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Vadai fever goes viral

Vadai song by Charles Bosco, featuring Jackson Bosco and Kutti Hari, pictured here with dancer Makesh 

As Charles Bosco's newly released Vadai Song, featuring Jackson Bosco and Kutti Hari, goes viral, who could have ever predicted that a song all about ulunthu vadais - a doughnut shaped, savoury snack - could be the next best thing? Yet, with over 36,000 YouTube hits since it was released just four days ago, the trio's tongue-in-cheek tribute to that enduring Tamil party food staple has proved a phenomenal success, and its fans growing by the day.

 

Cup of tea and vadai in hand Tamil Guardian caught up with Charles Bosco, Jackson Bosco and Kutti Hari...

Charles Bosco

TG: Ok guys so first things first, why a song about vadai? Do you love it that much?

Jackson Bosco:  In Hari’s previous stand ups he performed a song about the old vadai story, with the fox, crow and paati (old grandma) in a Carnatic style. While he was in our studio one day, Charles said we could do a remix using the same story and we started working on ideas. The result was the vadai song.

Kutti Hari: When I was a child I found the 'Patti suta vaddai' folk tale quite boring so I wanted to give our generation a more hyped version. The original song was done by Wiz Khalifa and this was just a remake..  a random idea that came to mind which I passed on to the Bosco brothers.

Jackson Bosco

TG: Rumour has it that the Carnatic version of the song is due to be released?

Kutti Hari: Yes it is. J.R.Mediaworks will be producing, shooting and editing the video for that, and it'll feature the Carnatic flute player Madhusoodanan Satchithanandan. The music will be produced by Nirojan.

Kutti Hari

TG: The song is proving to be hugely successful, with more than 36,000 views. Did you guys expect it to be such a hit?

Kutti Hari: No way. I always see people leaving out the vadai at parties so it was a surprise to see that so many people liked the song!

Charles Bosco:  We certainly didn’t expect to see over 29,000 views in less than 2 days! The main aim of this song was to give the listeners something different, musically and funny.  All thanks go to our fans and supporters for making this song a success.

TG: Now that you guys know the way to the nation's heart, whats next on the horizon?

Charles Bosco: What’s next? It a surprise!

Kutti Hari: The next song is going to make the nation COOL down... keep watching this space to understand.

Jackson Bosco: We’ll keep you all guessing. Suggestions for our future tracks are welcome.

TG: Growing up in Europe what's your inspiration to sing and do acts in Tamil and Tanglish?

Jackson Bosco: Inspiration for me to sing is my love for music. From a young age I have been performing at many shows and still have the desire to do more and more shows. From doing the usual tamil cinema / karnatic songs, I love signing songs in various styles and languages.  The vadai song was my first step in something different. I hope to do different songs in the future.

Kutti Hari: I always take inspiration from my daily life and the people I know and meet. If you’ve seen my stand-ups you’ll be familiar with characters like Kamala Aunty and my Machaal, who are all caricatures of real-life people! Asian-based comedy is quite common in the UK but Tamil life is really unique and if you sit and think about it we are a really funny community! I like to do most of my acts in Tamil because I like to keep it authentic. Even if you are a kid that doesn’t speak Tamil, you can still recognise when I’m imitating your Amma and hopefully that will make you laugh.

Charles Bosco: Inspiration for me is my passion for music. Similarly to my brother, since at a young age I have been involved in music. I love working with different artists around the globe and creating different styles of music. Throughout the years I have worked with many artists and their creativity with support has motivated me to do more and more.

TG: You all have a huge following around the world, especially, do you all have fans back home in the North-East?

Charles Bosco: We both do have a lot of support from people back home and constantly get messages via facebook and twitter of how much they like our music!

Jackson Bosco: Yeah, it's nice to get such kind and encouraging messages.

Kutti Hari: Yes I do! They want me to come down there, but I'm just waiting for the right time.

TG: Kutti Hari, something that some our readers desperately want to know it exactly how much of a kutti are you?

Kutti Hari: Twelve to my amma and 22 to the world. In my mind, I was just born yesterday!

TG: So finally, tell us the truth.. What's your favourite? Ulunthu vadai or kadala vadai?

Charles Bosco: Ulunthu vadai

Jackson Bosco: Ulunthu vadai all the way!!!!!

Kutti Hari: Honestly? Mutton rolls! Vegetarian food makes me sleepy!

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