O.S. Arun: the voice that breaks rules and hearts

O.S. Arun is the kind of artist who defies tidy categorisation. Yes, he’s a Carnatic vocalist of formidable pedigree — but to leave it there would be doing him a disservice. He is, for lack of a better phrase, a musical shape-shifter. A performer who can glide between genres like bhajans, ghazals, light classical, and cinema music without breaking a sweat, while still anchoring everything he does to a deep, spiritual core. In a world increasingly obsessed with viral moments and fleeting fame, Arun’s enduring popularity is proof that authenticity and versatility are still irresistible currencies.

In his hands, the ancient becomes modern, and the classical becomes captivating for even the most uninitiated listener. While many vocalists of his generation have remained resolutely rooted in tradition, Arun possesses that rare ability to traverse boundaries — cultural, artistic, and emotional — without compromising the sanctity of the music itself.

“He’s a master not only of Carnatic traditions but also incredibly versatile across genres,” says Shangita Namasivayam, the artistic director of Kuala Lumpur’s Kalpana Dance Theatre, who has collaborated with Arun on multiple productions. “His broad musical range allows him to adapt perfectly to the needs of a dance piece, adding the right energy to complement choreography. What truly draws me to his artistry is his remarkable sensitivity — he’ll immediately notice if something doesn’t align, even within the dance movements.”

It’s this sharp instinct and interpretive agility that has made Arun a go-to collaborator for cross-disciplinary productions in Malaysia and beyond. In fact, his long-standing association with Kalpana Dance Theatre has added layers of dramatic richness to dance dramas performed on Malaysian stages. But there’s a paradox to his brilliance: “I sometimes have to ask him to dial down his exuberance,” Shangita admits with a laugh. “His stage presence is huge, commanding, and so full of energy that he can almost outshine the dancer.”

Off the concert stage, Arun’s ability to straddle both Carnatic purity and the populist appeal of cinematic and light music has made him a household name among Malaysian audiences. “Malaysia has a rich and diverse cultural landscape, and Arun’s versatility fits perfectly,” Shangita adds. “His experience with Indo-Western projects and his boundless creativity allow him to grasp new concepts and emotions quickly. Nothing is impossible for him.”

It’s no surprise, then, that Arun’s upcoming concerts in Kuala Lumpur are hotly anticipated. On April 19, he will bring his trademark Carnatic classical finesse to Sadhana, a Bharatanatyam performance by Kalpana Dance Theatre’s Tvesa Poobun. Then, on April 20, he will switch gears for Rendezvous with O.S. Arun, an interactive concert where he’ll invite the audience to clap, sing, and travel with him through multiple genres in a more informal, celebratory setting. There are barely any tickets left (try your luck here), underscoring the magnetic pull he still wields after all these years.

Perhaps what sets O.S. Arun apart from other Indian vocalists is his unapologetic flair for storytelling. His voice isn’t just technically adept — it’s a living, breathing entity that oscillates between playful and profound, sacred and theatrical. As The Hindu once noted, Arun’s “melodious interpretations leave an indelible impression,” and indeed, they do. His ability to bring bhajans, abhangs, and ghazals alive with such theatricality — punctuated by mischievous glances and trance-like moments — gives his performances the emotional narrative arc of a well-crafted play.

While many Indian classical musicians aim to preserve heritage in amber, Arun’s genius lies in breathing life into it, making the artform pulse with relevance for modern, global audiences. He doesn’t just sing — he makes you feel like you’re sitting around a fire, listening to ancient stories told with a wink and a flourish.

And maybe that’s the key to his longevity. O.S. Arun reminds us that music, at its core, is connection. And when delivered with unfiltered passion and masterful creativity, connection never goes out of style.