for a camp when he agreed to give the interview. Still sounding excited about the opportunity he received, Madhavan says “I am into doing covers of songs, none of which are released yet. But there was this cover version of the song Despacito that I had done which mom recorded for fun. 

She sent it over to a few people like she does generally. Mom also sent it to Gopi sir (Gopi Sundar). But two days later, Gopi sir sent a message asking for the song once again after which he called my mom and invited us for a trial recording in Kochi. He asked her to bring me along as well.”

“We reached the studio and saw that singer Haricharan was already recording there. I was very tense. I am usually a calm person, but that day, I was really very nervous until I met Gopi sir. He cooled me down completely and then the recording happened. It took about two and a half hours. My mom told me that this was all a trial, but in reality it was an actual recording! I did not know about it until my birthday which was two weeks later.” 

The news that his recording will be used in the movie was his birthday surprise from his mother. Hey Jude has four more songs, composed by Ousepachan, M. Jayachandran and Rahul Raj.

Elaborating about his journey to music, he says, “I have always loved music from a very young age and started singing when I was in class V or VI. 

I never received any formal training in any musical styles though. My parents and YouTube has been my trainers. Everyone, including Chitra amma (singer Chitra), advised me to take formal vocal training. Now Gopi sir has also motivated me to get Carnatic music training. I am just waiting to complete my +2 board exams right now, after that I am hoping and planning to spend a good time for music.”