Amidst the scorching summer heat, which can sap one’s energy and dampen spirits, one individual remains unaffected—RJ Anitha Rangaswamy. From the comfort of her South Bengaluru abode, Anitha radiates enthusiasm as she discusses her newest musical venture, the music video ‘Swalpa Swalpa’.
Anitha is a seasoned professional in the realm of speaking, her dynamic voice earning her livelihood. She swiftly delves into the narrative surrounding her new creation without a hint of inhibition—a testament to her bubbly character. Her delight is palpable, and she repeatedly adorns her description of the project with the adjective “beautiful.”
In her distinguished career, Anitha wears various creative hats—she is an RJ, lyricist, music composer, and primarily, a voiceover artist for FM radio commercials. Her expertise spans two decades during which she has penned numerous jingles for radio and other platforms. Recently, she stepped into the spotlight with the release of an independent music video, ‘Swalpa Swalpa’. This track, which debuted on her YouTube channel, has created considerable buzz, amassing over 120,000 views since its release last month.
Anitha’s musical library includes other notable works, such as ‘A Tribute song for Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar,’ performed by Shankar Mahadevan alongside a troupe of Kannada cinema playback singers, and ‘Amma, an Ode to all Mothers’, which showcases actors from Kannada cinema with their mothers. The current project, ‘Swalpa Swalpa,’ holds a special place in her heart as it marks the inception of her YouTube channel.
Showcasing her versatility, Anitha is not only the lyricist but also the composer for this song. Hriday Goswami, a notable name for his work on projects like Raj Shetty’s Tobi and Ondu Motteya Kathe, produced the music. The visually captivating video, directed by Panidhar Revannur—who is also notable as a wildlife filmmaker—features Kannada serial actor Abhinav Vishwanathan and model-actor Harita Shah. Vocalist Rajat Hegde lent his voice to the track; his accolades include ventures in Kannada cinema and reaching Voice of India semi-finals under the guidance of Arman Mallik.
As a literature enthusiast, Anitha started her career in copywriting before transitioning into radio jockeying. She reminisces about writing ‘Swalpa Swalpa’ on a particularly beautiful day, characterizing it as a fresh, romantic composition. Hegde is praised highly by Anitha for his vocal delivery, which she feels perfectly embodies the mood and theme of the track.
She notes that the catchy title played a significant role in capturing attention, pointing out the phrase’s familiarity and ease for those new to the Kannada language, in a jovial reflection on the cultural assimilation process in Bangalore.
Expanding her horizons, Anitha has lent her lyrical talents to various film projects, including ‘Newton’s 3rd Law’ by The Australia World Pictures and the Kannada film ‘Tortoise,’ helmed by director Suraj Shetty. She highlights her distinctive creative process, explaining that she thrives when writing and composing simultaneously—finding a unique harmony in her art form.
As Anitha looks to the future, she reveals her plans to release a Hindi version of ‘Swalpa Swalpa.’ The rendition, expected by the end of May, will strive to retain the original’s charm while finding a resonating melodic expression in Hindi.
Anitha Rangaswamy’s ‘Swalpa Swalpa’ stands as a beacon of cheerful defiance against the draining summer heat, offering a melody that enchants viewers, transcending language barriers and showcasing the universality of music. With her plans to diversify and bring her music to a broader audience, Anitha continues to explore her craft and touch hearts with her lyrical prowess.
