Rakhesh Brahmanandan is a well-known and a distinguished voice among young play back singers of Malayalam Music industry. He proudly shoulders the legacy of his father K.P. Brahmanandan - the legendary singer of Malayalam. He has worked for great Maestros - Dakshinamoorthy Swami, Ilayaraja, Ravindran and more. Has shared stages with legends - Yesudas, Jayachandran, Hariharan & duets with P.Susheela, B.Vasantha, Madhuri, Chithra, Sujatha & many more. He has also performed in UK, Russia, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & Indonesia. He was in Kuwait last week to attened a cultural event. Rakhesh Brahmanandan shares his experience as a playback singer during his recent visit to Kuwait with IndiansinKuwait.com (IIK)

IIK: How was it being a son of the legendary singer of Malayalam - Mr K.P. Brahmanandan?

Rakesh Brahmanandan: My childhood was in Chennai, most of my days started, waking up listening to “ Sadakam “ of my father, which was a blessing to understand Karnatic music. Later learned the fundamentals from him. During Chennai life, Great musicians and popular artists visit our home. He had an orchestra named RAGAM, where greats Musicians like A.R.Rahman(Teenager) ,Rajamani were the lead players, I haven’t got much time and space to understand Brahmanandan – the malayalam singer of Kerala and how close to heart was he among Malayalees, which I Surprisingly understood after getting migrated to Kerala.

Everywhere I feel special when I am recognised as son of Brahmanandan, but being a singer it is not that special, because talent, hard work and performance only helped me. Maybe that’s the reason, he had never approached anyone for himself or his son for opportunities. At beginning, i was disappointed, but now I feel proud that he asked me to walk alone and make my own way. As a Musician, I admire him and As a family man, I follow him.

IIK: Tell us something about your background like education, passion for music etc..

RB: I am a chemistry graduate from Kerala University, later worked for a Chennai based medical company. At the age of 24, I started singing for shows and recordings. I am always an Ilayaraja fan from my memory, but it was A.R.Rahman who triggered me the real passion for music and moulded me to pursue my music life.

IIK: Can you tell us about your achievements in your Music career.

RB: I have proudly shelved 18 private awards in my collection

IIK: Other than Singing you have also anchored in many shows in prominent TV channels. Tell us about that

RB: I have anchored and performed in prominent TV channels like Flowers TV, Asianet, Kairali People for exclusive Music programmes.

IIK: Can you tell us something about your band named RB Live?

RB: I am now in pursuit of my own voco – fusion multi genre band from Cochin embracing Indian music culture in an international outfit and wish to launch the band shortly in Bangalore or Dubai. I feel can communicate in a broader perspective with the Music lovers around the World through my band named RB LIVE.

IIK: As an individual artist, what genres of music are you interested in exploring?

RB: I wish to explore quite a good number of genres but at present its Carnatic music (South Indian) & folk in my way. That’s why RB live.

IIK: You recently visited Kuwait for a performance in an Event. How did you feel coming to Kuwait? Tell us about your experience here.

RB: Kuwait was an overwhelming unforgettable experience. Though it was my 3rd time performance I felt fresh and I could really feel the ecstasy and energy of people enjoying to my numbers on stage and off the stage with them. I could communicate with them so easily and charm them to my tunes because they were hard-core music lovers. I flew back with great honour and content. Thanks to friends of TEXAS Kuwait and my college time buddy Arun Rajagopalan.

IIK: How was the response from the Indian Community here in Kuwait?

RB: I have trotted from UK to Singapore, everywhere the Indian community has surprised me for their love and commitment for art and music, may be more than native Indians. I respect them from my heart for their sustained interest in Art and Music even in their busy schedules and hardships. As same in Kuwait, Indians in Kuwait are class apart in their perception.

IIK: What are your future plans?

RB: My future is my Band, I wish to love, care, help, react and work for the Earth and its children through that.

IIK: What you have to tell our readers who are majority Indian Community here in Kuwait.

RB: Life is only once and it’s too short, enjoy it by your clean & pure thoughts, because thoughts decides your action and words. Count your fortunes of your life and enjoy it as there is no tomorrow. So tomorrow you will be happy realising about yesterday.