Waiting for a break

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “Me, my parents and well- wishers have tried to think of a reason behind the last minute cancellations of my performances on stages in India and abroad,” says Arjun B Krishna a singer who has proved his talent by winning titles at various music reality shows. He started learning classical music at the age of five. He had a lot of expectations as he stepped on each stone of success till a couple of years back. Being the winner of reality shows ‘Gandharva Sangeetham’, ’Raagarathnam’ in 2008 and the Swaralaya-Kairali-Yesudas Award for the best upcoming singer (male junior) in 2005, he was offered chances to exhibit his singing talent in Malayalam movies.  After winning the second reality show, he got to sing fifteen songs for the movie ‘Anandabhairavi’, out of which ten were featured in the film. A few more opportunities came his way, but very soon he realised that either the bookings for concerts were getting cancelled or the commitments made by film directors and producers fizzled out for no rhyme or reason. On inquiring about the reasons, the organisers would wash their hands   of by saying that he would be given an opportunity next time. “Inspite of the fact that they appreciate his talent, producers of events or movie directors will inform us at the last minute that he won’t be performing on stage,” says Vandiperiyar M Balachandran, Arjun’s father who is a music teacher.“I knew that in every field there is rivalry but overcoming such hindrance is what success is all about,” says Arjun. Being optimistic, he has continued his long wait for a chance. But as the same incidents keep repeating, they are clueless and helpless about the disheartening situation. “I learned music not for an unhealthy competition but for the liking I have towards the art,” he adds.Arjun who is now pursuing his first year engineering at Sri Chitra Thirunal College has decided to take forward his passion for music and studies side by side. About his future plans, he says, “My dream is not to be a playback singer, but a renowned classical musician.”