KOCHI: In a heartwarming display of generational talent, the young and vibrant playback singer Kavya Ajit recently experienced a moment of pure joy. She found herself singing in harmony with her 90-year-old grandmother, Kamala Subramaniam, a scene embodying the timeless bond shared through music. Kavya, a music prodigy who has captivated the Malayali audience with her enchanting voice, especially with the breezy melody "Ee Shishirakalam" from the film "Jacobinte Swargarajyam," has taken her musical journey a step further.

Recently, she unveiled a Carnatic cover song titled "Madhava Mamava Deva" on her YouTube channel. This classical composition, sung in the ancient and reverential language of Sanskrit, is not just a melody; it's a bridge connecting four generations. Alongside Kavya in this melodious endeavor are her seven-month-old daughter, Lakshya, and her grandmother, Kamala. This collaboration is not only a testament to their shared love for music but also a celebration of their familial bonds.

For Kavya, this project was more than just a musical collaboration; it was the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Since her childhood, her grandmother Kamala has been her guiding star in the vast universe of music. The song "Madhava Mamava Deva," originally an invocation, resonates deeply with Kavya. She explains that this song holds a special place in her heart, a sentiment that inspired her to render it alongside her grandmother for this unique project.

This endeavor by Kavya is a beautiful illustration of how music can transcend age and time, creating a harmonious link between the past, present, and future. It demonstrates the power of music to bring together people of different generations, creating a shared experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Through this project, Kavya, her daughter, and her grandmother have not only created a piece of music but have also woven a tapestry of familial love and legacy, resonating with audiences across generations.

Kavya fondly recalls her grandmother's early encounters with Carnatic music, a classical music style originating from South India. “Grandma gathered her basic knowledge in Carnatic music when she was young and used to take music classes for children at our house in Kozhikode. Though skilled in the art, she has not performed on stage. So, I wanted to get her some recognition she truly deserved," shares Kavya. This statement reflects not only the musical proficiency of her grandmother but also Kavya's deep appreciation and desire to honor her. The song "Madhava Mamava Deva" is particularly special to Kavya, as it intertwines her early musical lessons with cherished childhood memories. “Madhava Mamava Deva is one of my favourite songs she taught me when I was young and it is filled with many childhood memories,” she explains.

The creation of the song and the accompanying video was a spontaneous decision, sparked by a family reunion. The backdrop for this creative burst was their ancestral home in Kozhikode, a place rich with family history and memories. In 2020, while pregnant, Kavya decided to spend some time with her family in Kozhikode. “I was pregnant then and flew down to Kozhikode to stay with my parents and grandmom. We had many good moments and we recollected some old Carnatic compositions by playfully singing them. I recorded grandma as she was singing it," Kavya recounts. These precious moments of togetherness and musical bonding led to a beautiful idea. As she prepared to return to Chennai with her husband, the concept of creating a music video as a tribute to her grandmother took shape. “When time came for me to get back to Chennai with my husband, I thought of making a music video as a tribute to her,” Kavya adds.

The response to the song "Madhava Mamava Deva" was nothing short of extraordinary, particularly resonating with friends, fellow musicians, and a special group close to her grandmother's heart. Kavya shares the joy and surprise that came with this widespread appreciation. “She is not aware of social media and YouTube. She was happy that due to the song, some of her old friends and long-lost neighbours contacted her and talked to her. It was the best gift I could give her in her old age — bringing back the old friendships she cherished," Kavya reveals. This feedback underscores the power of music to reconnect people and rekindle old friendships, serving as a bridge across time and distance.

The inclusion of four generations in the song also garnered significant admiration. Kavya notes this aspect with a sense of humor and pride, “Also, many praised the fact that we featured four generations in the song. It is quite the rarity these days,” she quips. This multi-generational feature is indeed a rare and touching sight in today's music world, highlighting the deep-rooted family values and the timeless nature of music that can link generations together.

Looking forward, Kavya is excited about her upcoming projects, which include the release of her independent solo compositions. She observes an encouraging trend in the music industry of her state. Kavya emphasizes the need for broader support for independent music, advocating for more exposure and promotion. “More space should be given to it by broadcasting media by promoting independent music works on their platforms the way they feature film music,” she suggests. This statement reflects her vision for a more inclusive and diverse musical landscape, where independent artists receive the recognition and platform they deserve.

