I am on a travel mission: Susheela Raman

Noted British Tamil singer-songwriter Susheela Raman brings an eclectic blend of Indian melodies and contemporary alternative rock to the Times Pune Festival tonight
Akshata Shetty
There is no easy road, you set out paths unfold And the gate is narrow,and the world wide and cold You Raise Up your hands higher higher...
These few lines from singer-songwriter Susheela Raman’s most sought after song Raise Up, is an apt description for Susheela herself.As the London-born, Australian-raised singer with Tamil moorings, raises the spirits of the audience with a brilliant amalgamation of energy, soul and emotion, it’s Susheela’s revolutionary brand of music that, much like her songs, speak of her successful journey in music. Elated to be a part of the Times Pune Festival, she says, “ I believe it’s a great stage for every artiste to experience. And it’ll help puneites experience music at a different level.” Susheela Raman is all set to perform with her band featuring Sam Mills on guitar and Rajasthani folk artistes singer Kutle Khan and Nathoo Solanki on the drums.
Musical journey The singer, who has six albums to her credit, shot to fame when her album Salt Rain, was adjudged the Best Newcomer award by BBC Radio 3. The album which saw a heavy dose of Carnatic and Tamil vocals blending seamlessly with powerful jazz, rock sounds and the blues have been Susheela’s identity in the music world. This hat ke approach saw one of her compositions being roped in as part of the end credits in The Namesake. In fact, the singer believes that diversity in her music is her strength. She says, “I love my work to have varied influences, so this year I am on a travel mission. I will soon be heading to Pakistan next month where I hope to meet and collaborate with Pakistani singers Arif Lohar and Sahin Zafoor, as I think they are great!”
Language of music Music speaks the language of love, peace and harmony, believes Susheela. Says the singer, “I believe that as a musician if you can go beyond language and communicate through your music, then nothing can stop you from widening your listener base. For instance, when I was in my 20s, I found Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s songs so beautiful and communicative. I aspired to be like him. More than the language, it was the vibrations of his genre of music that was so beautifully communicated through his voice and sound.”
Living it up If her music transcends boundaries, then Suhseela’s performance on stage is one riveting act. “It’s always about spontaneous energy and emotion,” says the singer, adding, “It’s very important for an artiste to communicate with his audience. So, I always go with the moment and it’s the energy of the people standing in front of me that motivates me! In fact, I do plan to sing a lot of new stuff here at the Pune Festival.” Speaking of Pune, ask her if she’s managed to explore the city since this is her second visit and she says, “the last time our schedule was packed. But this time, I do hope to discover Pune. I have heard a lot about the Osho Ashram and also about the evolving electronic music scene in the city. I’d love to know more!”