Showing posts with label Kaveri Kapur interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kaveri Kapur interview. Show all posts
I don’t think dad is really authoritative in any case-Kaveri Kapur
7:43 AM
Dhaval Roy (DNA; February 1, 2019)
When actor-filmmaker Shekhar Kapur heard his singer-songwriter daughter Kaveri Kapur’s upcoming single Smell Of The Rain for the first time, he liked it so much that he said he wanted to direct its video. All set to release some time next month, this is the first time that the father-daughter duo has worked together, though the latter has released three tracks (Did You Know?, Again and Half A Heart), so far. Kaveri says, “Since I started making music professionally, Mum (actress and musician Suchitra Krishnamoorthi), Dad and I always discussed that he should direct me in a video, but we never got around to it. Also, I’ve always been quite camera-conscious; I knew that if he was helming a video, it would require me to perform and I wasn’t ready for it until recently.”
WHAT THE MUSIC VIDEO IS ABOUT
Though they first set out to shoot last June, their plans were washed out by the rains, after which they kept postponing it. The video features the artiste running, which is a metaphor for escaping her dark side and eventually embracing it.
Reluctant to reveal about the picturisation, Kaveri states that it has been conceptualised by Shekhar. “The song is about a toxic relationship and how you can’t escape dysfunction. Like Dad says, ‘You can’t run from your demons or your dark side. So, it’s better to just embrace it and we have captured that,” the youngster tells us, adding, “I know the title is misleading but I liked the line, so I kept it.”
WORKING WITH DAD
The songstress mentions that working with her international filmmaker dad was fun and didn’t feel like work at all. “He made me feel so comfortable. When we were done shooting, I was extremely tired but still wanted to go on,” she points out. When asked if she got the leeway because she’s his daughter, she replies, “I don’t think he is really authoritative in any case. In fact, he was more stressed because it was my video and he wanted to do a good job.”
Shekhar recently tweeted that he asked Kaveri if she would act in his movie, and she said only if she could compose for it, too. “Yeah, I would really love that. Or even if he wants to use one of my already-released songs for his films, I couldn’t say no,” states the performer. While there are no tracks with her musician mother on the anvil yet, Kaveri thinks it would be cool to collaborate with her, as well. However, right now, she is busy finishing school and applying at colleges. “I want to study music and performance. Songwriting comes naturally to me but performing is something I want to work on,” signs off the artiste.
I have found it hard to face the camera-Shekhar Kapur's daughter Kaveri
7:59 AM
Ahead of the release of her single next month, Shekhar Kapur's daughter Kaveri says music will always be the centre of her world; father calls her a 'genius'
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; January 21, 2019)
When Shekhar Kapur's musician-daughter approached him with a request to direct her upcoming video, the filmmaker recalls being disturbed. "She's 17, and I wanted to know where those words came from," says Kapur, of Kaveri's song Smell Of The Rain.
"She told me that it's about how most of the mistakes that people make are because they reject their dark side. I knew then that I'd have to take it seriously." Shekhar took inspiration from Kerela's Kathakali dance form, which, he says, represents demons too. "I wrote a story of a young girl who tries to run away from her dark side. She then accepts it, and finally becomes it."
In an Instagram video shared in the midst of shoot, Shekhar trains his camera on an evidently shy Kaveri as she learns the ropes of the dance. "I was comfortable this time, but, I've found it hard to face the camera. Yet, dad has always wanted me to act," she says.
Like every teenager, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi's daughter too harboured aspirations of dabbling in a variety of professions. "A geologist and an astronaut," she says. "An archaeologist," her father adds. Yet, music has held a special place in her heart since she was eight. Confessing to sharing many similarities with her father, she says, "I know dad must have faced the same things at my age that I do, including apprehensions about the future, confusion about who you are, and even heartbreak. I talk to him about it all the time."
A student of Hindustani classical music, Kaveri spent a summer learning at Berklee College Of Music. "I've also applied to music schools now. I believe that should complete my education."
Certain that his daughter would make for a promising actor, Shekhar doesn't think twice before pitting her against the likes of Cate Blanchett and Heath Ledger when stating, "Working with actors like them, I've noticed how they tell a story with their eyes. Kaveri has that ability. What scares me is when people like A R Rahman say she has a gift. She is a genius. It made me realise that I have a special responsibility to support her. I'm not as gifted in filmmaking as she is in music."
Ask him how his daughter differs from him and he says, "Look, at 17, I was only chasing girls."
