A Mani Ratnam movie, a pan-India film, AR Rahman as the composer, and the chance to sing in four languages — this was bigger than my dream,” gushes Antara Nandy, who first gained fame following her participation in a music reality show, and subsequently for hosting the Balcony Concert series with her sister during the lockdown.

Marking her playback singing debut with Ponniyin Selvan: I, Nandy had rendered the first scratch of Alaikadal two years ago. “Usually, five scratches are recorded, so I thought my version wouldn’t be selected. I only learnt a week ago that it had been finalised, and I was called to dub in Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada as well. I was told that it is about a boat woman who wants [to be with] the love of her life, but knows [he is] unattainable. All these feelings had to be reflected, and because I was singing in languages that I didn’t know, [it was challenging]. Mani Ratnam sir was present throughout the process, and Rahman sir explained the lyrics, line-by-line. Other musicians helped me with the diction, and I was guided through every line, and taught how the emotions needed to be conveyed, and how the voice needed to change.”