Fresh, New Voice | Kavya Ajit, an Up-and-Coming Singer, is Making Ripples on Music Charts

Kavya Ajit, a name that's becoming increasingly familiar in the Indian music scene, was born on 17 July 1991 in Kozhikode, Kerala. Her talent spans multiple facets of music: she's not just a singer, but also a skilled violinist and a captivating live performer. Kavya's musical journey is not confined to her native Malayalam; she has lent her voice to songs in a variety of Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Her training encompasses both Carnatic Classical Music and the Western classical style of violin, equipping her with a diverse skill set that has taken her to stages around the world.

As a fresh face in the industry, Kavya Ajit is quickly making a name for herself. This young artist's childhood dream was to leave an indelible mark in the music world, and she is progressively turning this dream into reality. Kavya's journey from her first solo in the 2013 movie "Rose Guitarinaal" to a duet with Vineeth Srinivasan in the more recent hit "Jacobinte Swargarajyam" demonstrates her remarkable growth as a playback singer. Reflecting on her journey, Kavya attributes her success to a blend of luck, innate talent, and relentless hard work.

The turning point in her career was a fortunate encounter with musician Shahabaz Aman. “Someone suggested my name to Shahabaz sir as he was in search of a new voice. I guess he liked mine,” Kavya recalls, illustrating the serendipitous nature of her rise in the music industry. This opportunity opened doors for her, allowing her unique voice to reach a wider audience.

Kavya's foundation in music can be traced back to her grandmother, Kamala Subrahmaniam, a distinguished former artiste with All India Radio. It was Kamala who introduced Kavya to the basics of Carnatic music, laying the groundwork for her granddaughter's future success. This early education in the traditional form of music not only influenced Kavya's style but also imbued her with a deep respect for her cultural heritage.

Kavya Ajit, a young talent from Kozhikode, now residing in Chennai, doesn't consider herself a naturally born singer. Instead, she sees her achievements as the result of hard work and dedication. “It is daily, rigorous sadhana that has helped me reach my dream of becoming a musician,” says the 25-year-old, highlighting the importance of consistent practice and perseverance in her journey to becoming a musician. The term 'sadhana' in Indian classical music refers to a disciplined and dedicated practice, something that Kavya attributes as a key factor to her success.

Her move to Chennai marked a significant turn in her career path. Apart from being a talented musician, Kavya is also a software engineer. It was in Chennai, surrounded by others who were actively pursuing their musical aspirations, that Kavya found the motivation to chase her own dreams. “I am a software engineer employed in Chennai. Seeing others around me fulfilling their musical ambitions, I too decided to chase mine,” she explains. This decision led her to start her musical career by singing jingles for various advertisements, a common entry point for many aspiring singers.

Kavya observes that the current music industry landscape is welcoming to newcomers. “Music composers are currently seeking new voices. They don’t want singers who mimic the style of yesteryear singers. They want talented fresh voices,” she notes. This trend towards originality and freshness in the music industry provides a fertile ground for emerging talents like Kavya, allowing them to showcase their unique vocal qualities.

Although Kavya made her debut with the song ‘Engum Nalla Pookkal’ in the movie "Rose Guitarinaal," it was her performances in "Jo and the Boy" and "Jacobinte Swargarajyam" that gave her significant recognition. “Although ‘Engum Nalla Pookkal’ in Rose Guitarinaal was my debut, it was ‘Nee En Kaattaay…’ in Jo and the Boy and ‘Ee Shishirakaalam…’ from Jacobinte Swargarajyam that got me a 'real' break in the industry,” she recalls. These songs played a crucial role in establishing her as a noteworthy voice in the Indian music scene.

Her talents and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as Kavya now finds herself invited to a variety of music shows on television and participating in stage music shows. “I am now invited to various music shows on television and am part of stage music shows. In fact, I have performed with Karthik, Vijay Prakash, and Naresh Iyer to name a few,” Kavya shares. These opportunities not only highlight her growing popularity but also her ability to share the stage with established artists in the industry, reflecting her rising status as a musician.

Kavya, known for her striking looks and versatile musical skills, is not just limited to playback singing. She holds her own in Carnatic concerts and is actively involved in Western vocal and violin shows. Despite her increasing fame, Kavya remains grounded and focused on her music career. She mentions, with a hint of amusement, that she has been offered various roles in films. However, she has chosen not to venture into acting at this point. “But I haven’t taken any up as I have just begun a career in music. I don’t want to become distracted. There is so much in music to explore – there’s programming, composing, vocal arrangement... I am happy with where I am right now and intend to enjoy the ride,” she states.