I'm in a position of advantage because of my parents Suchitra Krishnamoorthi & Shekhar Kapur-Kaveri Kapur
7:59 AM
Purvaja Sawant (BOMBAY TIMES; September 2, 2017)
Last year, when
actress-singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's
daughter Kaveri made her singing debut, legends like Amitabh Bachchan
and A R Rahman took to the social media to rave about her talent. After
all, at 17, the young musical prodigy is already hitting the right notes
- she has written, composed and sung three singles, Did You Know, Half A
Heart and Again. Her captivating voice and soulful melodies have also
gained her a sizeable fan following online. In a joint conversation with
BT, the mother-daughter duo talk about Kaveri's musical leanings, the
inspiration behind her mature compositions and why she doesn't mind
giving acting a shot. Excerpts...
Suchitra, with Kaveri starting out so young, do you worry she will burn out and lose interest in music?
Suchitra: When she wrote her first few songs, she was just 11, and I wouldn't have been surprised back then if it had fizzled out. But she's 17 years now and has sustained her passion for music all these years. I think she has found her calling. She has a long way to go, but I don't think she will lose interest in what she is doing.
Kaveri: Actually, I wrote my very first song when I was just nine years old! And I am still writing everyday. It's something that I really enjoy doing, so I don't think I'll burn out.
When did you first realise that she was musically inclined?
S: I always knew Kaveri had exceptional talent. She started her Hindustani vocal training with my guruji when she was just six years old. So, I knew she had a good voice, but her song writing abilities took me by surprise. It's one thing to sing, but to write lyrics and compose melodies is very different. By the time she was 11, we started taking her to recording studios because she was writing full-fledged songs.
K: I have been introduced to music because of mom and her background, but song writing came to me rather spontaneously. I remember when I was younger, I would suddenly come up with melodies. And I didn't want to share them with anyone.
S: She was so shy, I had to literally pry those songs out of her!
Kaveri, you'd said in an interview that you hope people appreciate your music because they like it and not because of who your parents are. Do you still think people praise you because you're your parents' daughter?
K: I am definitely in a position of advantage because of who my parents are; there's no denying that. But after a certain point, I hope people like my music because I have talent. I work really hard and put a lot of effort into what I do.
S: I find the whole nepotism debate amusing. It exists in all fields. People are bound to get certain opportunities and exposure because of their backgrounds. But if they don't deliver, they will be rejected like anyone else. One must not grudge others because of their opportunities; ultimately, life is a level-playing field.
The lyrics in Kaveri's songs are rather deep... they're about heartbreak. Kaveri, have your personal experiences made their way into your music?
K: I haven't really experienced anything...
S: Well, you have friends who have just started to date.
K: Oh yes! I know it's normal, but I am a weird case, so I just got left behind. Sometimes, I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and dramatize it in my songs. Other times, I look at people around me. There are times when I just start writing a single line and then build up on it.
Does your mom help you with your lyrics?
K: Not at all. I don't go to anyone.
S: That's one department where she is completely independent - her lyrics and melodies. Sometimes when she is recording a song, I tell her, try singing this line in a particular way, but that's about it.
How do you strike a balance between your academics and musical pursuits?
K: It's really hard. I used to think I'll manage but now that I am studying IB syllabus, there's so much to do. When I come home from school, I just want to sleep, but I realise I have to study for six tests the next day and also practice on the piano.
S: There are times when I have to wake her up in the night for her vocal practice. But she is so dedicated, I don't have to tell her what to do. In fact, I tell her to relax and take it easy!
K: That's true, I've never felt any pressure from my parents; my hard work comes from own passion.
Last year, you collaborated with the British band The Vamps. How was the experience?
K: It was amazing, but also terrifying. I had never performed live before and then, suddenly, I was going to sing along side The Vamps. I was about to have a nervous breakdown. But just being on stage in front of a live audience cemented the belief that this is what I want to do forever. Also, they were nice and took a lot of effort to make me feel comfortable.
S: I didn't expect her to be so comfortable on stage, because she has always been a shy kid. But I guess when she is singing, nothing else matters to her.
Kaveri's father has expressed his desire to direct her, so will she give acting a shot?
K: My priority is music; I think it's something that I am good at. But I am open to acting in the future.
S: She should definitely give it a shot. In the past, she had a very good acting offer. In fact, it was a singing role, but she said a flat no. That was her state of mind then, she is more open now.
K: Obviously, I was just 14 na!
