Hai Rabba…, Hai Rama…. You must have recognized by now. She is our pop star from Andhra, Smitha, who has attracted a whole range of audience. Until now we have enjoyed with Hindi songs, but now Smitha has now come up with Telugu pop songs to give us complete entertainment. Don't you want to know more about what she spoke to Ragalahari...
Why did you want to become a pop singer?
I never thought that I would become a pop singer. I used to sing only as a hobby since when I was a kid. I've never had any stage fear. But I concentrated a lot on singing. I sang as a playback singer. But then, had I continued the same way, my talent could not have been expressed and nobody would have known who I am. My father then asked me Why I could not become a pop star. I would not have been recognized without the support and encouragement given at home. They extended a lot of support and gave me a boost of confidence whenever I got discouraged.
Who are your favorite pop singers?
I like certain qualities in each of the singers. Some have very good album song audio, others have good videos. Shankar Mahadevan, Asha Bhonsle, Hariharan are some whom I like. I can learn a lot from each one of them.
To what extent is your interference with the pop songs?
Iam very stubborn and I do anything only if I like it. This applies to my music and my videos also. I do not like anybody's interference in these matters.
Did you refuse a movie offer?
Yes. I have my say in everything that I make in a pop song. In a movie, starting from the agreement, I have to act according to somebody's wishes. I don't like it. Any way, I don't think cinema life really suits me too well.
So do you wish to continue as a pop singer?
Yeah… I like this way of life. This is what I like and I wish to continue to be a pop singer.
Has any other pop singers wished you after seeing your work?
A pop singer called Jessy congratulated me. She found out my telephone number and called me up to the hotel room that I stayed in, when I went to Bombay. She congratulated on my performance.
Which is your favorite pop song?
I like all my songs. Each song has its own beauty. Prema ante…, Naa Oohalo…, Koyilamma…, are some of my favorites. The song called Oh Jaabili… is sung by my mother.
Did you learn classical music?
When I was in Vijayawada, I learnt music from Mr. Mohan Krishna and Mr.Malladi Suribabu for one year...that's all
Did you take any suggestions from any pop stars?
No. A few of them complimented me on my program. But for that, nobody gave me any suggestions.
Are you working for ETV for the pop therapy program?
Yes. I designed this program. If you look at me in this program, I don't seem like an anchor. This is how I wanted the program to be.
In your album out of 7 songs only 2 to 3 songs are hit songs. Why are you not giving importance to the rest of the songs too?
I have concentrated on all the songs equally well. But the audience reacts to the songs in the promotion advertisements. That is the reason why only those songs seem to be hit songs.
After becoming a pop star you must be recognized and wished by everybody around you? How do you react to this?
In the beginning, I used to find it funny. Later, I got used to this. Even before entering the pop field, I was selected in Paaduta Teeyaga in ETV, People started recognizing me after this itself.
Can you give us your Bio-data?
I was born on the 4th of September. My star sign is Virgo. I did my schooling in Bangalore. Then studied at Stella in Vijayawada. Right now, I am studying Fashion Designing in Hyderabad.
What is your ambition?
I wish to complete an album sung in English. That is my aim and I am working towards it.
What are you doing nowadays?
Iam acting in a song for a movie. It is a guest appearance.
But you said that you don't prefer working for movies!
A song is different from cinema. A song is just a part of a full-length cinema. I cannot work for a whole movie. It is a situation song and a group song. I like it and that's exactly why I am doing it. I am also making my albums in Kannada & Tamil.
