Dubai teenager gets a lucky break

Malayalam romance Diamond Necklace, set in Dubai, doesn't end with showcasing the UAE in all its glittering splendour. It's also a perfect music launch pad for local teenager Abhirami Ajai. Ever since its theatrical release in India last week, the 15-year-old Grade 10 student from Delhi Private School, Sharjah, has been inundated with congratulatory calls for her hit song Thottu Thottu. "The reaction to my first film song has been amazing. My friends and teachers may not understand the language but they all liked the song," said Ajai, who lends her voice to a visibly coy Gauthami Nair as she swats off the hero's (Fahad Fazil) amorous advances. Burj Khalifa and World Trade Centre, among other prime locations, are their playgrounds. "All of [director] Lal Jose sir and [music composer] Vidyasagar sir's combinations have always worked. They have given us some of the biggest hits. It's God's grace that I have got such a lucky break," said Ajai. Her parents, who are Dubai-based doctors, believe it's their daughter's dedication and discipline that worked in her favour. "She manages to study well and concentrate on music which is her passion. She practices for more than four hours on weekends," said her mother, Dr Aswathi Radhakrishnan. Her foray into films is the stuff of fairytales. Diamond Necklace director Laljose happened to hear her sing a Malayalam classic recording at his friend's house and was impressed with her vocals. A year later, he looked her up to sing for his ambitious project. Spurred by the success of her debut song, Ajai has also bagged another playback singing opportunity. "I recorded the song in Chennai for a Malayalam film titled Mumbai Dosth. In future, I hope to concentrate on my higher studies to become a journalist and pursue music too," said Ajai. Diamond Necklace is expected to release in the UAE next month. From: Gulfnews