The 30-year-old Indian vocalist, songwriter and performer, Shakthishree Gopalan, has been performing and releasing music independently in multiple languages. She has also garnered appreciation for her cover videos on her YouTube channel other than her collaborations with the top south-Indian music directors and composers.
QBeing a young achiever and performing artiste, what do you owe your success to?
Thank you! I’m honoured that you consider it so, but honestly I have a long way to go. I’m grateful for the work that I have been able to be a part of, and for this journey. I owe everything I have to hard-work, well wishes from some good people, the guidance of my mentors, blessings and the undying support from my mother.
Q What did you like in high school and college?
Hahaha! I was very academic. I was good in my studies but at the same time I loved taking part in extra curricular activities.
Q What concerns do you have the most about yourself?
Being too hard on myself.
Q Tell me about a time when you had to slog your way through a ton of work. How did you get through it?
My final year thesis. The only way to get through a ton of work with a smile on your face is to make sure you love what you are doing. So I think the key is to find something that you love doing!
Q What were you doing last time when you looked at a clock and realised you had lost all track of time?
In conversation — while spending time and catching up with friends
Q One book you recommend everybody read?
‘The Alchemist’.
QWere you ever exposed to bad company or negativity that almost brought you down or affected you in any way?
Yes of course I have. Like most of us I am not immune to this. I have encountered bad company and negativity that has affected me adversely, made me question my idea of self worth / had negative effects on my self esteem. I think it is best to move away from such people/scenarios — life is too short to allow other people to bring your spirit down. The first step is to identify the people or the scenarios that have adverse effects. The second step is to take action — which can be moving away from these people/situations, confronting them, or ignoring and not taking them seriously.
Q What movie no matter how many times you have seen it, do you have to watch when it’s on?
The Gladiator.
Q What business would you love to start?
A cosy cafe with a quirky little store that would have little trinkets and collectibles from around the world, and some cool furniture.
Tell us about your experience working for Chekka Chivantha Vaanam
I’m really grateful for having the opportunity to work on not 1 but 2 songs for this brilliant Mani Ratnam film. And needless to say it was an amazing experience to sing these compositions that ARR sir has crafted with such mastery.
