If you’ve watched Arunaja perform in the Indian television series, The Stage, you’d agree that this vocalist from Kochi owns the stage, every time she’s on it. Although her powerful voice didn’t get her the title, it did give her career a boost. Known for her incredible range, and ability to hit the higher notes perfectly, she is a powerhouse performer. “Being a part of The Stage has certainly opened up a world of possibilities. It has taught me to toughen up and be your own boss. If you don’t take charge of your life and do what you want to do, nobody will,” says the Mumbai-based artiste.
Essentially a pop and R&B singer, Arunaja sings Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam songs along with Carnatic compositions, blending it with English numbers at her gigs. Trained in Carnatic music since the age of five, she is a two-time winner in western vocal solo at the MG University Youth Festival and national winner at the Inter-university Youth Festival conducted by Association of Indian Universities (AIM).
Currently working on her debut single, Broken, Arunaja tells us that she is looking forward to playing with her contemporary from The Stage Season two, Raghav Meattle, in the city at the bi-annual art festival Dabaki Rising. “We collaborated after the show and everything worked out well. We did a couple of jamming sessions after I finished working on the lyrics. I’m excited to be back in Hyderabad and perform with him,” shares the singer, who cites Michael Jackson as her inspiration. She will also perform a set comprising covers of George Michael and Sia Furler, among others, with her band, Arunaja.
At Tabula Rasa — Cafe & Bar. March 2-3, 1.30 pm.