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        A trained Hindustani classical singer, Vasundhara Das never wanted to be a playback singer. However she is rendering back-to-back hits. Introduced by music composer A R Rahman, Vasundhara established herself as a singer successfully and has also dabbled in acting though it was not her priority either. But fate brought her before the camera and she was part of big projects like Kamal Haasan's Hey Ram and Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding.

        A native of Bangalore, she prefers singing to acting. 'Though I get enough offers to act, music has always been my priority. I love to sing more. It gives me immense satisfaction'.

        In a candid interview, Vasundhara shares her thought on the current trends in Tamil film music, her journey and what worked well for her.

        Excerpts:

        Q: Comment on the contemporary music scene in Tamil cinema?

        A: It is very healthy. Tamil film music is the trend-setter in the entire country. There are eminent composers like A R Rahman, Vidyasagar and Harris Jayaraj. People would love to work with them. They combine melody and technology well.

        Q: Though a lot of new singers emerge every day, only a handful go on to make it big in Tamil cinema. Why?

        A: They should have a strategy and game-plan. They have to have control over them and take right steps. Also they need a bit of luck to emerge successful.

        Q: Do you think technology has overtaken contemporary film music?

        A: If you think today's music is technology-driven, it is a healthy sign. One can compose music with his/ her computer these days. On the flip side, the acoustic value is lost. But the happy sign is that people still have a passion to learn instruments like Sitar, Santoor, Tabla and Nadhaswaram these days.

        Q: Are you very choosy in accepting songs?

        A: I am. I sing numbers which do not have any obscene lyric. I want my songs to go to the masses and entertain them.

        Q: How do you see A R Rahman?

        A: He is my role model and guru. He is one of the gifted musicians who experiment a lot. He encourages young talent and provides them a platform to showcase their talent.