Biju Neelakantan is a busy person. Unlike many of us who complain that the stress at the workplace is the reason behind the monotony in our lives, Biju finds the time to do everything he is interested in. His passion for entrepreneurship made him start a company. He is the CEO of an IT firm at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram. Similarly, his immense love for music has turned him into a singer who, apart from performing in stage shows, has also lend his voice for a handful of movie songs. “I believe I have been blessed with a musical throat. I feel my voice is my greatest strength. This is probably why I make it a point to practice even amid a busy schedule. Music gives me a sense of detachment from daily stress, which is very important for any artiste,” says Biju when asked about his inclination towards music.
The IT professional has been travelling to different places as part of his job but he has never given up on music. Even while living in the US, for almost 12 years, he used to take part in shows. Did he fear his passion would interfere with his ambition? “After I came back from the US and decided to start a company of my own, I was well aware that it wouldn’t be easy to balance music with a full-time job. However, I was adamant about my aim. I want people to know me by my songs more. I don’t think that anything matters when you have made up your mind to achieve something,” he says.
Along with his friend and music composer Rajesh V.B., Biju has also formed a band called Urava. As of now, the band members are concentrating more on stage performances that will help them gain popularity and acceptance among the public.
He also says the invitation to sing in programmes like Music Mojo has worked in his favor and that his episodes have been watched by around 6 lakh people who subscribe to the programme. “We had auditioned for the programme and were given a segment as the producers liked our music,” he added.
Biju has also sung three Hindi songs for an English movie Fences directed by Narayanan Kartha as well as a couple of dubbed versions of Telugu and Kannada movies. When asked if feels it awkward to ask for chances and give auditions, Biju confidently says no. “People will only get to know you if you come forward and show your talent to them. Nowadays, there is competition in every field and creative sector is not an exception. You have to take opportunities when you get them orelse you will find it difficult to find one later,” he concludes
