TUGGING AT MY GUITAR STRINGS
Letting you guys know, at "Scent of Music,"
we have a brilliant list of musicians waiting to play tonight.
And next up on that list is this year's Grammy Award nominee,
and one of the new forces in music to reckon with.
Please welcome Kamal!
Hey, come eat while it's still hot.
-Here. -I'll help myself.
Have you eaten?
I will. Is the movie getting released?
No.
It's not.
They took a call last night.
Fine.
All the songs in the film are good.
The three songs released were instant hits.
It's your music everywhere.
Millions have heard and liked it. That's good enough.
Move on.
You had composed so many tunes, no?
Not from the movie.
Your independent music.
Sing for me sometime.
I'd love to listen.
It's been so long.
Like crashing waves, crashing waves You wash over me
Every new wave Is a new love
Like dripping dew, dripping dew You glisten in my heart
Every fresh drop Is a new love
You say, "This little dew can contain The great, blue ocean"
You say, "This waterfall can be trapped In your little eyes"
When I close my eyes
You turn into teardrops
Ma…
I have to get out of here.
I want to breathe only music. I have a lot to learn.
I want to belong in the world of music as a composer, a performer.
I want to perform before an audience, Ma.
We don't have that kind of audience here, nor that kind of music or teachers.
I have to get out of here, Ma, but you must come with me.
I know you won't. That's the only reason I'm still here.
I don't know how I would live there without you.
I'm begging you, Ma. Let's just go.
London.
Come along with me, Ma. You'll like it there.
I have everything planned.
Just five years.
Let's go, Ma.
The morning… Ta-ra-ra…
The moon shining bright
Above me, shines… Na-na-na…
Fills the skies… hmmm-mmm
In the sky…
No!
Ta-ra-ra… An eternal moon
The bracing babble of a baby
The wondrous whisper of a waterfall
The captivating call of a cuckoo
Everything pales in comparison to her
The potpourri of perfumes
The smell of an old book
The fragrance of the holy basil leaf
Everything pales in comparison to her
Why didn't I realize this sooner?
Why?
And when I did Why didn't I come to my senses?
I am so ashamed now I am so ashamed
This is a man's confession, my dear
I am so ashamed now I am so ashamed
This is my introspection, my dear
On the bass is Aalaap. Vijay on lead guitars.
Guberan! And Sathriyan on the keys.
Hey, boys.
Have you been nice to your woman?
If not, apologize now!
Right now. And this song is about that.
Okay?
You came in pursuit of music
You became my music
What would I become without my music?
Without music, I'd turn to stone
Just give me one chance to change
And I will never err again
Don't leave me Come back to me, my music!
My love!
I am so ashamed now I am so ashamed
This is my introspection, my dear
Let's hear all of you now.
Let's do an "oh" now.
If we finish recording, we could get the funds.
-Are the lyrics ready? -For a while now!
Clearly you never check your phone.
-I sent it to you and her on WhatsApp. -Okay.
Take a look. I'll stay on the line.
Yeah, looks okay to me.
-If you're fine, we can record it. -Go ahead.
Who's the singer? Rather, where's the singer?
She told me she just got there. She'll be with you in a second.
Her name is Nethra.
And look, I don't know her personally.
I haven't heard her sing. The client recommended her.
So she has to sing even if she can't sing. Correct?
Yes.
But you take the call. I'm sure it'll be fine.
-Yeah, okay. -Okay, bye.
Hi. Nethra.
It was a Wednesday.
I had booked flight tickets to leave my country
over the weekend, to get here.
But the minute I saw her…
I had this feeling, I swear…
I knew I wasn't going to make that flight.
-Hi, Nethra. -I love your songs.
The three songs that are out are so rich in music.
A brand new sound. You just cracked it.
I listen to it on loop.
I thought I should tell you this when we meet.
Thank you for the music.
Those three songs have actually taken care of me.
And a lot of people I know. Really.
Thank you.
-Please sit. -I mean it.
So…
Isn't the movie getting released soon?
I'm eager to see the song.
No, not now.
It's postponed again.
Is it?
Yeah. So, the lyrics…
-But that's all right. -Let's check--
Movie or not, at least there's the music.
In the air.
Everywhere.
You only need to push play.
Isn't that everything?
When you meet a woman, and in a few minutes,
she sounds exactly like your mother, with the things she's saying.
When that happens, you know you're a goner. That it's…
Hook, line, and sinker.
No, really.
Listening to these songs without a visual reference…
your songs…
do you have any idea how perfect it is?
