MALAYSIA has had its fair share of talented Tamil musicians hitting the limelight especially after the legendary Malaysian Vasudevan became a celebrated singer in Tamil movies and Kollywood back in the 80s itself.
Then then the super group Poetic Ammo broke new grounds in Tamil and English music in the 90s while team leader Yogi B is now a celebrated superstar with so many hits in Tamil movies.
Just also add Sasi the Don in the mix while hip hop star Rabit Mac, pushing the notch even higher. But recently singers like Mugen Rao, Santesh Kumar, Dhilip Varman, Balan Kumar and Viveck Ji are also seen hitting the limelight with some fine compositions.
Add to that singers like Jaclyn Victor, a celebrated singer who won the inaugural Malaysian Idol, the legendary Francissca Peter and also Hiresh Haridas better known by his stage name Reshmonu, who has made a name himself in the local scene with his English songs.
But here comes Shameshan Mani Maran ... Meet the trailblazing 35-year-old young man from Johor Baru who has been winning awards after awards and all set to break his game into Kollywood country and also a local Malay film scene this year.
And his superb songs in the hit Tamil film C4Cinta are regularly getting airtime in Astro and local radio channels Minnal FM and THR Raaga. His 'Kathal Onnu' song in C4Cinta, has been deemed as the best local Tamil song in 2024. That song and his work in the movie together with is background music score has been winning plaudits all over.
At the prestigious MICA Awards in 2024, he also won the Best Music Director title. He was also the chosen the Most Popular Composer at the 2024 Nambikai Star Icon Awards show and then also bagging The Peoples' Choice for Best Song (Kathal Onnu) at the Desam International Icon Awards Show also in 2024.
But such awards are not new. And no wonder he is considered among top music composers in Malaysia. In fact, he was the National Winner in Asian Academy Creative Awards 2022 and he has also won Cinefest’19.
And the fact even at the age on only 35, this young man actually had broken into the scene way back in 2008 and he was only 18 at that time.
It started with his first song as music director was Kaneeril Oor Kavithai in 2008.
And since then he has composed hit local Tamil series like Kalvanai Kandupidi, Tamiletchumy, Kalyaanam 2 Kaadhal and many more song tracks.
And yes, he also won Best Music Director Award and PAAIM Johor 2019 Best Music Director Award and has been nominated in Malaysia Film Festival for Best Background Music Score (Top 5 in Malaysia). Top that, he has also worked with many talented international musicians.
But what makes this young composer an extra edge is his somewhat very down-to-earth attitude. And he even thanked many senior artistes who has been very kind to him in his path to success.
His many collaborations with C4Cinta director Karthik Shamalan also has played a big part in his success too with their combo hitting big time in movies and also tv series. The duo's work Kathal 2 Kalyanam tv series is simply put amazing with the storylines in two seasons and music being favourites with many.
"I have many people to thank. My dad (JB Mani Maran), I followed him everywhere and I love him so much and he has taught me so, so many things. I also owe my 'big bro' Rabbit Mac for teaching me the trade. I found a great brother in Karthik too. My sister also plays a big part in my set-up and I thank her much for that," said the humble Shameshan.
"I can go on and on, my friends and team in my business set-up Wavebox are also a big help. This set up is like what you in Kollywood and these guy, my teammates, friends and brothers, are my big heroes. We are a successful team and I hope we will continue making sweet music for the fans.
"Many other also helped me. All my family members and the great people I have met in my career, I thank them all."
The Johor boy is also going places this year. Besides working with Karthik, he is also all set to break into Kollywood in a big way and also a Malay Film expected to be launched in the second quarter in the year.
"We have worked with Kollywood productions and movie (Sivappu Manjal Pachai) before, but this it is special because several top stars are involved. And I would leave it to the main players to make the official announcement," said Shameshan. "The Malay movie is expected to be out in Q2 and it is best for the producers to make the announcement too."
"In all, I just want the journey to go on and fans continue to appreciate the music. That gives me and my team the happiest moments. The 'C4Cinta' outing was just incredible and I know Karthik is capable of going even better soon.
"It is really good to see Tamil music and movies in Malaysia being appreciated by all in the country."
Being so humble and down-to earth at the same time, it is also great to one so young and level headed and hoping to excite all with music.
He and his team have been doing it for the last 17 years and fans will also hope these eager beaver composers keep up their good work and continue achieving success.
