In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, singer Vaishali Samant opens up about her latest track Jinguchaa from Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life, marking a special reunion with director Mani Ratnam and music maestro A.R. Rahman 25 years after her breakthrough with Yaro Yarodi in Alai Payuthey. From reliving nostalgia to redefining success in the digital era, Vaishali reflects on her musical journey, her approach to vibrant compositions and why working with Rahman remains a creatively fulfilling experience
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Singer Vaishali Samant is back in the spotlight with her latest energetic track Jinguchaa from the Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life, also featuring Silambarasan TR and Sanya Malhotra. With lyrics penned by Kamal Haasan and music composed by the maestro A.R. Rahman, the song is being received very well by listeners.
But what makes this release particularly special for Vaishali is the sense of coming full circle — Jinguchaa reunites her with filmmaker Mani Ratnam and composer A.R. Rahman 25 years after she first lent her voice to Yaro Yarodi in the 2000 cult film Alai Payuthey.
“When I sang this song, I didn’t know I was singing for Mani Ratnam sir,” the Aika Dajiba singer reveals adding, “Whenever I go to any recording, I don’t ask for the details about who I’m singing for. For me, what matters initially is that my voice should suit the song well. I was simply happy that I was going to sing a Tamil song.”
She recalls that Mani Ratnam had once encouraged her to sing in Tamil.
“Mani sir had told me once, ‘You should try singing a Tamil song.’ I’m so glad he gave me the opportunity. My focus was on getting the pronunciation correct and making sure all aspects were intact.” It was only during her second recording session that she realised who the song was for.
“During the first recording, I didn’t ask much. But when I went in for all the improvisations the second time, I saw the name Thug Life. And I thought, ‘This is Mani sir’s film!’ I was so excited — it took me right back to 2000 when Yaro Yarodi released. I felt so blessed. I initially didn’t even know Kamal Haasan sir had written the lyrics. That was like a cherry on the cake. God has given me this beautiful moment.” She reflects on how her artistic journey has evolved since Alai Payuthey.
“Alai Payuthey happened in 2000. At that time, there was no social media, so I didn’t even know Yaro Yarodi still holds such a special place in people’s hearts. But now, people are posting and saying, ‘Yaro Yarodi singer Vaishali Samant is back with Jinguchaa.’ It’s surreal.”
At the time, she was equally invested in her independent music. “In 2000, I was really focused on my independent album Aika Dajiba, and that same year Alaipayuthey happened. So in bits and pieces, people would call me for recordings. Then Chhalka Chhalka Re happened. Things just kept happening gradually, and I was still concentrating on my albums.”
Her career trajectory changed further post-2003. “Aika Dajiba became a big thing in 2003, and that’s when I began doing events. That continued until 2008 — so my journey has been quite a mix of playback and independent work.” Talking about the recording experience for Jinguchaa, she describes the energy of the track as truly infectious.
“For Jinguchaa, sir communicated with me over the phone and told me, ‘This is a marriage song — you know how it is.’ It’s all about joy and celebration. Trust me, I was dancing throughout the recording — that’s the vibe!”
She elaborates on the song’s dynamic structure and musical layering.
“Musically, if you dissect Jinguchaa, there’s the blend of us three singers, then a shift from a traditional dance groove to rock guitar. There are a lot of ups and downs, but the moment the song starts, you just start dancing. We recorded a lot of variations and really enjoyed that Jinguchaa moment.”
Her previous release, Aaya Re Toofan, from the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava, also composed by Rahman, became a massive success. The song has crossed 58 million views on YouTube and struck a chord with listeners. “I belong to an era when there was no social media. Even audiences are finding it hard to keep up with the pace now,” she reflects. “The parameters have changed slightly. But I make sure I want to do good songs — not just ones that are made for reels.”
She is grateful for the creative freedom Rahman offers her.
“When songs like Aaya Re Toofan bring a different vibe, it feels special. I’m so happy that A.R. Rahman sir decided that ‘this part only Vaishali will sing.’ It’s only after the final output that you realize how amazing it has turned out.”
Vaishali adds that she has learned to adapt to Rahman’s distinctive style of direction.
“With AR Rahman sir, I have learned to sing exactly like what he wants. Every artist places a different kind of faith in him, and I’m grateful for mine.”
With a diverse discography that spans languages and genres — from Aika Dajiba to Chhalka Chhalka Re, Kombdi Palali, Ay Sakhi and Ranga Ranga — Vaishali Samant continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
And with Jinguchaa, she has not only delivered another hit but also relieved a moment that takes her back to where it all began — a journey rooted in melody, tradition and pure joy.