It's left to your imagination.
I love it.
-It's just music, no? -Yeah.
Like those classical music pieces.
On YouTube, you'll only see the photograph of the composer.
Like for Beethoven's "Für Elise."
Can you imagine a couple dancing around trees?
It would have ruined the feeling.
Unless, of course, the visuals were shot well.
Yeah.
You know what I'm talking about?
Yeah.
I didn't actually doubt whether you knew the composition.
I'm not trying to prove I know it. I wanted to work on something based on it.
I forgot about it, but you reminded me.
Thank you.
Just…
Just give me a minute, I'll take it from here.
Do you feel the tremors?
Just like my heart Does your heart
Feel the tremors?
Do you feel the tremors?
Just like my heart Does your heart…
Is this an earthquake?
If I told my eyes it's a vision Would my eyes believe me?
I've heard people play Ilaiyaraaja on strings.
That's the first time I've heard someone play Beethoven.
Same thing.
This is a special day.
Your birthday or something?
No.
Because of what I just saw and heard.
I am done. I spoke too much, huh?
We can begin.
No.
Yeah.
Well done.
You don't belong here.
I felt that way when I heard those three songs of yours.
Very international music.
Even for this ad film, I'm wondering if it needs this feel and sound.
Whatever it is, we must strive to make something fresh and new.
Correct.
But have you ever felt that way?
That you don't belong here?
First thing, every morning.
Not in a pompous sort of a way.
I have to create something new.
I'm not sure if I can do that here.
Wait.
I had the same conversation with my mother today.
Were you eavesdropping?
Were you at my house or something?
I didn't eavesdrop.
But I get it.
The music scene here is non-existent.
Yeah.
Unless you're scoring music for films, there is no scope.
I have these dreams, too.
Go someplace where classical music resounds.
Not America, but Europe.
But they don't speak English in most parts of Europe.
That's a problem.
You can learn music.
But you also have to learn a new language, too.
London.
The best.
-And a big music scene. -Wait!
This is uncanny.
Fine, you didn't eavesdrop,
but you're getting into my head now.
You're going to London?
-Yeah. -Wow.
When are you leaving?
I bought the tickets. It's an open ticket.
Like, tomorrow.
You have a plan all worked out?
If my mom agrees, it's a five-year plan.
Nice.
Wish you all the best.
Win a few Grammys and an Oscar, maybe. You're amazing.
Thank you.
We should meet up if you come to London.
So I must come to London if I want to meet you again?
Yeah.
See you.
Hello, Dad?
Yeah, I just finished. I said I'll be there at nine o'clock. Bye.
I'll walk you out.
-You carry on. I'll just go. -No, I'm good. You go ahead.
Sorry.
She has an amazing voice.
She's a find, for sure. I really liked her.
So you liked her?
-She's sweet. -Sweet?
Just sweet.
That's such a boring way to describe a woman.
"Sweet," it seems.
-I said her voice was sweet. -Hang up.
Okay, so the recording is done?
Mix it and send it to me. I'll see you soon. Bye.
Okay, bye.
-Hi! -Gosh.
I was wondering who this is.
I am equally surprised.
Sorry. I was on my way home, and I saw you walking.
So I turned around to ask if you wanted a ride.
But I have this sudden feeling…
that your house is on that lane right there.
And you'll say this is your daily walking routine
if I offer to unnecessarily give you a ride.
So I'll just say, "Hi."
"You sang really well. The song is sounding good."
And…
I'll say bye and leave.
My house is not around here.
It's in Indira Nagar.
I'm not going home. I'm going elsewhere.
-First Seaward Road? -Yeah.
And this is not my daily exercise walking routine.
I walk.
Wherever I need to go in the city, I walk.
-Okay. -If I need to go far or fast…
I take the bus or the train.
Otherwise, I'm your average pedestrian.
-I walk. -All right.
I won't ask you why, but are you sure?
-About? -About walking all the way?
No, if you want to drop me, I'll ride with you of course.
Not a problem.
-Really? -Yeah.
I don't have a helmet. Is that okay?
I ride safe and slow.
What about the police?
That…
We'll figure it out if that happens.
-Yeah? You're okay? -Yeah.
I thought the next time we meet would be at the London Bridge.
Didn't think we'd meet again so soon on Adyar Bridge.
Good one.
You sing really well. Brilliant voice.
I wish you a lot of songs, recordings, fame, and fortune.
Thank you.
And you.
Okay, I'm just going to say it.
There's something about you.
When you played the guitar at the studio, I didn't ever want you to stop.
