Over 10,000 hits for new Sarangan single

BY USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND

Transcending linguistic and cultural barriers, talented singer-songwriter and sitarist Sarangan Sriranganathan’s music is well known to mainstream audiences. Following his hugely successful show with Hariharan last year, Sarangan has once again collaborated with the Padma Shree awardee to produce a catchy Tamil single, Aval Oru Melliya Poongaatru (She is a fragrant breeze). The recording spans two continents and features artists in India, Australia and Sri Lanka.

Released on YouTube recently, the song crossed 10,000 hits in its first fortnight. Having tasted success across many genres of music over the past two decades, this time round Saarangan hopes to stir the social conscience of fans.

Using social media, particularly YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, Sarangan has been raising awareness about the plight of refugees in war-ravaged far north Sri Lanka.

“Everyone has a social responsibility. My goal is to publicise the good work done by welfare organisations in war torn areas,” explained Sarangan, speaking to Indian Link. “Many have supported these institutes during and immediately after the war. The sad thing is that, day by day, the support/funding and the focus are diminishing. With this particular project, I am supporting a children’s orphanage in Kilinochchi (in the north of Sri Lanka). They desperately need support”.

“When someone wants to purchase an audio version of the song I ask them to please call and support the organisation in kind or cash,” said Sarangan. “We have got great response from fans and friends. Most of the radio and TV stations across the globe are also playing our song. Some web based news sites have also supported us”.

it brings attention from the general public much faster. “The attention and popularity gained from these productions help me generate awareness and support these institutions,” he particularly emphasised.

Saarangan and Hariharan go back a long way, having performed together at many concerts in India, Australia and UK.

Hailing from musically inclined families, the duo has much in common besides their spoken language (Tamil) and love of music.

“Hariji and I have a strong classical music background, especially in Hindustani music. I have a BA in Sitar too,” he disclosed. “We vibe very well and have a great time. When I came up with the idea, Hariji was only too keen to collaborate. I composed the songs in Sydney in my private studio and then went to Mumbai to record Hariharan’s voice. We recorded the song in barely an hour!”

He then went to Colombo to record the dholak with percussionist Ratnam Ratnathurai. Sarangan’s vocals were then recorded in Sydney and all the postproduction work was done in Australia and mixed by Ganesh Singaram.

“I have used Australian and Indian female backing vocalists. The video was recorded in Sydney and my wife Shobana Meera did the post-productions of the video,” he revealed.

Local artists who have worked on this single include Australian Idol guitarist Rex Goh, bass guitarist Shane Gamage and percussionist Christopher Soulos. Wendy Angerrani did some additional programming.

While in Mumbai, Sarangan also recorded another duet with Shreya Ghoshal, which is to be released shortly.

Meanwhile, Sarangan’s calendar is busy as ever with another huge concert planned for next year, featuring some big names in the industry.

To support Sarangan Sriranganathan’s nominated charity Mahadeva Achchirama Children Home, Kilinochchi, please email rasa46@yahoo.com