Chennai is a two-syllable word. In its pause, lies a rise and a fall, a push and a pull. In this pause between ‘Che’ and ‘Nnai’ the city comes alive; it is in this pause that you find its people. You wake up to some of them, celebrate with them, and sometimes even strictly adhere to their instructions. But do you know the people who make Chennai’s soundscape iconic? Come, let’s meet them.
Rahul Nambiar and Ranjith Govind, CSK anthem
Singers Rahul Nambiar and Ranjith Govind
| Photo Credit:
Prasanna Mahadevan
For years now, the lion’s roar at the Chepauk stadium has been followed by a loyal and foot-thumping rendition of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) ancient anthem ‘Idhu Chennai Super Kings’. But back when it was created in 2008 during the first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ranjith Govind and Rahul Nambiar, two of the four singers on the track, said they had no idea what they were recording for composer Mani Sharma.
“At that point, nobody knew what the IPL was or what it was going to be. We just thought it might be a fun song to clap to at a game. Ever since though, during every four, six and wicket, when the song plays at a CSK game, it is great to see the crowd come together and sing this anthem we recorded ages ago,” says Rahul. Ranjith says that though the two singers have sung hit numbers across various film industries in India and are well known for their work, their contribution to the CSK anthem is hardly known.
“I do not think anyone ever recognises us [and singers Naveen Madhav and Suchitra] from this song but it is always a delight to see it play during the tournament. We once performed this song live some 15 years ago with a whole band and got to watch the match from the performance stand. That was a cool experience,” he says. Ranjith and Rahul say that they are honoured to be a part of one of Chennai’s most cherished celebrations — the moments when CSK plays — and they wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
Devasena ES, Chennai Metro Rail voice
Voice artist Devasena ES
| Photo Credit:
Prasanna Mahadevan
Devasena ES’s first job as a call centre employee was answering the phone and saying “Hello, this is Pizza Corner. How may I help you?”. Is that what prepared her to eventually becoming the announcer for Chennai Metro Rail?
“When I was a call centre executive, people often told me that I had a nice voice. At a time when I switched different careers and eventually landed a job in tech, I was miserable and wanted to move to a different field. That is when I came across an article in The Hindu that said they were offering training for people to be radio jockeys (RJ) and voice-over artists. I didn’t think I was cool enough or cut out to be an RJ but I ended up eventually becoming one!” she says. “I was RJ Deva on a popular radio channel in Chennai for years. But I also continued my voice work on the side. It is when I was asked by the National Film Development Corporation if I would be interested in submitting my voice for the Chennai Metro Rail. That is where it all began,” says Devasena.
The former RJ says she had no idea her voice was used until the moment a friend called her to say that he had recognised the voice inside the metro. “I took the train from Teynampet to a few stations and back to confirm that it was indeed me,” she says. Devasena is used to being behind the scenes and says that the limelight is a fuzzy place for her but is thrilled to have her voice recognised. “At shops, when I ask for things, people often say they’ve heard my voice somewhere. Then it hits them,” she says. Devasena continues to record the names of new stops and lines added to the Chennai Metro Rail network and hopes to be the voice inside the train for many years to come.
Sachin Sundar, Greater Chennai Corporation Garbage anthem
Music Composer Sachin Sundar
| Photo Credit:
Prasanna Mahadevan
If we told you that a song on garbage becoming a city-wide pop-culture moment, you would be calling us out for spinning yarn. But Sachin Sundar’s garbage anthem ‘Namma Ooru Samma Joru’ is a shining example of the phenomenon that anything can happen.
This 27-year-old’s song that plays from the speakers of battery operated garbage vehicles, is one that invites bouquets and brickbats alike. “I thought it would get trolled but when I met this sanitary worker who collects waste at home, he told me that people request the number,” Sachin says. Sachin’s father, M Sundar, a sanitary officer with the Greater Chennai Corporation, told his son that senior officials at the local body were looking for a bright and catchy song to encourage better waste management.
“In a couple of hours, I wrote, composed, and sang the song. I had sent it in as a draft but everyone at the Corporation seemed to enjoy it and the first attempt at the song was approved,” he says, chuckling. Sachin says that his father often teases him. “I don’t wake up too early because I work late. My father says, ‘Here you are, sleeping, while Chennai wakes up to your song’.”
Sachin, who is the music director of the film Andha Eazhu Natkal releasing on September 12, says that the producer of the film gave him the opportunity only after listening to the garbage anthem. “I feel proud and socially responsible after having created that sound. I hope we can all play a part in making Chennai a better place,” he says.
Published – September 11, 2025 08:22 am IST
