'I've never been a part of the rat race'

Kavita Krishnamurthy needs no introduction. Her voice precedes her, filling the hearts of Indians everywhere with melodies like Dheeme Dheem (Zubeida), Tu Hi Re (Bombay), the title track of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and many others, which are hard to forget.

She was recently presented with an ‘Annual Mantram Women Achievers Award’ in the City.
Speaking about the award, she tells Metrolife, “It reminds me that I’ve completed 40 years as a playback singer.

It makes me feel like there’s a lot to come and it’s egged me on to believe that music won’t stop – it has to continue! Every award that you get, be it a lifetime achievement award or any other, makes you feel humble. The fact that you’ve got it makes you work even harder.”

She finds it easy to stay motivated, especially since she’s married violinist L Subramaniam and as two of their children – namely Ambi and Bindu – are both involved in music.

“Everyone at home works so hard that it isn’t difficult to feel motivated. I have a great musician at home – my husband, who has never taken his talent for granted.

Sometimes, when he sits, he forgets time and can go on playing for hours. My son plays the violin and practices in his room while my daughter is a songwriter. They are the next generation,” she asserts.

Kavita is currently busy doing a lot of concerts and judging for shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. But what’s next for the diva? “There’s a Hindi album my husband and I are releasing at the end of the year.

I’ve been singing in Bollywood on and off but I haven’t really got a song like Devdas or Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Songs aren’t of that calibre anymore,” she states, elaborating, “the kind of music that I used to do has changed now.

It’s not only that they do item songs but I feel that with certain songs, it’s okay if I don’t sing them because there’s so much post-production and added effects. It’s only when I listen to an old song that I can actually hear the voice. The voice gets camouflaged with all the effects they put today.

I’m grateful to god that I got a lot of wonderful songs but I don’t hanker. I have to move on and now, I’d like to do songs with good lyrics. I’d like to do a bhajan album and a ghazal album and some orchestral work with my husband. There’s a lot to explore!” she notes.

Interestingly, she has several other interests apart from music. “My family comes first but since they’re also into music, that’s a part and parcel of my life. I like to play with my three-year-old granddaughter and I love spending time with her. I’m very rarely in the kitchen. I love animals and I enjoy traveling to exotic places,” she shares.

Kavita is all praises for Bangalore. “Every time I get off the flight and come back to Bangalore, it feels like home. I like the peace of my home, the weather and the laid back attitude of people. I’ve never been a part of the rat race and now, I’m out of it even more. So for me, it’s a peaceful haven,” she signs off.