This Will Be Controversial, But It’s True: Malayalam Gives Singers More Space Than Tamil, Says Singer Nivas
Playback singer Nivas, known for the evergreen Nilamalare from Diamond Necklace, believes that Malayalam cinema currently provides more space for playback singers compared to Tamil.
Speaking in an exclusive conversation with Timeline, Nivas observed that in Tamil, “it narrows down, most composers tend to sing their own songs. This would get us into controversy, but it is what it is,” he said.
“But there are exceptions. A.R. Rahman, for example, brought in about 15 different singers for his Thug Life soundtrack. That kind of openness creates opportunities for many of us,” he added.
The Nilamalare hitmaker, who won a Best Singer award for the song, credits veteran composer Vidyasagar for shaping his early sensibilities. “Working with Vidyasagar master taught me discipline, patience, and how to bring emotional truth into a recording. Those lessons have stayed with me till today.”
Nivas also reflected on the transformation of Malayalam cinema, calling it a renaissance in both storytelling and sound. “The scene there is thriving. More composers are open to experimenting with fresh voices, and that keeps the industry dynamic.”
When asked about the ongoing debate on credit and visibility for singers in the streaming era, Nivas acknowledged that the faces on screen can sometimes overshadow playback voices. “That’s the nature of playback singing, but with social media, we have more ways to connect directly with listeners and tell our own stories.”
On the subject of the ban on singer Chinmayi after she spoke out against sexual harassment, Nivas said the music industry needs to reflect deeply on how it responds to courageous voices. “We can’t shy away from uncomfortable conversations. Support and solidarity matter.”
The singer is also keeping an eye on rapid changes in the music landscape — from AI-generated vocals to YouTube sensations and viral remixes. “A trained playback singer will always have a place,” he said, “because emotional interpretation is something technology can’t replicate.”
If the younger version of himself, the nervous boy on a reality show stage, could see him now, Nivas believes he’d smile and say, “You made it, and you stayed true.”
Also, read| ‘My Melbourne’ Returns: Rajkumar Hirani, Shoojit Sircar, Anjali Menon, & Onir To Direct Second Edition
Between the emotional ballads and the energetic stage numbers, Nivas describes himself as “somewhere between a soft Njan Kaanum Neram mood and a Raawadi firecracker, depending on the day.”
Concerts, he added, are “almost spiritual” experiences for fans and performers alike. His most unforgettable moment? “Hearing a packed crowd sing Nilamalare back to me in perfect unison. That’s when you realise the song no longer belongs to you — it belongs to the people.”
Having sung across Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, Nivas says each language has its own magic, but nothing compares to the goosebumps of hearing Malayali audiences echo his songs. To aspiring singers, he offers simple advice: “Don’t just chase applause. Build your craft, because the journey beyond the claps is where your real story begins.”
