On My Pinboard: Deepu Nair

Deepu Nair is a vocalist, who also plays instruments like the flute and the violin and is well-versed in video editing and keyboard programming. A graduate of Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, he sings for Bharathanatyam dancers like Leela Samson and the Dhananjayans.

He has also worked with Kannada music director Gurukiran in films like ‘Rama Shama Bhama’, ‘Mandya’ and ‘Sye’. He was a keyboard programmer for Anup Bhandari’s ‘Rajaratha’, and Sreevalsan J Menon’s Malayalam film ‘Swapaanam’.

Actor

Mohanlal

“He is a good human being. Mohanlal’s acting skills and versatility are his plus points. My favourite films of the actor are ‘Pavithram’, ‘Sadayam’, ‘Ulladakkam’, ‘His Highness Abdullah’, and recently ‘Lucifer’; he has showcased exemplary talent in these.

Travel

Switzerland

“I love to travel though most of my trips are for work. Switzerland is a peaceful and clean place, and I love being there, especially during summers.

I also enjoy visiting the US. I have mostly visited Dallas, but have also gone to New York, Chicago, and Washington. People are particular about traffic rules, in fact, everything works in an orderly manner there.”

Food

Quesadilla

“I would not call myself a foodie, but I love trying different cuisines. My top picks are always Mexican food and Kerala cuisine. I like the right amount of spice.
Quesadillas are a favourite; I love the ones served at authentic restaurants and not chains like Taco Bell. Among Kerala dishes, I love the fish fry, especially ‘Karimeen’, and ‘Syrian Beef Fry'.”

Music

Arijit Singh

“I love melodies, and Arijit Singh is my favourite musician. His voice, the way he sings and most of his melodies have stayed in my mind. There is a pain in his voice which is rare to find.
A R Rahman is also someone I like. If he picks a beat, it will be unique. My favourite film music director is Sharreth. His way of composing music is different.”

Inspiration

Parents

“I take inspiration from everyone who I love. If I had to pinpoint the people who I owe my career to, then it would be my parents. My father Karunakaran Nair and mother Malathy T K spotted my talent and encouraged me to pursue it. My father is no more, but my mother continues to inspire me.”