Classical Tamil is important for Vaaheesan Rasaiya. The Sri Lankan Tamil rapper and lyricist says, “I wasn’t interested in rap initially. I was only writing poems in classical Tamil. But after I started experimenting with rap when I was 19, I used my Tamil knowledge for writing rap songs too.” Beyond writing and performing rap songs, Vaaheesan is also the founder of a music label named Rap Ceylon. With his friends Advik Uthayakumar, a fellow vocalist, and Thishon Vijayamohan, a music producer, Vaaheesan formed Rap Ceylon to put out independent rap songs.
However, Vaaheesan's sphere of interest extends beyond independent rap music. He has also rapped in ‘Sikkitta’, a song from the film Finder, which is written and directed by Vinoth Rajendran. A thriller film, Finder’s ensemble cast includes Charle, Sendrayan, and Nizhalgal Ravi, amongst others. Now Vaaheesan is all set to play the lead in Vinoth’s upcoming film, Minor. Speaking about his acting debut, Vaaheesan says, “Initially I wasn’t a rapper or a songwriter, but I am one now. I also want to try acting with the same confidence I had when I started rapping.”
Billed as a romance film, Minor revolves around a couple who know each other through their college years and how their relationship evolves as they move into adulthood. “There is a form of love and affection for a person when they are young and the sparks are flying. Then, there is a form of love when they are mature and remain with each other for a while. With Minor, the goal is to show the journey of that love two people share when they are young and when they are older,” says Vaaheesan.
The singer says that his passion for arts came from the curiosity he had for classical dance, literature, and instruments like Mridangam. Vaaheesan's enthusiasm for collaborations, which defined his early career, extends to his upcoming endeavour as well. “I am in talks with rappers like ADK and Asal Kolaar, for Minor’s album. I hope I get to work with them, as they are big inspirations for me.” When asked about his debut as an actor, Vaaheesan says he is in talks for two more films, and he hopes to continue expressing himself through films and songs.
