JOIN USOn my pinboard - Divya Raghavan
Divya Raghavan is a well-known name in the field of Kannada music. Trained in Carnatic music from the age of five, she has been in the industry for over two decades now.
She is well-versed in sugama sangeeta (light music), devotional and film music. She has rendered her voice for ghazals, bhajans, folk and film songs in almost all Indian languages.
The recipient of several awards, Divya has performed extensively around the globe including the USA, South Asia and the Middle East. She has also performed with stalwarts including S P Balasubramanyam, Hariharan, Udit Narayan and Manna Dey.
Having hosted many TV shows in Zee, Udaya, Chandana and Kaveri, she has also worked as a radio jockey for World Space Satellite Radio, anchoring the 24-hour Kannada channel ‘Radio Sparsha’.
Cinema
Puttanna Kanagal
“Though I am not a movie buff, at times, I love watching retro films. Off-beat movies like ‘RangiTaranga’, and ‘U-turn’ interests me. I stay away from violent movies.
My favourite directors are ‘Puttanna Kanagal’ in Kannada and ‘Sai Paranjpye’ in Hindi.”
Music
S P Balasubrahmanyam
“It is difficult to name just one musician. I love S Janaki and Asha Bhonsle for their versatility; S P Balasubrahmanyam for his mellifluous voice,
and Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar for their melodies. My guru late Raju Ananathaswamy is also a favourite. My favourite songs are
‘Deepavu Ninnade’ and ‘Naam Gum Jaayega’. Western pop, blues and jazz are some other genres I listen to.”
Travel
The Himalayan Range
“I have always been an outdoor person. I make sure to explore the place when on a vacation, whether short or long. I enjoy hiking and trekking; being there makes me realise how tiny and inconspicuous we are.”
Inspiration
Geeta (Mother)
“My mother is my inspiration. She faced a lot of criticism and trouble after her marriage, yet, she has remained calm and composed and made sure both her daughters stayed focused.
She will always continue to inspire me. Stephen Hawking is another huge inspiration. The determination and dedication he had towards his work is something all of us should look up to.”
Author
Jeffrey Archer
“I am an avid reader. ‘Kane and Abel’ by Jeffrey Archer is my all-time pick. I also enjoy reading Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes series. I have not read many Indian authors, but they are on my reading list now.”
Food
Mexican
“Mexican and Thai cuisines are my favourites. Usually, I prefer anything vegetarian. I try to eat healthy and make sure to have a balanced diet of protein, carbs and fat. When I go out, I do not look at the dessert menu at all (laughs).”