Rajesh Hebbar,a well-known actor from Palakkad,is captivating a new generation of fans with his rock music covers on Instagram. While he has been a staple in Malayalam cinema since his debut in Chithrakoodam in 2003,his recent foray into music has introduced him to younger audiences who may not be familiar with his extensive acting career.
Hebbar's performances of classic rock songs,including Scorpions’ ‘Wind of Change’ and Black Sabbath’s ‘Paranoid’, have garnered significant attention online. His ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary appeal has struck a chord,as many young listeners discover a different side of the actor. “Most youngsters in Kerala don’t watch television serials,so they’re genuinely surprised when they discover that the middle-aged bald guy from those serials is singing Metallica and Pink Floyd,” he remarked.
Music has always been a passion for Hebbar, dating back to his college days at Government Victoria College in Palakkad. There, he was part of a classic rock band named Primitive Knights, which performed throughout South India from the late 1980s to the 1990s. Reflecting on those early days, he shared, “We called ourselves Primitive Knights because, in college,we had to use tree branches to prop up our drums. Our beginnings were primitive,but we liked to think of ourselves as knights in shining armor.”
Although acting was his primary ambition, music provided avenue for connection. “I loved being on stage . Singing lets you connect with the audience instantly,” he explained. His charisma as a performer helped him build loyal following, even if he modestly considers himself “an okay singer but a good performer.”
After disbandment of Primitive Knights in early 2000s due to creative differences, Hebbar's musical pursuits took a backseat to his acting career. However,a chance moment at private gathering reignited his passion for music . He played a recording of himself singing ‘Knights in White Satin’ and received enthusiastic response, which encouraged him to share cover songs on Instagram.
“This time, they went viral,” he said,noting the overwhelming support from fans across Kerala and even as far as Mizoram. His rock covers have not only revived his musical career but also reshaped his public persona. With 65 films to his Tamil,and Sanskrit, Hebbar's versatility as an artist is evident.
His television debut came in 2004 with Orma, directed by KK Rajeev, and he is particularly remembered for his roles in films by acclaimed director Sathyan Anthikad, such as Manassinakkare and Innathe Chintha Vishayam. In 2015,he portrayed the 17th-century Kerala poet Unnayi Warrier in Priyamanasam,which won the Best Sanskrit Feature Film at the 63rd National Film Awards.
As he prepares for his next project with producer Aashiq Usman, Hebbar aims to challenge stereotypes about age and artistic expression. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passions, regardless of societal expectations. “I’m trying to debunk the notion that people are expected to act in certain ways and have tastes,” he stated, showcasing his commitment to authenticity in both his acting and musical endeavors.
