The Resonating Voice of New Ghazal- Sunitha Nedungadi

Ghazal, one of the most fan-following lyrical poetry forms, has started to lose its relevance. The persistent efforts from new artists have given good signs for the revival of the forgotten form of song. Of that, the efforts made by Sunita Nedungadi, considered the best light music singer in Kerala, is an absolute model for the entire music world. Let us see how the ghazal singer in Kerala creates a mesmerizing impression among the audience.

Ghazal is an ancient song form that originated in Arabic soil, with its roots spread over the world. Till the 1980s, Ghazal was the most unexplored form of song in Malayalam. The relentless efforts made by Singer Umbayee, with the help of lyrical legends like Sachidhanandhan and O.N.V, had opened up vast opportunities for Ghazal. The blessed singer was the unsung architect in laying down the foundations of the musical form in Kerala. The efforts made by various artists in retaining the glory of Ghazal are praisable.

The Torch-Bearer

Once again, the audience has immersed in the sweet melancholy rhythm. Sunitha Nedungadi, the emerging Ghazal singer in Kerala has gifted the delightful vintage memories back to them after a long gap. Born as the daughter of famous Malayalam Writer P. Narendranath and Mohiniyattam performer Vineetha Nedungadi, Sunitha is rising as the best light music singer in Malayalam, currently. Besides emulating the path led by Ghazal legend Umbayee, Sunitha is successful in creating her unique footprints.

"I practiced Carnatic Music. My entry to Ghazal was unexpected. Every poem has a rhythm, music, meaning, and message. Melodising it is a tedious task," said Sunitha in an interview. Her core talent lies in transforming these unprecedented challenges into opportunities.

The young achiever has captivated fame by singing the powerful lines written by legends like O.N.V. Sunitha's uniqueness lies in her perfection in blending meaningful poems and calmful Ghazals. Her enthralling talent in singing powerful lines by connection to emotions has left many of her audiences fascinated.

Performances

Apart from O.N.V poems, the renowned Ghazal singer in Kerala sang Chithra Singh's and Faridha Khan's Ghazals. Sunitha's albums such as Repels, Thanha, and Ishque were broadcasted on MTV. Her most famous Malayalam albums are Pulari and Gathakaalasmaranakal. She sang in various films such as Sufi Paranja Kadha and Ivar Megharopan.

Since 2000, she led the popular Dance and Music band named Sahithi in Indonesia. Beyond Kerala, the band was able to capture the attention of Bahasian audiences. Sahithi had the opportunity to perform before various prominent personalities. During Pakistan President Parves Musharaf's visit to Indonesia, Sunitha led the Ghazal performance on the auspicious occasion.

Her Christmas song, Aavo Aa Bhee Jaavo, dominated the hitlist in 2021. She also acted on the album apart from singing. Sourav Gupta handled the music, written by Sanjitha Free Soul. Anandhu and Renjith Raj captured the album.

Acting Career

Apart from singing, Sunitha handled acting too. She depicted the role of Ayisha in Sufi Paranja Kadha. She performed in about ten films comprising Nilaav, Bhakthajanangalude Shradhak, and Ivan Megharoopan. " I did not want to act in movies. It happened in coincidence," Sunitha Nedungadi once remembered.

Sunitha is undoubtedly one of the most promising Ghazal singers in this era. Her sweet voice has the capability to retain the royal pride of the forgotten Ghazal. The rewinding of the vintage beats itself is a good sign of revival. Let us see if the singing Angel could lead the path paved by the legend, to enlighten the art form.