On My Pinboard: Sangeetha Ravindranath

Singer-songwriter and composer Sangeetha Ravindranath is a known name in the south Indian film industry.

Singing from the age of four, she left her hometown of Mysuru and came to Bengaluru to pursue music seriously.

She got trained in Hindustani, western classical and western pop music.

She has sung for over 70 Kannada films and worked with renowned music directors including Hari Krishna, Arjun Janya, Ajneesh Loknath, Jassie Gift and Veer Samarth.

She made her debut with ‘Vone Vone’ from film ‘Victory’, where she sung with Mika Singh. She also sung hits like ‘Thithili Thithili’ for ‘Ranna’, ‘Kedi No 1’ from ‘Masterpiece’, and ‘Thoogu Mancha’ in ‘Kirik Party’.

Sangeetha rendered her voice to recent tracks like Hrudayake Hedarike’ from ‘Taayige Takka Maga’, ‘Retro Club Song’ from ‘Bell Bottom’ and ‘Suprabhatha Marethoythu’ from ‘Chemistry Of Kariyappa’.

Sangeetha won the Karnataka State Award for best playback singer (female) for the song ‘Nannede Beedige’ from ‘Jalsa’ in 2016.

She has sung in Tulu, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Hindi. She has recorded for a Bollywood project with Pranshu Jha.

Also a social entrepreneur, Sangeetha started Ragarashmi Foundation for Art and Culture, with the aim to support art as a whole.

Inspiration

Parents: Ravindranath and Jyothi

“More than people, their journeys inspire me. But if I had to name anyone, it would be my father and mother, how they are and how they have brought us up as individuals. They insisted on being true to oneself and others around.

I’m also inspired by musician Arun Sivag. The vision he has and the journey he has had are both inspiring. Every time I talk to him, I learn something new.”

Actor

Ranveer Singh

“I just love him. In an interview, he was explaining how he hailed from a middle-class family and had a lot of dreams and the interesting ride he has had till now. His journey is relatable as I come from middle-class family too. He is extremely natural and does not think twice about jumping into any kind of adventure. He is fearless and shows in his personality. I loved his performances in ‘Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Padmaavat’.”

Music

A R Rahman

“I have been a big fan of A R Rahman. It’s my dream to work with him, and I hope to do it very soon. He’s my biggest idol and inspiration. I connect well with his music. His journey motivates me a lot, from where he has come from to the place where he is now is very inspiring. I’m also a fan of singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara.”

Travel

Sweden

“I am a travel freak and I like visiting Europe. Sweden is my absolute favourite, I have plenty of friends there. From the people to the greenery, I love a lot of things about the country; it’s like my second home. I love Falun and I love the taste of water there. It tastes different. Nature in Sweden is at its best. I connect well with Sweden’s music too.”

Food

Churumuri

“I am a complete foodie and I love south Indian food. While avarekalu uppittu is my absolute favourite but churumuri is something I cannot live without. Mysuru is famous for it; it’s like the south Indian version of bhel. It’s my midnight snack and even when I’m travelling to Europe or elsewhere, I take it with me.”