Kochi: Legendary playback singer KS Chitra, fondly known as the ‘Nightingale of Kerala’, appeared as the very first guest on anchor Ranjini Haridas’ new talk show "The Green Room", which premiered after a short technical delay. Their candid and heartfelt conversation took fans on a nostalgic journey through their longstanding friendship, forged during their time on the popular reality show Star Singer.

While the episode featured plenty of light-hearted banter and deep reflections, one moment stood out when Chitra recalled an incident from a doctors’ conference in Coimbatore, where she once felt compelled to step in and protect Ranjini from a potential wardrobe mishap.

"A big ramp was set up and Ranjini was walking on it in a short skirt," Chitra recounted. "Below the ramp, there were people who were standing with cameras. I just couldn't sit there in tension."

In an impromptu moment of care, Chitra handed Ranjini a decorative cloth that had been used to welcome her to the event. "I gave her that fabric and told her to use it as a drape. I just couldn't bear it," she laughed, revealing a warm and protective side of their friendship.

Ranjini, never one to shy away from humour, shared more about their behind-the-scenes dynamic:

"Chitra chechi used to scold me for my short dresses," she said, giggling. "Whenever I sat in rehearsals with my legs crossed, she'd text me 'Legs down!'

The bond they share extends far beyond TV sets. "Chitra chechi is the one who wants to see me get married the most, even more than my mother!" Ranjini joked, reflecting the closeness and maternal affection that has grown between the two over the years.

As Chitra celebrates her birthday and approaches 45 years in the music industry, the episode gave her space to reflect on her journey from disciplined studio habits to changes in the recording environment.

"When I go to record, I carry my own book, pen, headphones, and water," she said. "Nowadays, I see the previous singer’s papers lying around, headphones on the floor. It feels unprofessional."

She also spoke candidly about being approached for acting roles, often to play mother figures she confirmed she has no desire to pursue an acting career.

"I’ve seen your acting videos!" Ranjini teased during the chat. "Please, no!" Chitra laughed, pleading in mock horror.

One humorous story had fans in stitches: Chitra recalled visiting an Arab country to perform an Arabic song, where she was given an unusually elaborate makeup session.

"They laid me down on what looked like a hospital stretcher. After the makeup, I looked at myself and got scared, I was completely whitewashed!" she joked.

"The Green Room" marks Ranjini Haridas’ return to hosting after a noticeable gap in the online media space. Though widely recognised for her television presence, