Madras Day | Why Chennai is special for singers Unnikrishnan, Uthara

Unnikrishnan and Uthara Unnikrishnan share their love for music, cricket, and Chennai in their sea-facing ECR residence.

Unnikrishnan hums the tune of ‘Narumugaiye’ (Iruvar) as he gets ready for a photoshoot. Uthara walks in and completes it.

At their sea-facing ninth floor residence on ECR, music is a common topic of discussion.

And why not? In 1994, Unnikrishnan won the National Award for his debut film song, ‘Ennavale’ in Kaadhalan. Twenty years later, in 2014, his daughter, Uthara Unnikrishnan debuted in films with the ‘Azhage’ track in Saivam, which also won a National Award.

While music dominates conversation, the father-duo share other common interests as well, like cricket and Chennai. “The city (Madras) made me a musician and the person I am today,” says Unnikrishnan, who fondly remembers bus rides on 21C and 12B to get to his school in Santhome.

Uthara, on the other hand, enjoys her drive from Muttukadu to her college in Nungambakkam almost every other day. “I love the ECR and it’s really peaceful. I get my best sleep here,” smiles Uthara, adding that she enjoys hanging out with friends at Khader Nawaz Khan Road.

On a different pitch

Even as he pursued education and music, a young Unnikrishnan’s eyes were set on one thing: becoming a cricketer. “Cricket was always my first love,” he says, “I got into Santhome Higher Secondary School because of my cricketing skills and not due to my marks. Those two years really shaped my game; I subsequently played for Tamil Nadu Colts and Madras Cricket Club first division league. I remember playing along famous cricketers like Robin Singh, who was so fit that he would complete two runs even before I could finish one. All my first division matches were at Chepauk, which was a great opportunity. Even today, I look forward to unwinding with sports.”