After completing her graduation in Mumbai, Shruti Haasan moved to the US to learn music at the Musicians Institute in California.
As an actress, Shruti Haasan has been part of numerous blockbusters, the latest one being 'Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire'. But acting is just one facet of her career. In addition to that, it's her singing that completes her as an artist. She is not only blessed with a mellifluous voice but is also trained in both Indian and Western classical music. And in her words, music is "personal to me. I like playing in the shadows, the darkness people avoid. That's where I found my solace and peace... as a musician, human being, and a woman."
(Credit: shrutzhaasan)
Born on January 28, 1986, Haasan turns one year wiser today. On this occasion, let's have a look at her music career which deserves more attention.
Well, it was only music (yes, not acting) that Haasan was inclined to as a child. She started singing at the age of five and went on to train in Indian classical music. Her father, Kamal Haasan, encouraged her to write prose, poetry, and short stories. Gradually, that turned to songwriting during her teenage years.
She sang her first song at the age of six for Ilaiyaraaja (a legendary music composer in Tamil cinema) and soon performed live in Singapore in her father's show. For Kamal Haasan's film 'Hey Ram', she sang the female version of the title theme "Rama Rama", winning enormous praise from across the country.
(Credit: shrutzhaasan)
"While growing up, my parents realized that I was serious about music. My father is a fantastic singer himself, he would often ask me about my favorite song and sing along with me. My mother encouraged me to be disciplined about it and was keen that I learn Hindustani classical music. I opted for music instead of mathematics in school. I owe it to my parents for helping me develop my passion for music," said Haasan in her interview.
After completing her graduation in psychology (St. Andrew's College, Mumbai), Haasan moved to the US to learn music at the Musicians Institute in California. While studying there, she teamed up with rock icon David Kushner of Velvet Revolver and became the first Indian musician to sing as well as write lyrics alongside David.
Upon returning to Chennai, Haasan started her full-fledged acting career in Tamil and Telugu films. Simultaneously, she started working as a playback singer as well. In 2009, she made her debut as a music director with her father's production 'Unnaipol Oruvan', winning the Best Music Director award at Edison Awards. In fact, referring to her work in that film, Screen India said that she "has the makings of a good singer, and with some training, she should go great guns".
(Credit: shrutzhaasan)
Some of her finest playback songs to date are "Adiye Kolluthe", "Aazma (Luck Is The Key)", "Unnaipol Oruvan", "Semmozhiyaana Thamizh Mozhiyaam", "Beyond The Snake", "Sri Chaitanya Junior College", "Kannazhaga Kaalazhaga", and "Odiyamma" among others. She has received nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil for singing "Kannazhaga Kaalazhaga" in '3' and "Yendi Yendi" in 'Puli'; and the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu for "Junction Lo" in 'Aagadu'.
Also, she performs live across the world with her music band.
Happy Birthday, Shruti Haasan. Best Wishes For All Your Upcoming Endeavors!