S: Well, you might land up having fun. Or maybe you'll realize that it's not your scene. But till you try it, you will never know.
What's in store for the future?
K: I like to sing what I write, so my goal is to be a singer-songwriter. In the past year, my writing has really evolved. I want to do more in my videos. I want my songs to have a story. I am very shy but I have grown up a lot.
S: I really believe in Kaveri's talent. She just has to give it her best and go with the flow. She has enough time to figure out what's working and what isn't. We're also looking at various music schools in England schools in England and USA, where she can study music production.
Suchitra, with Kaveri starting out so young, do you worry she will burn out and lose interest in music?
Suchitra: When she wrote her first few songs, she was just 11, and I wouldn't have been surprised back then if it had fizzled out. But she's 17 years now and has sustained her passion for music all these years. I think she has found her calling. She has a long way to go, but I don't think she will lose interest in what she is doing.
Kaveri: Actually, I wrote my very first song when I was just nine years old! And I am still writing everyday. It's something that I really enjoy doing, so I don't think I'll burn out.
When did you first realise that she was musically inclined?
S: I always knew Kaveri had exceptional talent. She started her Hindustani vocal training with my guruji when she was just six years old. So, I knew she had a good voice, but her song writing abilities took me by surprise. It's one thing to sing, but to write lyrics and compose melodies is very different. By the time she was 11, we started taking her to recording studios because she was writing full-fledged songs.
K: I have been introduced to music because of mom and her background, but song writing came to me rather spontaneously. I remember when I was younger, I would suddenly come up with melodies. And I didn't want to share them with anyone.
S: She was so shy, I had to literally pry those songs out of her!
Kaveri, you'd said in an interview that you hope people appreciate your music because they like it and not because of who your parents are. Do you still think people praise you because you're your parents' daughter?
K: I am definitely in a position of advantage because of who my parents are; there's no denying that. But after a certain point, I hope people like my music because I have talent. I work really hard and put a lot of effort into what I do.
S: I find the whole nepotism debate amusing. It exists in all fields. People are bound to get certain opportunities and exposure because of their backgrounds. But if they don't deliver, they will be rejected like anyone else. One must not grudge others because of their opportunities; ultimately, life is a level-playing field.
The lyrics in Kaveri's songs are rather deep... they're about heartbreak. Kaveri, have your personal experiences made their way into your music?
K: I haven't really experienced anything...
S: Well, you have friends who have just started to date.
K: Oh yes! I know it's normal, but I am a weird case, so I just got left behind. Sometimes, I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and dramatize it in my songs. Other times, I look at people around me. There are times when I just start writing a single line and then build up on it.
Does your mom help you with your lyrics?
K: Not at all. I don't go to anyone.
S: That's one department where she is completely independent - her lyrics and melodies. Sometimes when she is recording a song, I tell her, try singing this line in a particular way, but that's about it.
How do you strike a balance between your academics and musical pursuits?
K: It's really hard. I used to think I'll manage but now that I am studying IB syllabus, there's so much to do. When I come home from school, I just want to sleep, but I realise I have to study for six tests the next day and also practice on the piano.
S: There are times when I have to wake her up in the night for her vocal practice. But she is so dedicated, I don't have to tell her what to do. In fact, I tell her to relax and take it easy!
K: That's true, I've never felt any pressure from my parents; my hard work comes from own passion.
Last year, you collaborated with the British band The Vamps. How was the experience?
K: It was amazing, but also terrifying. I had never performed live before and then, suddenly, I was going to sing along side The Vamps. I was about to have a nervous breakdown. But just being on stage in front of a live audience cemented the belief that this is what I want to do forever. Also, they were nice and took a lot of effort to make me feel comfortable.
S: I didn't expect her to be so comfortable on stage, because she has always been a shy kid. But I guess when she is singing, nothing else matters to her.
Kaveri's father has expressed his desire to direct her, so will she give acting a shot?
K: My priority is music; I think it's something that I am good at. But I am open to acting in the future.
S: She should definitely give it a shot. In the past, she had a very good acting offer. In fact, it was a singing role, but she said a flat no. That was her state of mind then, she is more open now.
K: Obviously, I was just 14 na!
S: Well, you might land up having fun. Or maybe you'll realize that it's not your scene. But till you try it, you will never know.
What's in store for the future?
K: I like to sing what I write, so my goal is to be a singer-songwriter. In the past year, my writing has really evolved. I want to do more in my videos. I want my songs to have a story. I am very shy but I have grown up a lot.
