Ahead of tonight 's gig, Kochi girl Arunaja, who wowed audiences in a singing reality show, says fame doesn 't end the struggle
Arunaja Nalinakshan performing at an earlier concert
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“I don 't have a place of my own in Mumbai. I don 't make as much from gigs to afford a house. But my work lies here. I have been travelling back and forth (from Kochi). I stay at friends ' places whenever I come,” says Arunaja Nalinakshan, known to most as one of the finalists on the second season of singing reality show, The Stage. The 23-year-old is in town to perform a cover set at a Women 's Day-themed gig tonight.
The TV phase
However, the glamour of television hasn 't changed her struggle. “It is the same; the only difference is the hype. It may take a year or two to get established and raise my fee. Tonight 's gig is my fourth after the competition,” she adds. Earlier, the post-graduate from St Albert 's College (Ernakulam) displayed her singing talent among close friends. Having grown up to Gospel music, she was unfamiliar with contemporary music, but she learnt the ropes during the show.
Of late, however, things have been looking up. Recently, she bagged her first assignment in a commercial. “I will lend my voice to the ad jingle, and act a bit,” says Arunaja, who has talented musicians backing her for recordings and concerts. Her band comprises drummer Mayank Sharma (from Zygnema), bassist Roop Thomas (from Blakc) and guitarist Vigneshkumar Venkatraman (Albatross). “They have contacts. It helps network with people. Some of them were involved with The Stage too.
Once it wrapped up, they were keen to work with me in the band format,” she says.
Songs for the gig
Arunaja turned many heads with her versatility and powerful vocals on the show, and she will continue with the songs that impressed the judges. “I will perform Chandelier (Sia), I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston) and Californication (Red Hot Chili Peppers). The only difference is that I will do it my way. I am even singing Zombie, which has been overdone, but this one has my touch.”
Time 9.30 pm
At Hard Rock Café, Worli.
Call 24382888 entry R500
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