Devan Ekambaram (born 25 December 1975) is an Indian American film playback singer, actor and composer. He began his career as a playback singer in Tamil films, and later branched out to many other south Indian languages, such as Telugu and Kannada. Ekambaram has sung for over 500 films.
Devan Ekambaram தேவன் ஏகாம்பரம் | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 December 1975 Freehold Township, New Jersey, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Playback Singer,Film Composer, Actor |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years active | 1999–present |
Education
Devan studied at Freehold Township High School, New Jersey. He enrolled in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where he dropped out in his second year.[1]
Singing career
Devan started his singing career in 1999 when he received an unexpected call from the assistants of Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman, inviting him for a voice audition. He went on to record his first song, "O Maria," for the film Kadhalar Dhinam, collaborating with Yugendran. The song leads to numerous offers from various Southern music directors.[2]
Devan's second hit came in his short rendition of "Ore Nyabagam" from the film Minnale (2001), composed by Harris Jayaraj. Following that, he sang numerous popular tracks in Tamil and Telugu films, collaborating with composers such as Ilayaraja, Vidhyasagar, Deva, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Karthik Raja, and others. The song "Anbil Avan" from the film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa is composed by A. R. Rahman.[3]
Recently, he sang "Nahna na Na" for Director Venkat Prabhu's Biriyani, composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Two different remix versions of the song include "New Jack Swing Mix" and "The Extended Mix".
His latest song is "Yennai Arindhaal" from the movie Yennai Arindhaal in collaboration with Harris Jayaraj. Lyricist Thamarai wrote this song.[4]
Music direction
Devan debuted as a music director in the 2010 film Bale Pandiya. The music album was received with a mixed response. Besides this film, Devan has composed for several short Tamil album songs and has also sung for them.[5]
- Bale Pandiya (2010)
- Pattarai (2022)
Acting
Devan has performed in a few Tamil films as a character artist. Prominent ones include Parthiban Kanavu (debut film), Unnale Unnale and Jayam Kondaan. He also dubbed for various characters in films like Little John for the main character, John McKenzie, Suresh in Dasavathaaram, Dong Lee and other Chinese characters in 7aum Arivu.
Discography
Tamil
Telugu
| Year | Film | Song | Composer | Co-singer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Tholi Prema | "Vinnane Vinnane" | S. Thaman | Armaan Malik |
| 2013 | Sahasam | "Sahasam" | Sri | |
| 2010 | Ye Maaya Chesave | "Manasaa" | A.R. Rahman | Chinmayi |
| 2006 | Ashok | "Mumtaju Mahalu" | Mani Sharma | Tanvi Shah |
| 2005 | Vennela | "Preyasikaavu" | Mahesh Shankar | Saindhavi, Shudip, Rajani |
| "Bhagyam Podduna" | Aravind, Shudip | |||
| 2003 | Naaga | "Macarina" | Deva | |
| 2002 | Vasu | "O Prema" | Harris Jayaraj | |
| 2001 | Kushi | "Premante" | Mani Sharma | Kalpana |
| 2000 | Suri | "Monnatidaka" | Vidyasagar | |
| 1999 | Kadhalar Dhinam - Telugu (D) | "Oh Mariya" | A. R. Rahman | Yugendran, Febi Mani |
Kannada
| Year | Film | Song | Composer | Co-singer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Yajamana | "Navile Pancharangi Navile" | Rajesh Ramnath | Nanditha |
| 2001 | Bahala Chennagide | "Chori Chori" | Koti | |
| 2003 | Pakka Chukka | "Odu Odu" | S. Narayan | |
| 2008 | Accident | "Friendship Andre" | Ricky Kej | |
| 2017 | Toss | "Nidde Madi" | Gautham Srivatsa |