Adding to the chartbuster list of the Pushpa franchise, Kissik has been creating its own noise, with the vocals by Sublashini. In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, she speaks of her inclination towards music, singing the track and more
Sublashini, the voice behind the sensational Kissik from Pushpa 2, has become the talk of the town. In an exclusive chat, the rising star shared insights into her journey and the energy-packed process of creating this chart-topping hit. Her journey into the world of music began as a natural expression of her love for singing, a talent she nurtured from her childhood.
Without formal training, she found her voice in school competitions, where the seeds of her musical passion were sown. The timbre of her voice and the vocal ranges of English tracks resonated with her far more than Tamil or regional music, which felt distant in tone and pitch.
As she explored this new world of sound, her creative instincts flourished. Writing poetry had always been a part of her life, an instinctive way of capturing her thoughts. “I wouldn’t call myself a voracious writer, but I loved expressing myself through words whenever inspiration struck,” she admits.
From self-discovery to collaboration, has shaped her identity as an artist, setting the stage for her breakout with Kissik, the trending track from Pushpa 2: The Rule. Her debut single, Katadi, marked the first milestone in her musical career, a song that started as a casual experiment but turned into something unexpectedly significant. “It wasn’t planned as a grand release or anything,” she shares. “We initially created it for Instagram, but once we realised how much we loved it, we decided to develop a full version.”
When asked about her foray into playback singing, she revealed that it wasn’t a career she had envisioned. “Playback singing just happened,” she admits. During her school days, even as she practiced diligently, she never saw herself entering the playback world. “The voices I heard on screen felt unattainable—too high-pitched and out of my range. It was always easier for me to replicate male voices rather than female ones,” she explains.
Her journey to Pushpa 2’s much-anticipated track Kissik began serendipitously. Renowned composer Devi Sri Prasad (DSP) was on the hunt for a fresh voice, something unique and unexplored. “He and his team were listening to a variety of songs late one night and my track Golden Sparrow was among them. He found my voice interesting and that’s how it all started. At the time, I had no idea it was for Pushpa 2. It wasn’t until I got the event invitation that his manager casually mentioned, ‘Oh, this is for Pushpa 2.’ I was stunned.”
Working with DSP proved to be an unforgettable experience. “He’s the most energetic person I’ve met in the industry,” she shares, her admiration clear. “Even when the track is recorded, he’s dancing and completely immersed in the music. His energy is contagious.” She recalls how his warmth and approachability turned the studio into a second home. “I was nervous on my first day, but he’s built an environment that feels like a family. It’s a space where creativity flows naturally, without any intimidation.”
When it came to delivering the electrifying vocals for Kissik, she admits it was a challenge to rise to the song’s intense energy. “It took me an entire day to crack it,” she recalls. “I was in the studio from morning and while they recorded and tested, doubts started creeping in, both for me and maybe for them too. By night, we were all exhausted and ready to give up, but then someone suggested, ‘Let’s try one last time.’ That’s when something clicked.” She describes the moment as almost magical, a sudden surge of energy unlocking the power needed for the track. “I’m just grateful that out of nowhere, the energy poured out of me and we finally got what we wanted.”
For her, the transition from creating independent music to playback singing came with its own set of adjustments. “When I’m making independent music, I’m in complete control. I know exactly what I want. But in playback, especially when there’s no reference vocal, it’s about cracking what others envision. That takes time for me,” she explains.
The high-energy vibe of Kissik also meant stepping into the shadow of Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava, a massive success from Pushpa. Did the weight of expectations affect her? Surprisingly, it didn’t. “I didn’t even know I had to match Oo Antava’s energy,” she laughs. “Being in the dark about the song’s context worked in my favour. I wasn’t overwhelmed by the pressure and everything fell into place naturally. But I definitely think I would have been intimidated had I known I had to match that song’s energy” she confesses.
With Kissik, she’s proven that sometimes, trusting the process and the magic of one last take, can lead to unforgettable results.
She describes the recording process of Kissik as a transformative and theatrical experience, one that pushed her out of her comfort zone. “It felt like I was acting, not just singing. I had to bring out a whole sensual vibe that I had never explored before,” she shares. “To deliver that energy vocally, I had to embody it physically, whether through gestures, expressions, or even imagined movements. It wasn’t just about hitting the right notes; it was about performing with my whole being.” This new approach came with its challenges. “The first day was tough,” she admits. “It took time to soak in the energy required and match the sensual tone they wanted. And with the Telugu version, there were multiple lyric iterations, so I became deeply familiar with the song, almost memorizing each version by heart. It felt more natural with time, but it was definitely a learning curve.”
The high-energy track marks a milestone in her career, as Kissik is her first major Telugu playback release, and also her first song in Hindi. “The response has been incredible. People from different parts of India have reached out to say they loved it, even if they didn’t understand the lyrics,” she says. “It’s amazing to connect with listeners in their own languages and resonate with such a wide audience.”
As for the future, she is keeping her creative options open. “I don’t like boxing myself into one genre. I write what I feel, and the music takes its shape from there. Working in multiple languages this time was such a rewarding experience that I’d love to continue experimenting with different styles and learning new languages,” she says. “I want to remain fluid and explore as much as I possibly can.”
When asked about her dream collaborations, Her excitement is contagious “At this point, the list is endless,” she laughs. “Playback singing wasn’t something I even considered possible, and now that it’s happening, the doors feel wide open. I’d love to work with so many music directors, and even contribute as a lyricist, if the opportunity arises. I write my own lyrics in Tamil and English, so that’s something I’d like to explore further.”
“AR Rahman definitely” she says, one name stands out in her wishlist. Anirudh Ravichander, she says with enthusiasm. “Even if it’s far-fetched, I’d be thrilled to work with him someday. Fingers crossed, it could happen when I’m 60 and he’s 70! Whenever it happens, I’ll be ready and happy.”
