Chinmayi Sripaada, singer who accused Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu of harassment
As told to Priya M Menon (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 14, 2018)

After I tweeted about the harassment, I had an almost physical reaction. If you read all the stories shared anonymously, you will see that many women said they were trembling and shaking. Even when I posted my tweet, I was trembling and shaking. You know then exactly what it means to talk on a public platform about somebody groping you.

The relief came much later, and yes I did cry. It was cathartic, there was a lot of pent-up anger. But the majority of the reaction has been positive; my family is my pillar of strength. My mother has stood up for me and my husband and parents-in-law only want to ensure I am safe. I feel as if I have put down a weight that I had been carrying inside me.

The most beautiful thing happened on the sets of a Telugu music show on Wednesday. I am a judge on the panel and there was a moment towards the end of the show where one of the contestants said that it is not required for someone of my stature to come out and say what I did and that they believed me. Even the grand jury comprising playback singers said it and I broke down. I was overwhelmed by emotion when I heard someone say that they believe me.

On Twitter, musician Shakthisree Gopalan has defended me and said that she has only love and admiration for me for being fiercely honest and doing the right thing. Composer Ghibran has tweeted in my support and actually said thank you. I feel happy and light now.

Chinmayi Sripaada, who sang Hasee Toh Phasee track Zehnaseeb, on her continuing successful streak in Bollywood
Sunayana Suresh (BOMBAY TIMES; January 24, 2014)

Singer-television host-entrepreneur-dubbing artiste, Chinmayi Sripaada wears many hats. A popular name in the South Indian film industry, she has sung numbers like Tere Bina from Guru and Madno Re from Lamhaa previously. Currently on a high after three hit numbers in Chennai Express, Phata Poster Nikhla Hero and now Hasee Toh Phasee, she’s gung ho about working with more music directors. Excerpts from a chat...
 
How did Zehnaseeb from Hasee To Phasee happen?
 Last year, I was in Mumbai to record the single Butterfly with Shekhar (Ravjiani) sir (the proceeds of which went towards a charity that Shekhar supports). It was then that he asked me to record this number. I recorded the number as a solo track, with just my voice. Back then, he wasn't even sure if it would be on the final soundtrack, but I did it anyway. Later on, he called me saying the the number would be on for Hasee Toh Phasee and that would be a duet with me. I was elated. In fact, I've had a lot of duets with the composers I've worked with, in both south and north including AR Rahman sir. After recording, I was told that the song promos will be out in January. Seeing them now and the response to it, I'm simply elated.  

Last year, you had two hit numbers as well...
Yes, in fact those have interesting stories too. For Titli, I received a call randomly one day from Shekhar sir, who was with Gopi Sunder, asking me to meet him in half an hour at a studio. He'd told Gopi that he wanted to meet me, since he'd remembered by voice distinctively from Tere Bina and wanted to record with me for Chennai Express. It was a lovely experience.

For Main Rang Sharbaton Ka, I recall texting Pritam Chakrabroty sir one day expressing my desire to work with him. He immediately texted me back asking me to come record a song the next day! And the entire process happened so quickly that the number was out in no time.
 
You had a hit like Tere Bina. How's it that we heard so little from you after a hit like that?
 I owe most of my film career to Rahman sir, who's used me for songs in South and in Bollywood. When Tere Bina happened, I expected that people would automatically call on me for work. But, apart from Mithoon, who flew down all the way to Chennai to meet me when he wanted me to sing in Lamhaa. Also, I've always been bad at networking. I'm not someone who goes out and talks about myself. In fact, even during my interviews, I find it weird that people expect me to talk about myself. But, since these are more conversational and the person on the other side usually is wondering what is it in me that's brought me into the news, I am a little more comfortable. (laughs)
 
What's the difference you find between the industries down South and here?  
I find Bollywood a lot more casual in their way of working compared to the South Indian film industries. For instance, Shekhar sir had narrated the lyrics of Zehnaseeb, after which we were at a coffee shop. Once I was done with the coffee, he casually told me to go record the number. In the South, it doesn't work that way, which is why I often keep telling people that Bollywood works very differently. Though, with younger composers like Anirudh and K entering the scene, the South Indian film industry is now loosening up too.
 
A lot more South Indian singers, for instance Benny and yourself are now getting breaks in Bollywood now too...
Yes, I find it nice that there are more opportunities for everyone these days. Though, I also feel that the fact that Benny and I have neutral accents when it comes to our pronunciations is a factor for us to get more numbers.
 
As a parting question, Yo Yo Honey Singh, in his recent interview had dismissed the songs of Chennai Express Express as ‘bakwaas’, barring his Lungi Dance. Your comment.
 I would just like to say that he shouldn't be so impolite. (smiles)