Latest news with #ChinmayiSripada
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Art & activism cannot and shouldn't be separated: Chinmayi Sripada
Chinmayi Sripada Chinmayi Sripada's voice has defined the soundscape of South Indian cinema — whether through songs like Priyathama, Yenti Yenti, Unnatundi Gundey, Titli, Tere Bina, and Zehnaseeb, or as the dubbing artiste behind some of the most memorable female leads in Tamil and Telugu films. And yet, she often encounters fans who are stunned to learn she sang their childhood favourite or a hit they've cherished for years. 'My career is filled with people saying, 'Wait, you sang that?'' she says, laughing. In town recently for a special performance, Chinmayi spoke to us about moments like these — including the viral rediscovery of her Ben 10 title track — and also opened up about online hate, lost work, and why she refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice. 'It's always a moment When people finally connect my voice to the song' Despite delivering chart-toppers like Mayya Mayya, and more, Chinmayi's voice has often outpaced her name recognition. 'When someone says, 'I really love your song,' that moment of being seen as an artiste — that's enough,' she says. She recalls the viral resurgence of a lesser-known credit — the title track of Ben 10, a popular animated series. 'Someone tweeted asking if I'd sung it, and I casually said yes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play Chess on Your PC, Free Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo People were stunned — they had no idea! So many wrote saying it was a part of their childhood. It's heartwarming to know something you did years ago can still spark that kind of nostalgia.' The singer recently performed live in Hyderabad to a packed crowd, belting tracks like Mayya Mayya from Guru 'Art has always been the voice that speaks truth to power' For Chinmayi, music is more than melody. 'Art has always been the voice that speaks truth to power,' she insists, drawing parallels with the work of Black musicians, Tamil filmmakers like Pa Ranjith, and historical poets who challenged regimes. 'Poetry, in particular, has historically challenged authority — not always popular, but always powerful. The artistes have always been a threat to the government, historically speaking. So if they wanted to clamp down first, they will first go after the artistes and the poets. Art can also be activism. In Tamil cinema, directors like Pa Ranjith are using their craft to confront caste. There are some people who would rather not speak about what they're thinking and rather have their art speak for them. So no, I don't think art can be completely separated from activism — even if it isn't overt. And similarly, I don't think we can fully separate art from the artist. Because that art gives the artist not just fame but access to money and power.' Chinmayi also laments how modern pressures — like tailoring music for Instagram virality — stifle artistic expression. 'So many talented composers can't realise their full potential because they're stuck making 'hooks.' That's not real creativity. That's catering to an algorithm.' Chinmayi Sripada 'The mental harassment, the abuse, the courtroom trauma — none of it can be undone' Known for her outspokenness, Chinmayi has been one of the most prominent voices in the second wave of India's #MeToo movement. In 2018, she named lyricist Vairamuthu as a sexual harasser and supported women who accused South Indian Cine, Television Artistes and Dubbing Artistes Union president Radha Ravi of misconduct. Soon after, she was removed from the union. Though she later secured an interim stay on the ban, she says the ban still stands — especially in Tamil cinema. Pointing to the wider culture of silence that enabled it, she says, 'When women began speaking up, everyone forgot about the Hema Committee report — especially the redacted pages. No one talks about it now. In Malayalam cinema, women turned the tide. But when male stars were questioned, most stayed silent, calling it an 'insult to Malayalam cinema.' It was never about the art — it was about the silence around abuse. Tamil cinema was no different. I was cast out, and those in positions of power continued unchecked — while the industry looked the other way. That silence speaks volumes.' The singer sees her case as a stark example of how far a system can go to silence dissent. 'Years from now, I'll still say Tamil Nadu remains the only place where an actual work ban was imposed on someone. Others have faced shadow bans or lost work — but a formal, coordinated ban? That's rare. This isn't about who suffered more. It's about how a system was weaponised to ensure I didn't get work. The mental harassment I faced, the abuse, the courtroom trauma — none of that can be undone. ' Chinmayi with husband Rahul Ravindran Hyderabad has been a primary home for me and my husband Rahul for over a decade. I love its year-round weather and vibrant energy. Creativity isn't bound by location, but Hyderabad is truly a wonderful place to live in and nurture it – Divya Shree
News18
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Chinmayi Sripada Slams Dropped Hema Committee Cases: 'There's No Difference…'