S: I really believe in Kaveri's talent. She just has to give it her best and go with the flow. She has enough time to figure out what's working and what isn't. We're also looking at various music schools in England schools in England and USA, where she can study music production.
Why should Kaveri be compared to me? She is her own person-Suchitra Krishnamoorthi
4:23 PM
One has a new play and a new book in the offing and the other is in the midst of releasing a new single. Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and daughter Kaveri Kapur on being their own persons in a world of imitations
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; September 4, 2016)
"But I don’t know how to smile,” says a 16-year-old Kaveri Kapur, daughter of Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and director Shekhar Kapur. “How do I pose? Even the concealer didn’t cover my dark circles,” she moans as mother and daughter pose. “You don’t need a concealer. You look great. She’s just very tired,” says Krishnamoorthi as she looks at her daughter indulgently, who in turn looks at us wryly, taking on that teenage expression that seems to say, ‘what would you know?’ We assure her she looks tall and slender and dewy eyed, just like a 16-year-old should and she quips, “I was fat till last Tuesday. It just went away and it will come back soon.”
It’s 9.30 pm on a Thursday night and Kaveri has just returned from vocal class, and is now planning to work on an English essay that she says will keep her awake till 4 am. “I have procrastinated too much. Homework just sucks,” she says as mother Suchitra says, “I will be asleep in the next half hour. Now that she is 16, I am letting go a bit, and starting once again to focus on my work.” Both seem to be quite busy though.
Kaveri, along with being busy with homework (she is in Std 10), is a singer now and is working on releasing her new single, Half a Heart, this month. Her first, Did You Know, which she wrote when she was only 11, but released in June this year, was a love ballad with poignant lyrics, with her clear, melodious voice shining through. She also shared stage recently with the UK band The Vamps when they visited India. Her mother Suchitra, who we remember best for Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na and her pop songs from the 90s, is acting in a play based on her 2013 memoir Drama Queen, which is being produced by Ashwin Gidwani, and will be on in September end. This month also sees the release of her next book, The Ghost on the Ledge, the third in her Swapnalok Society series (which are stories set in a housing co-operative).
“I actually didn’t know I wanted to be a singer till I went to a studio,” says Kaveri adding, “But my parents thought I should do this, and when mom took me to one, I got hooked.” But while she credits her parents for pushing her, she is sure she isn’t influenced by them. “My love for music comes from mom for sure. But I don’t think I am influenced by her writing or songs,” she says honestly, and Suchitra laughs, “Why should she be compared to me? She is her own person and is doing what she wants.” Kaveri is straight faced and modest when she talks about her first single, which enjoyed rave reviews. “That was surreal. But it was just a song about a boy, maybe…sortaa… maybe it was about how I may feel… you know?” she says, “I just make up tunes in my head, and then record them on the app on my phone. The next song is not really about love… but about saying goodbye.”
Suchitra is also still dabbling in music, along with acting. She has composed music for the play, which she says is a funny telling of what happens to a starlet in Bollywood. “I just want people to come have a good time and laugh along. The songs are part of the story and are situations and scenes set to music. The rest is a surprise,” she says. The book created waves when it came out because of scandalous admissions such as Suchitra saying she asked director Ram Gopal Varma to marry her, and he replied saying he only loved “women for their bodies”. But Suchitra now wants to take her acting career seriously. “I have refused some big roles in the last few years just because I wasn’t interested and was busy with Kaveri. Some of those roles went on to win best supporting actress and I was like ‘damn!’. But now I am more open to offers,” she says.
For now, both are busy prepping for their next projects. Kaveri plans to release her single with a video which is in the process of being shot, and then head off to Berkeley once she completes her schooling. She is deeply influenced by singer Adele right now and also describes her sound as being similar to the British songstress… “Soul pop maybe?” she says. And though like other Bollywood kids who are in constant limelight, thanks to racy pictures on their Instagram feeds, Kaveri is nonchalant about it all. “My Instagram account is not that popular. I don’t think people know I exist. But that’s okay.” Suchitra looks protectively at her daughter and says, “She doesn’t need to do that all. These kids are doing everything innocently, and it gets blown out of proportion. Everything will happen when it has to. Kaveri’s only aim should be to do what she wants to do. I have raised her in the exact opposite way of how I was raised with people saying, ‘don’t do this, don’t do that’. I tell her every day — do whatever you want to. Be fearless.”
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