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Bollywood's popular Christian singers
India's diverse culture is reflected in Bollywood, its exuberant film industry that has embraced talent from across the country and all communities. Of late, many singers from the Christian community have lent their voices to soundtracks for Hindi and other desi cinema. We take a look:
Dominique Cerejo
Dominique Cerejo became popular with her song Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein from Rock On.
She started singing at the very early age of seven. She participated in a church singing competition and won, and that spurred her on to take singing lessons to polish her voice.
Shankar Mahadevan, with whom she was acquainted, gave her a chance to sing in Dus, the first film he worked on. She was also part of the chorus in the title track of Taare Zameen Par. But things really changed for her after Rock On's Yeh Tumhaari Meri Baatein.
Some of the songs to her credit are: Sooraj Ki Baahon Mein from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dhoom Again from Dhoom 2, Aashayein Aashayein from Iqbal, I Just Wanna Spend My Life With You and I Am In Luv from Neal N Nikki, Yeh Kaisa Hai Shaher from Paanch, Baamulaaiza from De Dana Dan, Pyaar Impossible title track, and I Am In Love from Once Upon a Time In Mumbaai.
Clinton Cerejo
Clinton participated in several college festivals and then started recording songs for other colleges to earn some pocket money. There was no tradition of music in Clinton's family: his father worked for Larsen & Toubro, his mother is a French professor and his two siblings are in different professions.
When he was in college he often did jam sessions with Siddharth Haldipur (Band of Boys fame). And it was Siddharth's father, Amar Haldipur, famous arranger and violinist, who noticed Clinton's talent and introduced him to Marathi music composer Anand Modak. Clinton began singing English songs in Marathi films and later lending his voice to jingles.
It was by chance that the great A R Rahman heard him singing when they were recording in adjacent studios. Rahman asked him to work with him and Clinton found himself singing in Tamil films. His work was noticed and the offers began coming in.
Some of the songs to his credit are: I Love You from Bodyguard, Doosri Darling and O Mama from Saat Khoon Maaf, Do U Waana Partner from Partner, Kya Karoon Haule Haule Jo from Wake up Sid, Kyon Hai Yeh Khaamoshiya from All the Best, Dil To Bacha Hai Jee from Ishqiya, Hey Ya, I See You from Karthik Calling Karthik.
Marianne D'Cruz Aiman
She learnt singing from the Trinity College of Music, London, and also has a diploma in vocals from Trinity College and The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London.
Marianne is a gospel singer and has travelled the world giving gospel performances.
In the last 10 years, Marianne has been singing professionally in Bollywood, with leading music composers such as Rahman, Salim-Suleiman and Vishal-Shekhar.
Some of the songs to her credit are: Dard E Disco from Om Shanti Om, Kuchh Kariye from Chak De! India, Cool Cool from Roadside Romeo, Bikhari Bikhari Si Julfein Hain Kyun from What's Your Raashee, and Dua Hai, Dua Hai, Yeh Rab Se Dua Hai from Kurbaan.
Neuman Pinto
Neuman Pinto is a promising playback singer, who is closely associated with music composer Amit Trivedi (Chillar Party, Aamir, Dev D).
The unique quality of his voice has got him many interesting playback singing assignments.
Some of the songs to his credit are: Sham and By The Way from Aisha, Phas Gaya from Aamir, Mrs Khanna from Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, Taali Maar Do Hathhi Veera from Veer, Nadi Mein Talab Hai Kahin Jo Agar, Aankhon Ke Pardon Par Pyaara Sa, Aazaadiyaan Pairon Ki Bediyaan from Udaan and Percentage from F.A.L.T.U.
Caralisa Monteiro
Some of the songs to her credit are: Tumse Hi Tumse from Anjaana Anjaani, Phir Dekhiye from Rock On, Iss Kal Kal Me Ham Kare Dhamal from Kaal, Mitwa Kahe Dhadkane Tujhase Kya from Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, the title track of Karthik Calling Karthik and Dhoop Ke Makaan from Break Ke Baad.
Alyssa Mendonsa
Some of the songs to her credit are: Ik Junoon (Paint It Red) and Khaabon Ke Parinday from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Pappa Jag Jaayega, Oh Girl You Are Mine from Housefull, Adhoore from Break Ke Baad, and Baby When You Talk To Me from Patiala House.
Suzanne D'Mello
She has two international hits in Slumdog Millionaire's Latika's Theme and Dreams On Fire. She was part of Rahman's Jai Ho Tour.
Some of the songs to her credit are: Surili Akhiyon Wale from Veer, Don't Say Alvida from Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, Dil Lagaa Naa from Dhoom 2, Kubool Kar Le from Jaan-E-Mann, Jee Karda Bai Jee Karda from Singh Is Kinng, Vacancy and Meow from Golmaal Returns, Aye Bachchu from Ghajini, Do U Waana Partner, Duppatta Teraa Nau Rang Da and You Are My Love from Partner, Ishq Vishq Pyaar Vyar and Le Le Le Re Le Le Maza Le from Wanted, Prem Ki Naiyya from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Dreams On Fire from Slumdog Millionaire, Kites In The Sky from Kites and the title track of No Problem.
Earl D'Souza
His father used to be a singer for western music bands and the young Earl sang at functions and gospel gatherings. He studied at the Trinity College of Music and is currently training in Indian classical music.
His first commercial performance was at the War of the DJs in 2005.
Some of the songs to his credit are: Tha Tha Kar Ke from Golmaal Returns, You Are My Love from Partner, Bad Boy from Pyar Ke Side Effects and Rola Pe Gaya from Patiala House.