AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

        Huge posters and cutouts around Chennai announce the comeback of the light music performer Divya Rajan to the stage after more than a decade. His return has also marked the entry of his daughters Vidya, Vandana and Vaagheshwari to the musical arena and the release of his own novel musical productions like the Thirupugazh set to fusion music.

        Having converted a room at his home in Mandavelli to a recording studio, the performer produces his own musical CDs helped by his daughters in composing notes, keyboard sequence and rhythm arrangements.

        Divya Rajan's career has not been a bed of roses. He came from Kombai, in Theni district, to Chennai to fulfill his ambition of becoming a film director.

        Fate willed otherwise and he turned to a musician, performing light numbers. 'My grandmother was a good singer and so I was exposed to music and it was also in my genes. I received formal training in the basics of classical music and I loved it to the extent that I used to roam around the tea estates near my home humming to myself. Ilayaraja's music delighted me. However I nursed ambitions of turning a film director and came to Chennai . When the chances of turning one evaded me I never turned back to my village but opted for a musical career', he confided

        The singer organised his own orchestra and performed at various sabhas and places, for several years but had to give it up when several members of the troupe left for more lucrative jobs.

        'Competition was too high and troupe members impermanent. The death of my wife and consequently the increase in family responsibilities also had their toll on me. I stopped performing on the stage. Now my daughters are grown up and their support has boosted my confidence and I have staged a comeback.'

        Film songs are Divya Rajan's forte. However he also sings devotional numbers during his performances at temples. 'Carnatic music forms the basis for light and devotional music When I perform at temples my itinerary consists of light classical numbers like Venkatachala Nilayam or Karunai Deivamae, but with a full orchestra which gives them a totally different effect', he said.

        Divya Rajan aims to carve a niche for himself in film music also in the near future along with his daughters.