Last Updated: Singer Chinmayi Sripada spoke to News18 about her concert comeback, the toll of being a whistleblower, Hema Committee and why the system still punishes women for speaking out. Singer, voice artist, and outspoken activist Chinmayi Sripada is in the spotlight as her voice has once again gone viral, this time through AR Rahman's Thug Life song, Mutha Mazhai. But while her songs trend and her vocals cross languages, Chinmayi continues to be shadowbanned in Tamil cinema—a fallout of her bold stance during the #MeToo movement. In this candid, freewheeling interview, Chinmayi opens up about her chameleonic voice, the ongoing battle to reclaim her career, Hema Committee cases getting dropped, and why she'll never stop speaking up for survivors—even if it costs her everything. Excerpts from the interview: Q: You have done your first solo concert in Hyderabad. Are you planning something similar in Chennai? I'd love to. I definitely wish to have a concert in Chennai. I hope the stars align and make it happen. That's what people are saying, but I honestly don't understand algorithms or engagement. If I had, my life might've been better six years ago! Q: You recently joked about a concert idea titled 'You Didn't Know I Sang This Song." That sounds… kind of perfect. People are currently surprised that many popular songs are sung by you. Exactly! I feel like that's my entire discography. People are discovering that I've sung songs they've loved for years, and they're shocked. In a way, that's great. It wasn't a plan, but I think I just took the path that the song and the composition took–If it wanted a slightly different tonality or projection or a performance from me. I am glad I was able to deliver what was asked of me at that point. And therefore, I don't think they were able to connect all of these songs or from the same singer. Because after Dheivam Thandha Poove, somebody is listening to Sandipoma and then they are suddenly listening to If You Wanna Come Along, they are like: 'Okay, how can this be the same singer, right?' Q: Some singers create a vocal signature. But you've chosen versatility. Do you see it as a strength or a challenge? I think in a way, I am looking at it as a boon because I would rather surprise the listener. I like that game. I like keeping people guessing and surprising them at the end of it when somebody is like: 'Is this Chinmayi?' That's my thing. Q: What's the one song people are most shocked to learn is yours? Initially, it was Sahana. Then Sarasara Sarakathu, Mayya Mayya too. It keeps happening. Q: What would you say is the Chinmayi voice? The one that represents you? That's hard. Every song is a part of my voice. None of it is fake. If I need to sing husky, I can. If it doesn't work, I accept that. My job is to try my best and see if I can make it work. Q: Have there been songs you've walked away from? Yes. Once because the lyrics were vulgar. It was Tamil, and it felt too much. I just couldn't do it. I don't even remember the song now. And then once, when I was 18, someone was like, 'She has produced a hit too early. So let me put her in place.' I ended up crying and leaving the studio. I couldn't sing. These things happen. A lot of singers have such stories. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sony Music South India (@sonymusic_south) Q: Let's talk about Thug Life. Did you expect that kind of viral reaction to Mutha Mazhai? This isn't new. Even Dhee sang a song in Kadhalikka Neramillai, and it was performed by some other singer on a stage. It happens all the time. With Mutha Mazhai, I sang the Telugu and Hindi versions, so singing the Tamil version was natural. I already knew the tune, and I just read the lyrics and sang. I didn't think much about it. I was given a job, and I did it. Q: How do you respond to comparisons between your version and Dhee's? I don't know what to say. My entire career has been filled with many songs with multiple versions—male, female, happy, sad. I've sung sad versions, Shreya has sung happy ones. In Uyire, Harris Jayaraj had four of us singing one song! People are acting like this is new. Q: You've worked with so many legends. Who influenced your singing the most? I didn't grow up on film songs. But I loved Hariharan sir's ghazals. Asha ji's versatility. P. Susheela Amma's timbre. L. R. Eswari Amma's theatrics. Janaki Amma's ability to sing like a man, woman, and child in the same song. Yesudas sir's subtle sangathis. Chitra Amma's range. Sujatha ji's Netru Iladha Maatram—I heard it in a theatre and that was the moment I wanted to be a playback singer. And Hai Rama? That was the love of my life for years. Q: Why do you recently only get the Telugu and Hindi versions of songs, but not Tamil? How do I answer that? If I do, it becomes a speculation. Only producers and directors can answer. But that's been the story of my life for years. A sad thing. If a film is in Telugu, I would dub it in Tamil from Hyderabad. That's a different story. But, what they call a straight Tamil film… that has been few and far between. Q: Is it because of the dubbing union ban? How does that work? All the unions associated with Tamil films come under one mothership called Film Employee Federation of South India (FEFSI). They decide who should work and who shouldn't. Now, the dubbing union is headed by heavy weights like Radha Ravi, who also hold offices in other unions. That's how most heads are like–if one is a head in an union, he would hold office in others as well. When one union bans someone, it notifies FEFSI, which then sends notice to all unions to ban the person. If someone doesn't comply, they are also given ban threats. However, such actions are not taken against sexual offenders. If I do, then, they will hold it against me that I went to the police and filed a complaint. So, it is in the union by-law that I am not supposed to go to the police. So, basically, they tell me, they function as a different country. Q: But how can a union have a bylaw saying you can't go to the police? Exactly! That's what I've been asking. This is their system. It protects perpetrators and punishes complainants. Q: So what's happening with your court case fighting this ban by the dubbing union? I've gone to court asking to overturn the ban. I want my right to work back. People say it's useless, that they'll still shadow ban me. But at least I'll have a paper in hand. Q: What about the big names and stars—can't they help you out? It's not their problem to deal with. It's only the problem of the person facing it. If you're powerful, things are taken care of. If you're not, you're left to fight. Q: In an interview you said, you are numb despite all the recent praises? What has happened can't be undone. I don't think it can be reversed. It is like a severed hand that got reattached to the body. It will