Sandalwood’s singing stars

Lip-syncing on screen is not enough. Our heroes croon for themselves and for others too

Sandalwood is trending with several actors singing for Kannada films. With all the top actors like Sudeep, Upendra and Puneet Rajkumar lending their voices for popular numbers - they have proved that they can be as good singers as they are actors. Interestingly, these actors have not just sung for their own films, but lent their voices to other actors as well.

Upendra Upendra is a talented man, we agree. Juggling acting, direction and singing is quite a task and the Real Star has done it with ease. Uppi started singing playback from the beginning of his career and has a long list of peppy numbers to his credit. Be it Chitrana Chitrana from Buddhivantha, Apple Apple from Lava Kusha, Sikkapatte Ishtapatte from Super or Tagalakonde for Shivarajkumar's Joggaiah - he has a long list of super hits to his credit.

Puneet Rajkumar Puneet Rajkumar has been singing playback since he was a child artist. He has sung for several of his father's films like Bettada Hoovu and Chalisuva Modagalu, among others. His unique voice has made several of his songs very popular. His most recent accomplishments as a singer include the songs he's sung for Vamshi and Jackie. He has also sung for several of his brother Shivarajkumar's films, of which Mylapura Mylari from the film Mylari became a huge hit. Recently, Puneet crooned for actor Ganesh's film Shyloo.

Shivaraj Kumar Shivanna has been singing for several years and has a long list of popular songs to his credit. If Puneet's voice is suitable for peppy numbers, Shivanna has some romantic songs to his credit. Mani Mani Mani from the film Janmada Jodi, is one of his best works as a singer. He is also one of the few actors in the industry to have sung for a heroine-oriented film Shakti that had Malashree in the lead role.

Sudeep Sudeep's 'raw' voice has attracted several music composers, proof of which is evident in the number of songs he has sung for his films, notable among them being Veera Madakari, Gooli, Shantinivasa, Nalla, Ranga SSLC and Vaalee. His recent hits include the song Hale Radio from Kempegowda.

Ganesh Golden Star Ganesh was a reluctant singer. But when he took to the studio to croon for the song Cofee Hogonvaa in his directorial debut Kool... Sakkath Hot Maga, he did so with aplomb.

Yogi Yogi takes the credit for popularizing some songs like Jinke Marina from Nanda Loves Nanditha and Amma Loosa from Dhool. Despite getting several compliments for his voice, the actor was reluctant to try his hand at singing. He will lend his voice for a song in the film Kalaya Tasmayi Namaha. Composed by Neil, the song is touted to be the Kolaveri of Sandalwood.