In 2014, Kavya took her first steps into the music industry with the romantic musical "Rose Guitarinaal," directed by Ranjan Pramod. The film's music composer, Shahbaz Aman, was on the lookout for a fresh voice and found what he was looking for in Kavya. She was offered the song "Engum Nalla Pookkal," which marked her first major breakthrough. This opportunity provided Kavya with the perfect platform to showcase her talent and pave the way for future successes. “The film's music composer Shahbaz Aman, who was in search for a new voice, liked hers and offered her the song Engum Nalla Pookkal which became her first breakthrough," the narrative notes.

Following this, Kavya's voice graced a series of songs composed by Shaan Rahman for various films, including "Praise the Lord," "Oru Vadakkan Selfie," and "Nam Duniya Nam Style," the latter being her debut in the Kannada film industry. Her next notable work was in the film "Lavender," composed by Deepak Dev, where she performed two tracks. The soundtrack of "Lavender" stood out for its unique blend of western music elements with old-world lyrics, showcasing Kavya's versatility as a singer.

Kavya's debut in the Tamil film music industry came with the song "Hey Umayaal" from the film "Urumeen," composed by Achu Rajamani. This further expanded her repertoire and audience reach.

Her rise to prominence continued with the song "Neeyen Kaataai" from the film "Jo and the Boy," composed by Rahul Subrahmanian. This song marked her first major taste of success, earning her wider recognition. “Her first taste of success came after singing Neeyen Kaataai from the film Jo and the Boy,” details her ascending career trajectory.

The pinnacle of her early career, however, was the release of "Ee Shishirakalam," a breezy melody tuned by Shaan Rahman for the film "Jacobinte Swargarajyam." The song was an instant hit, receiving acclaim from both critics and audiences. “She received wider recognition following the release of the breezy melody Ee Shishirakalam... The song was an instant hit and was praised by critics and audiences alike,” the account highlights.

In 2016, Kavya made her debut in the Telugu music industry with the song "Jakkanna" from the film of the same name. The track was particularly noted for its groovy and upbeat rhythm, adding another feather to her cap. “In 2016, she made her Telugu debut through the song Jakkanna from the eponymous film. The track was lauded for its grooviness.”

2017 marked another milestone in Kavya's career. She contributed her vocals to Gopi Sundar's composition "Chekkanum Pennum" for the film "Chunkzz," directed by Omar. This was followed by her involvement in the Bollywood film "Mom," where she sang "Agnijwalaa" for A.R. Rahman's Malayalam soundtrack album. “In 2017, she lent her vocals for Gopi Sundar's composition Chekkanum Pennum for Omar's second film Chunkzz followed by Agnijwalaa from the Bollywood film Mom for A.R Rahman's Malayalam soundtrack album," outlines her expanding presence in the Indian music scene across different languages and genres.

Kavya's journey isn't confined to playback singing; she is also a prominent performer in live music scenes. She has performed at numerous Carnatic concerts, showcasing her roots in classical music. Additionally, her skills extend to Western vocal and violin gigs, demonstrating her musical versatility. “Kavya has performed at numerous Carnatic concerts, Western Vocal and Violin gigs,” points out the breadth of her musical engagements.

One of the most notable aspects of Kavya's career is her collaborations and performances with various esteemed artists. She has shared the stage with legendary figures such as A.R. Rahman, Karthik, Vijay Prakash, Naresh Iyer, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Stephan Devassy, Shaan Rahman, and Gopi Sundar. These collaborations have occurred in various TV music shows and live performances, allowing her to showcase her talent alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. “She has shared stage with various artists like A.R Rahman, Karthik, Vijay Prakash, Naresh Iyer, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Stephan Devassy, Shaan Rahman and Gopi Sundar as part of various TV music shows and live performances,” highlights her interaction with celebrated musicians.

Apart from her film and stage contributions, Kavya has also made her mark in the commercial sphere. She has sung various jingles, a testament to her adaptable and appealing voice. Her collaborative spirit shines through in her work with artists like Vishal Chandrasekhar, Siddharth Menon, Justin Prabhakaran, and Madley Blues for their albums and singles. “She has sung various commercial jingles and has collaborated with artists like Vishal Chandrasekhar, Siddharth Menon, Justin Prabhakaran and Madley Blues for their albums and singles.”