For the multi-talented Stephen Zechariah, the local Indian drama Vaan Varu Vaan presented an opportunity to show his different sides — in more than one sense of the phrase.
In the Mediacorp series' universe, the singer-songwriter, composer, producer, and actor is Arjun, a character who exists in different forms across parallel dimensions, just like Michelle Yeoh and co. in Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Described as Vaan Varu Vaan's "multiversal bad boy", Arjun is an individual with a special connection to the series' protagonist, Varu Bhaskar (Vikneswary Se).
Stephen recounted what drew him to the series, which originally began as a participating pilot on Vasantham Muthal Paarvai III: "The fact that it was a multiverse story and I knew I could explore different characters, but as one individual, was very intriguing."
Aside from portraying Arjun and his variants as an actor, Stephen, who has contributed to the soundtracks of films and series such as Joe: The Black Assassin, Naam, and Parambarai, also helps to bring the world of Vaan Varu Vaan to life through music.
Composed to reflect the series' multiversal tale, 'Neethaney' and 'Vaa En Uyire' are now in the company of hits such as 'Adi Penne', 'Usuraiya Tholaichaen', and 'Kannoram' in Singaporean artist's collection of memorable creations for the big screen and small screen.
In an interview with Hear65, Stephen talked about exploring the different sides of himself through his Vaan Varu Vaan character, the process of creating music for the series, and the experience of performing for his fans in Europe last year.
Hi, Stephen, it has been a while since we last spoke to you. How have you been lately?
"Life is full of surprises. You never know what you’re going to get." That’s exactly how it has been for me. The transition from 2023 to 2024 was mind-boggling. I take in both the good and bad, analyze, and do what my heart brings me towards.
"I take in both the good and bad, analyze, and do what my heart brings me towards."
On the acting front, you star in the new local drama Vaan Varu Vaan, which was given a full-series order after its pilot won Vasantham Muthal Paarvai III in 2022. How excited were you when you found out that you would get to expand Vaan Varu Vaan’s story?
It was quite a bit of a mixed feeling, if I may be honest. One of the characters I travelled with in the pilot series will finally be revealed as the fictional character as a surprise element for the climax. Now I was wondering how the story was gonna turn up. We had to come up with a whole new idea, and I believe the team did their best.
Tell us a bit more about your character, Arjun. How is he different from the other characters you have played? What about him did you find the most relatable while working on the series?
The people who know me deeply have always seen me as someone raw, cold sometimes, and very direct with my comments. The “no filter” Stephen Zechariah was one of the characters I played as Arjun in the reality universe in Vaan Varu Vaan. The other character was a jockey from a humble background. The humility I needed to possess was very relatable to me from where I came from in my personal life. The third character in another universe was a college student who was extremely loving yet possessive, which is the deeper side to me where I can be very romantic and loving, and that face to me only my partner will know. These characters allowed me to tap into the different sides of me internally.
"These characters allowed me to tap into the different sides of me internally."
Your involvement in the Vaan Varu Vaan extends beyond starring in it — you also composed the song ‘Neethaney’ for the series. How does the track capture the themes of Vaan Varu Vaan?
For Vaan Varu Vaan, I’ve composed two songs, 'Neethaney' and 'Vaa En Uyire', which I have just released. It was a tedious process multi-tasking between composing, acting, and being part of the visual directions of my music videos. As this was my first time handling my music-making independently in every aspect — audio and visuals — I had it the hardest. Yet, I take it in my stride and reflect on these experiences for the betterment of my future projects. They are composed based on the different storylines for each universe.
"As this was my first time handling my music-making independently in every aspect — audio and visuals — I had it the hardest. Yet I take it in my stride and reflect on these experiences for the betterment of my future projects."
Does your approach towards composing change when you are making music for a production that you also have a role in? How does it compare to being involved in a film or series only as a composer?
No, my approach does not change. Whether I am in it as an actor or solely composing for a series/film without an appearance, I always put my heart and soul into it. Believe it or not, until the very last minute of release, I still make changes to my music as I think I can make it better.
During your last interview with us in 2021, you said that you wanted to “change Tamil audiences' perspectives of Indian music worldwide”. Have you made any progress on that so far?
Yes, in these new songs I’ve created for Vaan Varu Vaan this year, especially 'Vaa En Uyire', I’ve tried to break the norms of the lyrics. My target audience, who are usually youths, prefers simple or rather direct moods of words to relate to their life experiences. But I decided for this song to be more poetic and cultural, to give them a different journey while traveling in my music. I made sure the tune was [grand] so that it suited the theme visually, too.
"In these new songs I’ve created for Vaan Varu Vaan this year, especially 'Vaa En Uyire', I’ve tried to break the norms of the lyrics."
Let’s talk about your shows in Europe last year. What was it like bringing your music to your fans on the other side of the world?
My first show in Europe performing for more than 2,500 people was unforgettable. I wasn’t well on that day due to the time difference and climate change, but when I entered the venue, the energy from the audience took over my mood and powered me up. Singing for them live [and] away from home was something I never thought would happen. It certainly humbled me and reminded me to always be grateful for everything I’ve been blessed with thus far.
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"[Getting to perform in Europe] certainly humbled me and reminded me to always be grateful for everything I’ve been blessed with thus far."
Lastly, outside of acting and making music, is there anything that you hope to explore in the future?
Acting and music making are truly things I see myself in. Perhaps making gospel songs would be a diversion that I might take as my faith in God is something I’ve always leaned on at any point of time in my life. Hence, there is a possibility of doing what I do still, yet for a higher and glorifying purpose.
All 20 episodes of Vaan Varu Vaan are now available to stream on meWATCH.