have scars. Q: Your thoughts on cases reported to the Hema Committee getting dropped by police… Malayalam actress Parvathy (Thiruvothu) has asked a pertinent question. The whole point of the committee was to protect the survivors, and she rightly questioned the safety in the police investigation. Why are Reema Kalingal and Parvathy's shadow banned? On the other hand, Dileep is getting promoted despite knowing he is a contract rapist. There is no difference between here and there. At least, there they had something like the Hema Committee, which initially gave me joy. Now, women there despite knowing something horrific has happened to one of their colleagues, go and rub shoulders with Dileep. Shame! Q: Do you feel any peace that you have set a precedent in calling all these men out? Do you think that changed anything? People talk about sexual abuse now. It's a drawing room conversation. I get DMs every day. Men are opening up. I saw a reel a couple of days ago of a man who was talking about being molested on a train. He had actually caught it on video. I said this is exactly what we are talking about. I've had adult men confide in me—saying they were molested by friends, colleagues. They ask if they should tell their wives. And I say yes. Women don't judge the way men often judge women. We listen. Survivors are recognising what happened to them. I think that's progress. First Published:
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chinmayi Sripada says she was anxious when 'Muththa Mazhai' from Thug Life audio launch went viral: 'I cried in countless temples and walked outside pretending to be a brave woman'
Singer Chinmayi Sripada recently made headlines with her soulful rendition of 'Muththa Mazhai' at the audio launch event of 's 'Thug Life'. The original track, sung by Dhee, was performed on stage by Chinmayi in her absence, and it went viral, with people discussing why Kollywood had not explored the singer's potential. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The online fan debate brought her shadow ban in the industry back into the spotlight. Chinmayi has now opened up about the emotional struggles she faced during the ban and her fight against leading names in the industry. Chinmayi about her ban in the industry In an interview with ABP Live Tamil, Chinmayi spoke about the functioning of dubbing unions in Kollywood at the time. She criticised the dubbing union for mandating a compulsory 10% cut from its members without providing any work-related support. She claimed that the union enforces this rule arbitrarily, and when questioned about the finances, it presents inflated and inaccurate expense reports to the government. 'If the association had collected just from the salaries of Rajinikanth, Ajith Kumar, , and Kamal Haasan, they could've run something like Nithyananda's Kailasa here. I'm not saying this as a joke. Everyone runs things as they wish. They claim the dubbing union spends on struggling artistes. I haven't seen it happen,' she said. Emotional struggles and societal pressure Chinmayi opened up about feeling hurt during the ban and revealed that she had second thoughts about her revelation regarding the MeToo movement. 'I can't say I didn't feel hurt thinking, 'Did this happen just because I told the truth?' But at the same time, I knew this would happen if I spoke out. My heart is filled with pain and sorrow. In these past six or seven years, when there was a situation where no one even wanted to talk about Chinmayi, there were people who stood by me. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now All this praise, recognition, and backlash — they come and go. I've started forgetting all of it. Whatever comes my way hereafter, I dedicate it to God,' she stated. Singer Chinmayi Sripada gets slammed for supporting the Indian woman who talked about how safe she feels in Canada; netizens say 'What the hell are you doing in India?' Viral responses for 'Muththa Mazhai' Chinmayi admitted that after 'Muththa Mazhai' went viral, she was anxious, thinking something bad would happen. 'I just sang a song, that's all. But it turned into a problem for me — I was filled with anxiety, wondering if even this would become an issue. I wasn't even in a position to accept the praise. I cried in countless temples. I would cry in front of the sanctum sanctorum, and then walk outside pretending to be a brave woman. There were four people who stood by me — no matter how much I thank them, it will never be enough,' she added. The state award-winning singer also spoke about facing social stigma while living in a rented house, where even the landlords' own relatives questioned why they were renting to someone like her and pressured them to make her leave. However, the house owners stood by her, expressing pride in supporting her and refusing to yield to the criticism. She admitted that she spoke out publicly without fully considering the consequences she might face. She admitted to cursing God as people would often say, 'God will make everything better.' She even questioned the existence of God during that phase of her life. 'When I was 20, I even threw the deity's photo out onto the road. I would fight with my mother, too. She was the one I would cry to — that's how it was.' Chinmayi on her works post 2018 Chinmayi explained that although she was banned in October 2018, songs featuring her voice continued to be released afterward, such as in the 2019 film Sarvam Thaala Mayam. She clarified that this particular film had been completed four years earlier and that she had recorded the song while lyricist Na. Muthukumar was still alive. Similarly, many other songs released post-ban were actually recorded much earlier. The COVID-19 pandemic had delayed the release of several films, causing them to come out together later — which created the false impression that she was still being actively engaged in the industry after the ban.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know that Singer Chinmayi Sripada was once a contestant on 'Sapthaswarangal'!
