"Independent music lets me explore who I truly am — beyond the movie songs, beyond the image."
Q. Your career spans over two decades across multiple languages and genres. What has been the most transformative moment in your musical journey so far?
The most transformative phase of my career is happening right now. I’ve spent many years singing for movies, but I always wanted to create music that was truly mine. That’s why I’ve started working on my own independent songs.
My first-ever movie song was a duet with Chitra Chechi, and it was incredibly special because I was in the 12th grade at the time. Seeing my picture alongside hers on the back of the cassette was surreal. It’s still one of my most cherished memories.
With Shankarji, I’ve sung two songs in movies and performed in a few live shows, including one with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. He’s so full of life and warmth—he’ll always ask if you’ve eaten or had coffee.
I was born and raised in Chennai, so my early exposure was mostly to Western and Tamil music. My parents loved Western music, and so did my friends, so Michael Jackson and other international artists were a big part of my childhood.
Malayalam music came into my life much later—when I moved to Kerala and started performing on Malayalam TV shows. I made it a point to study the music deeply and get familiar with both old and new Malayalam songs.
Independent music gives me the freedom to explore different genres, vocal tones, emotions, and storytelling. Each song on the album portrays a part of me. I would say around 60–70% of my identity as an artist is captured in this project.
That’s a tough one because there are so many favorites! My first song with Chitraji will always be special—it marked the beginning of everything. Another favorite is Amma Enna Vakku, a beautiful melody I sang for Ilaiyaraaja Sir in the movie Ponmudi Puzhayorathu.
I’ve also had meaningful experiences working with Vidyasagar Sir—three songs with him, all very memorable. My first Hindi song for Ashutosh Gowariker’s film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey was another milestone.
I’ve also sung in Telugu for Tanishk Bagchi, who’s now one of the top music directors in Hindi.
And last year, I had the honor of interviewing A.R. Rahman Sir. Before signing off, he told me: “Ranjini, please do independent music. Please do originals.” That stuck with me and reinforced my decision to focus on my own music now.
Q. Looking ahead, what new musical territories or collaborations are you excited to explore in the coming years?
It’s all about independent music for me now. I have a few exciting collaborations lined up, but I can’t reveal them just yet. I don’t want to jinx them! But I can say they’re like dreams coming true for me. I’m genuinely thrilled about what’s to come, and I hope listeners will embrace this new chapter of mine with the same love they’ve always given.
The most transformative phase of my career is happening right now. I’ve spent many years singing for movies, but I always wanted to create music that was truly mine. That’s why I’ve started working on my own independent songs.
The first track from my debut album Metamorph, titled Hues, has already been released and is streaming on all major platforms. I’m currently working on the music video and the second song in the album.
The entire album has six tracks, all written by me and produced by my collaborator Charles. This project represents who I truly am as an artist—beyond playback singing. It captures my journey, my emotions, and my story in a raw and honest way. This is the real Ranjini.
Q. You’ve collaborated with iconic artists like K.S. Chitra and Shankar Mahadevan. Could you share a memorable experience from these collaborations?
Q. You’ve collaborated with iconic artists like K.S. Chitra and Shankar Mahadevan. Could you share a memorable experience from these collaborations?
My first-ever movie song was a duet with Chitra Chechi, and it was incredibly special because I was in the 12th grade at the time. Seeing my picture alongside hers on the back of the cassette was surreal. It’s still one of my most cherished memories.
With Shankarji, I’ve sung two songs in movies and performed in a few live shows, including one with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. He’s so full of life and warmth—he’ll always ask if you’ve eaten or had coffee.
Every studio visit or stage performance with him has been uplifting. He’s not just a phenomenal artist but also a genuinely good human being. He makes everyone around him feel comfortable and appreciated, which I think is the mark of a true artist.
Q. Growing up with diverse musical influences—from Ilaiyaraaja and S. Janaki to Michael Jackson—how has this shaped your unique sound?
Q. Growing up with diverse musical influences—from Ilaiyaraaja and S. Janaki to Michael Jackson—how has this shaped your unique sound?
I was born and raised in Chennai, so my early exposure was mostly to Western and Tamil music. My parents loved Western music, and so did my friends, so Michael Jackson and other international artists were a big part of my childhood.
I went to Church Park, a convent school with a strong English-medium background.
Malayalam music came into my life much later—when I moved to Kerala and started performing on Malayalam TV shows. I made it a point to study the music deeply and get familiar with both old and new Malayalam songs.
I began singing professionally in 9th grade with a troupe called Cochin Chorus. My musical journey is really a blend of various influences, which I think adds depth and diversity to my sound.
Q. What does independent music mean to you personally? How has your experience with your band RJ influenced your growth as an artist?
Q. What does independent music mean to you personally? How has your experience with your band RJ influenced your growth as an artist?
My current band RJ – Ranjini Jose, focuses solely on independent music. All the songs are original—written by me and produced by Charles. The ongoing album Metamorph is a culmination of the music I’ve always wanted to create.
Independent music gives me the freedom to explore different genres, vocal tones, emotions, and storytelling. Each song on the album portrays a part of me. I would say around 60–70% of my identity as an artist is captured in this project.
It’s a legacy I want to leave behind—something that defines who Ranjini Jose truly is, beyond just playback singing.
Q. Out of all the songs you’ve performed so far, which one holds a special place in your heart and why?
Q. Out of all the songs you’ve performed so far, which one holds a special place in your heart and why?
That’s a tough one because there are so many favorites! My first song with Chitraji will always be special—it marked the beginning of everything. Another favorite is Amma Enna Vakku, a beautiful melody I sang for Ilaiyaraaja Sir in the movie Ponmudi Puzhayorathu.
I’ve also had meaningful experiences working with Vidyasagar Sir—three songs with him, all very memorable. My first Hindi song for Ashutosh Gowariker’s film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey was another milestone.
It was composed by Sohail Sen and featured Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan. I’ll never forget attending the launch event, sitting right behind Javed Akhtar Saab and Amitabh Bachchan.
I’ve also sung in Telugu for Tanishk Bagchi, who’s now one of the top music directors in Hindi.
And last year, I had the honor of interviewing A.R. Rahman Sir. Before signing off, he told me: “Ranjini, please do independent music. Please do originals.” That stuck with me and reinforced my decision to focus on my own music now.
Q. Looking ahead, what new musical territories or collaborations are you excited to explore in the coming years?
It’s all about independent music for me now. I have a few exciting collaborations lined up, but I can’t reveal them just yet. I don’t want to jinx them! But I can say they’re like dreams coming true for me. I’m genuinely thrilled about what’s to come, and I hope listeners will embrace this new chapter of mine with the same love they’ve always given.
Bio
Ranjini Jose is a celebrated Indian playback singer and independent music artist with a career spanning over two decades. She has lent her voice to over 200 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada.
Ranjini has collaborated with musical legends such as K.S. Chithra, Ilaiyaraaja, Shankar Mahadevan, Vidyasagar, and Suhail Sen, and has performed for iconic films like Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.
Now stepping into the indie spotlight, her original album Metamorph marks a powerful new chapter as a singer-songwriter. With her band RJ and a growing catalog of self-written songs, Ranjini continues to evolve as one of India’s most dynamic and heartfelt voices.
Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose
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