I wished our recording would never come to an end.
It was a painfully short song.
I deliberately botched up a few lines, too.
I just didn't have the heart to leave. That's how I felt while leaving.
But here I am, half an hour later, sitting on your bike with you.
Unbelievable.
Yeah.
You think I can also wish for world peace and it will happen?
But it's not the same for you, is it?
I only ask because I felt this vibe in that room.
I thought you were flirting with me, too.
Do you know when?
When you said, "I'll see you in London."
Tell me I'm wrong.
Wrong.
Okay. I might've read you wrong.
I guess I was mistaken. I'm sorry.
To use the word "mistake" here would be a mistake.
Because if that was the case…
it wouldn't be a mistake.
Just saying.
Maybe it's just your eyes?
That must be it.
Your eyes are the problem.
The way you gaze…
so deeply.
Just the way they are.
-Come on. -Of course, I'm the problem, too.
Why did you have to see me here?
And you could have kept going.
Why did you offer me a ride?
An old lady was walking ahead of me.
You could have offered her a ride.
Her house was right there. I know that old woman.
That's her daily routine. She even goes jogging barefoot.
That's why I offered you a lift.
So that's it?
Just like that.
As easy as that.
Makes no sense to bottle up feelings for days and not express them.
I was thinking if I should get your number and text or call you
while I was walking down the road.
I decided against it, and then you turned up.
Now how could I not just say it?
As far as this feeling is concerned, who knows when it'll strike you?
Okay.
It struck me all right, inside that studio.
And hopefully, you, too.
And, hello!
It's also about who you say it to.
I feel safe with you.
A little bird inside tells me that you won't judge me for saying it like it is.
Like I said…
there's something about you.
Yes!
But you never said that.
I did. In my head.
Didn't you hear it?
But you heard the stuff my mother said!
Baby, baby, look into my eyes
Honey, tell me is this what Falling for you feels like?
Running out of lyrics But all I want is to sing with you
Baby, baby, look into my eyes
Honey, tell me is this what Falling for you feels like?
"Something about you," as in… You like my voice?
That's all?
And you, my eyes are deep and beautiful? That's all?
So you admit it? About your eyes?
Just saying what you said.
Not just your eyes.
I already told you.
Complete attraction.
The stuff you said.
The way you said it.
Your voice.
Manly, yet so soft.
There was this connection, this vibe.
The thick wooden door and the glass wall between you and me…
it came breaking through all that.
That vibe!
-And the music. -Yeah.
I'm talking about your choice of music.
It says a lot about you.
Thanks.
The Beethoven you played…
and before that…
You came in pursuit of music
And you became my music
What would become of me without music?
I would turn into a lifeless mass
You were there?
-Were you there? -This feeling started there for me.
But I didn't see…
You owned that stage.
That's you.
You've got it in you.
So that feeling…
A first for me.
In 22 years, I've never felt such a thing before.
And then you walked me out.
Who does that?
This is where that feeling gets on a hand and slaps me hard.
It left a mark on me.
Which is why I told you as soon as I got on your bike.
To let you know, "Boy, you did all this to me."
Your turn.
Okay, so it's just my voice?
It's okay.
If you don't feel the same way, it's okay.
I can handle it.
This is my second time.
My second time in 32 years.
That's the problem.
That's not letting me say anything more.
Yeah.
You are only 22 years old?
Do I look a lot older?
No, no, not like that… In a good way.
I swear, I'm only 22.
-I'm not lying. -Don't keep saying it.
It hurts.
Nice! I like it.
This age difference, the fact that my father will disown me,
these are future problems.
It will come.
But let's not go there now.
It's too soon to think of all that.
But we are on the right track now.
Did you feel it, too?
The vibe and attraction that I felt?
Tell me about it.
I have another five minutes.
Or just say nothing at all,
and I'll be out of your life in ten seconds.
I was in that mind space of leaving the country…
ten seconds before you walked in, and until now…
I'd forgotten all about it.
I think, from the very moment you touched that door.
The way you walked in,
the way you stood, shook my hand, and looked at me,
the way you spoke, your eyes, your face, your voice,
your gait, your style, your expressions…
I could go on describing you physically.
It would all be true, but it wasn't just that.
You said all the things my mother said to me.
I guess I needed the validation.
The example you gave with Beethoven, and nothing else, that inspired me.
The vibe that came crashing through the glass door…
Yeah, a couple of times…
I made you repeat some lines.
That was deliberate.
So the recording wouldn't end.
