By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Ananya Bhat aims to introduce folk culture to Gen Next blending it with modern music

She is among one of the most sought-after playback singers in South India. Known for her versatility and ability to render songs in different genres, this Mysuru girl has beaten all odds to establish herself in the music industry. With about 150 songs in her kitty in just seven years of turning into a professional proves her popularity among the composers. The playback singer we are talking about is none other than Namma Mysuru girl Ananya Bhat. 

Her journey into film industry was through ‘Olave Jeevana Lekkachara’ directed by Nagathihalli Chandrashekar when she was just nine-years-old. However, she rose to fame for the rendition of the song ‘Nee Thoreda Ghaliyali’ in the film ‘Lucia.’ Among her famous songs include ‘Hold On’ and ‘Mental Ho Jawa’ from ‘Tagaru,’ entire album of ‘KGF’ in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, ‘Sami Sami’ (Kannada version) in ‘Pushpa: The Rise,’ ‘Singara Siriye’ in ‘Kantara,’ and ‘Onnoda Nadandhaa’ and ‘Kaattumalli’ in ‘Viduthalai Part 1’ and ‘Dhinam Dhinamum’ and ‘Manasula’ in ‘Viduthalai Part 2’ composed by music maestro Illayaraja. However, it was during Mahashivarathri celebrations at Isha Foundation in Coimbatore in 2020 she rose to instant fame for the rendition of Kannada folk song ‘Sojugada Sooju Mallige’ which went viral.

Ananya Bhat has also won the Filmfare award for the rendition of the song ‘Namma Kaayo Devane’ in the movie ‘Rama Rama Re’ during the 64th Filmfare South Awards in 2017 and SIIMA Award for the song ‘Hold On’ in 2019. Star of Mysore caught up with this talented singer during her recent visit to Mysuru. Excerpts:

Star of Mysore (SOM): How do you see your journey from ‘Lucia’ in 2013 till date?

Ananya Bhat: My journey has been consistent. Every year I have one hit song, through which I start my concerts each time. I also started my band ‘ABD’ in 2018 in which I sing only folk songs and the songs that I have rendered for movies. The main intention is to bring back folk culture similar to one that I did with ‘Sojugada Sooju Mallige,’ which a fusion of guitars and duff (dafli). The journey has been consistent so far but now it is more of Tamil and Telugu songs which I am doing.

SOM: You have had great songs which connected the New Gen. Why sudden shift to Tamil and Telugu industry? Are you not getting songs in Kannada?

Ananya Bhat: I actually do not know why I am not getting songs in Kannada. I guess there was a shift in movie making in Kannada industry. If I can recall, ‘Lucia’ was a huge hit, but I did not get any recognition. Following this, I sang ‘Hold On’ and ‘Mental Ho Jawa’ for which I got an award for ‘Hold On’. Earlier, I had also received an award for the movie ‘Rama Rama Re’ in 2017 which not much people knew. I am grateful for the opportunity that I got 25 songs to sing in KGF combing all five languages. Unfortunately, I did not receive any recognition which any artiste expects. I always wonder why I am not being recognised despite my songs becoming a hit.

SOM: The song ‘Sojugada Sooju Mallige’ became a huge hit. How did that happen?

Ananya Bhat: It was truly a blessing to perform the song during Mahashivarathri celebrations in Isha Foundation. It all started with the cover song that I recorded for one of the private YouTube channels which featured the song ‘Sojugaada’ that became a huge hit at that time. Later, somehow Sadhguru came across the song and he sent me a letter through his volunteers inviting me to perform during the ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign and again I received an invite to perform at Isha Foundation during Mahashivarathri celebrations in Coimbatore in 2020.

SOM: Having rendered about 150 songs in South Indian languages why aren’t you featured in Bollywood?

Ananya Bhat: I have no idea. I guess it just did not happen. Actually, I have met Amit Trivedi, one of Bollywood’s music directors, at the time when I recorded a Kannada song for him. The reason behind me not getting to sing Hindi songs is because I think I am not in Mumbai. Getting opportunities in Bollywood is not easy. If I have to, I need to start from the scratch like singing tracks. Why would I want to do that when I have already got enough recognition in the South? It is not that I don’t want to work in Bollywood. I do not want to stop doing the work I am doing here and shift completely to Mumbai. Leaving the work and the recognition that I have received in Karnataka and in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam industries would mean to lose out on many things which I do not want to do. I have not gone behind opportunities as I only believe in my talent which has brought me this far. I am dedicated when it comes to practice and focusing on my career here which has given me recognition.

SOM: Share your experience working with the Music Maestro Illayaraja?

Ananya Bhat: It was a beautiful experience. He is a university by himself and highly disciplined. Sometimes, I cannot reach the studio on time despite taking flights. But he is there on dot and waiting. He is so encouraging and jovial which actually makes us very comfortable and deliver our best.

SOM: What are your upcoming  projects?

Ananya Bhat: Currently, I am working on a few independent songs for which I have composed the music. And also, I am looking for producers and sponsors as it is expensive to release the album and related videos. I have already completed five songs, not completely in folk genre. In Telugu, I have worked on the project ‘Garividi Lakshmi’, a Telugu biopic based on popular Burra Katha artiste Garividi Lakshmi. The movie has about 15-16 songs which I will be recording.

Wishing Namma Mysuru girl  Ananya Bhat all the best.