'Like a headmaster and strict'; Singer Madhu Balakrishnan about his favourite musicians

There was a time when the Malayali audience got duped, mistaking Madhu Balakrishnan’s voice for that of legendary singer K J Yesudas. Madhu grew up in the shadow of Yesudas but did not go into oblivion, unlike many of his peers. Through sheer hard work and a commanding voice, the singer cultivated a fan base and became highly popular after his regular appearance as a judge in reality shows.

In a recent interview with playback singer Renjith Unni, Madhu Balakrishnan looked back at his career to talk about the music directors who shaped the singer in him.

Madhu Balakrishnan:

“I am lucky enough to render voice to the songs composed by greats such as Ilaiyaraaja and Vidyasagar. Raja sir is like a headmaster, and for the same reason we feel tension during recording sessions. Vidya ji, on the other hand, belongs to that category of music directors who allow us to improvise. The recording sessions will be refreshing, and even he will appreciate it if we come up with a different idea for the composition.

I remember that during my early days, while I was slowly getting recognised in playback singing circles, I received a phone call. On the other hand, the voice said ‘ I am Devarajan”. I was clueless and enquired again who he was. Just then, a commanding voice said from the other side, “ I am Devarajan Master”. The voice itself made me stand up, and I politely exchanged social pleasantries with the legendary music director of Malayalam cinema.

Master told me that my voice was a bit lordly for my age and took a friendly jibe. He then asked me to change it through practice. I told Master that it was my real voice and I was faking it. Master then took the role of the teacher and sternly told me that whether it is real or fake, it would be better if I altered my voice. Master even asked me to meet him at an event in Thrissur, as he had an affection for me.

It remains a pain that I couldn’t sing for him on any films, but I have done many musical programs he conducted.”