So you wouldn't leave.
And then when I saw you again on the road…
how could I not speak to you? How could I not ask?
All that happened naturally.
I'll go.
You better.
Baby, baby, look into my eyes
Honey, tell me is this what Falling for you feels like?
Running out of lyrics But all I want is to sing with you
You and I, exploring together
As the skies, air and earth cheer
Let's parade together Like this world's never seen before
Stalking?
Hell, no.
You said you were struck like lightning by me.
I was sweet enough to wait two hours to drop you back home.
How can that be stalking?
Correct.
So that jobless?
I am a musician, aren't I?
If I were Ilaiyaraaja, I'd have composed five tunes.
You made a new song?
Yes.
-Seriously? -Yeah.
-Sing for me, no? Please? -Sure.
Okay, it goes like this.
Boy meets girl.
They connect, vibe. A sudden attraction.
They hang out for ten days, and it leads up to the first kiss.
-That's the song. -Just like our story?
Do you mind?
-Let's go over there? -Let's go over there?
Come.
-Right side. -Yeah.
Well…
I'll be making up some lyrics.
-Go for it. -Yeah.
Hey
Catch my falling heart
Hey
Quench your thirst with my dreams
Hey
Spread your little wings
Come
Get on my lips and smile
Perched atop my guitar strings
You're like a sweet singing sparrow
Into my dreary, colorless life
You have splashed a million hues
Like a painter's brush Like a painter's brush
You're a rainbow Raining over me
Like an angel Like an angel
You uproot my heart From its very core
I float like a leaf on a puddle of music
You are a rainfall out to topple me
Drench me all the way down to my roots
Dissolve into my…
Dissolve into my soul like the water
Perched atop my piano keys
You dance like a pretty peahen
Into my dreary, colorless life
You have splashed a million hues
Like a painter's brush Like a painter's brush
You're a rainbow Raining over me
Like an angel Like an angel
You uproot my heart From its very core
What for?
Like a painter's brush Like a painter's brush
You're a rainbow Raining over me
Like an angel Like an angel
You uproot my heart From its very core
Why are we here?
We'll get into trouble for nothing.
Today is our tenth day together, just like in your song.
Let's have a go at each other. Please.
Right here?
No way.
Let's just…
kiss?
Maybe?
That's what I meant, too.
What did you think?
So for you, a kiss is "just a kiss"?
Not at all.
I swear, that's not how it is.
Okay, hold on.
I have been meaning to tell you something for a few days now.
Let me cross that threshold first.
I love you.
Like never before, okay?
I don't ever want us to be apart. I don't ever want to leave you.
I love you.
I really do.
It's just that… those flight tickets were expensive.
I don't think British Airways offers a full refund.
Do you love me?
I crossed that threshold when you sang…
"Into my dreary, colorless life, you splashed a million hues."
I was done right there.
Mad or what?
Do you need me to say it?
I love you.
And this is forever, Kamal.
Higher and higher We're going higher and higher
Every single breath that you take away Baby, I'm amazed
Closer and closer I'm moving closer and closer
I just wanna dive into the night With you by my side, look into your eyes
Wow!
Maarten, I loved that. Give it up for Maarten.
And that's the story behind this song.
If you buggers are keen to know…
she's not in my life anymore.
-Tell us why. -Really?
No. It's not important to know how or why.
What I thought would be the story of my life
ended up being just a beautiful chapter.
So here I am, a couple of years later,
much wiser in music and in life.
And I've made my peace…
which brings me to my next song.
This song is also gonna be in my language, Tamil.
Straight from the heart.
Oh, she flew away!
She got over me
I reached out to hold her But she disappeared into the air
She was the air to my music She was the grammar to my lyric
While I planned for a future together She became my past, my yesterday
She and I together I thought it was forever
How the sparks flew
They flew
Even if we're over She gave me the power
To find my own groove
She and I together I thought it was forever
How the sparks flew They flew
No longer my lover Sang at London Tower
Owe that to you, to you
Oh, she flew away She got over me
I reached out to hold her But she disappeared into the air
She was the story of my life And now she's just a line in the book
Even though she's gone, time and again She is the music that I make
She and I together I thought it was forever
How does a simple glance turn into infatuation?
At what point does infatuation get christened as love?
Science searches for blackholes in distant galaxies…
Why does it fail to see the blackhole called love?
Is love physics because of the attraction?
Is it chemistry because it transforms?
Is it mathematics of the heart?
Is it the engineering of biology?
There are no answers to any of these questions, love is just love.
Together or apart…