Hyderabad-based trans women sing for Rajinikanth-starrer Darbar

The trans women have been roped in by Anirudh Ravichander for a special song in the AR Murugadoss-directorial
Hyderabad-based trans women sing for Rajinikanth-starrer Darbar

Chandramukhi, Rachana Mudraboina, and Priya Murthi have got the opportunity to sing a special number for Rajinikanth's upcoming film Darbar, an action thriller written and directed by AR Murugadoss. The Hyderabad-based trans women, who are part of a band called Spicy Girls, recently recorded the song, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in Chennai.

Singer Rahul Sipiligunj (also Bigg Boss Telugu 3 winner) from Hyderabad referred the trio to Anirudh when he heard of the requirement. "Darbar apparently features a dance by the transgender community and although initially, the plan was to get a regular singer to render the song with a change in the voice, Anirudh then decided to keep it authentic. We three — Rachana, Priya and I — are part of a music band in Hyderabad called Spicy Girls and we sing in gender rights seminars and conferences. Also, maaku konchem sangeeta gnanam vundi (we have been formally trained in classical music) and we have performed at stage shows individually, and also as a group. When this opportunity came, we couldn't believe our luck," says an excited Chandramukhi.

"What followed was a slew of phone calls, voice auditions, and finally some WhatsApp video auditions and before we knew it, we were on board for this song," adds Chandramukhi, who tells us that they have sung in all three languages — Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. 

About working with music director Anirudh, Chandramukhi says he pushed them till they got it right. "We would sing once after the rehearsal. He would applaud us, but gently nudge us to sing again, giving us inputs on where we went wrong. We did at least a dozen rehearsals, before the song was finalised. This is an example of how the film industry can be inclusive within the confines of mainstream cinema," she adds.

Chandramukhi, however, does not reveal much about the song, which is set to be released soon. "The best part is that our voices will be heard in a Rajnikanth film, amidst claps, cheers, and confetti. That's the best new year gift for us," she says.

Darbar is slated for a Pongal 2020 release.

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