'Bolo na' had calibre for National award: Shankar Mahadevan

Mar 18, 2013 IANS

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) The song "Bolo na", which has been named for two National awards Monday, had the calibre to win such an honour, says Shankar Mahadevan, who has won the best playback singer (male) for the number.

"This was not expected, but I knew that this song had the calibre to reach that level and get people's appreciation," Mahadevan told IANS.

The song, which featured in the movie "Chittagong", even won the best lyrics honour for writer Prasoon Joshi.

Mahadevan said the "classical-based song and was not promoted commercially".

"But I am happy that it was recognized by the jury members. I would like to thank the jury members," said the singer-composer, who already has three national awards in his pocket.

In the year 2000, he won the best male playback singer for "Yenna solla poogirai" ("Kandukondain Kandukondain"), and four years later, he picked the best music direction trophy for "Kal Ho Naa Ho", as part of the popular trio.

The year 2008 brought him yet another best male playback singer for the heartwarming track "Maa" from the film "Taare Zameen Par".