Renowned playback singer Chinmayi Sripada, celebrated for her melodious voice and chart-topping songs, had a humble and inspiring beginning. Before making it big in the Indian music industry, Chinmayi participated as a contestant in the iconic musical reality show Sapthaswarangal back in 1999. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sapthaswarangal was one of the most popular music-based television shows of the late '90s and early 2000s. The show was known for discovering and nurturing young talent, many of whom went on to become successful artists in the Indian music scene. Chinmayi's performance in the show caught the attention of music lovers and industry veterans alike. Her appearance on Sapthaswarangal marked an important milestone in her musical journey, eventually leading her to her breakthrough in playback singing with the song 'Oru Deivam Thantha Poove' from the film Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), composed by A.R. Rahman. This little-known fact about Chinmayi's early career serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished artists often begin their journey from humble platforms. Today, she is not only a celebrated singer but also a voice-over artist, entrepreneur, and vocal advocate for social change.
India Today
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Bring back Chinmayi: Samantha supports singer after being shadow-banned for 8 years
Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has joined the growing support for singer Chinmayi Sripada ever since her performance at 'Thug Life' song launch event went viral. Samantha took to her social media handle to praise Chinmayi's singing skills. She questioned the reason behind the ban on the the video shared by Samantha, Chinmayi was seen singing her version of 'Muththa Mazhai,' which was sung by Dhee for 'Thug Life.' While Dhee sang in Tamil, Chinmayi rendered her vocals for the Telugu and Hindi versions of the song in 'Thug Life'advertisementSamantha reposted the clip on her Instagram story, which was captioned, "Is this the voice that has been banned since 2018? Muththa Mazhai - Chinmayi version. Bring Back Chinmayi." Chinmayi was expelled from the South Indian Cine, Television Artistes and Dubbing Artistes Union (SICTADAU) in 2018. The singer faced the ban for publicly voicing her support towards women who accused the union's then-president, actor-politician Radha Ravi, of sexual harassment. She also previously expressed solidarity towards women for their brave stance in connection to the Hema Committee known for being vocal about MeToo cases in the entertainment industry, praised the hard-work of the team behind the Hema Committee and the members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), in an interview with India Today. She said, "The most important thing I want to mention here is that hats off to WCC. They came together to do something important. It has not been done in any other industry so far. Everyone is aware of these open secrets in all the industries. We are talking about sexual harassment and sexual abuse, and the abuse of power in multiple other industries."advertisementThe singer had accused lyricist Vairamuthu of sexual misconduct and spoken about it several times. Not just Chinmayi, nearly 20 women have levelled serious allegations against the lyricist. Chinmayi, known for her outspoken statements, took a jibe at award-winning lyricist for suggesting Hema Committee like panels across the took to her X handle and wrote, "Anywhere else this Tamilian Harvey Weinstein would be investigated at the very least. Gangrape cases have evidence fudged and dont get justice in our country so wishing for justice is too much in India. Almost 20 women have named Vairamuthu, yet the shamelessness to platform him requires a special wiring."Chinmayi recently expressed gratitude towards fans after her performance at 'Thug Life' music launch event went viral. She took to Instagram and wrote, "I received a whole lot of DMs from so many people but this - somewhere, somehow, if I was able to make someone feel believed - that it is Not Your Shame - I am grateful this lifetime gave me that chance." Chinmayi Sripada thanked fans for their love and support. (Credit: Instagram/chinmayisripaada) Chinmayi has dubbed for Trisha Krishnan and Mrunal Thakur for 'Leo' (2023) and 'Hi Nanna' (2023), Watch
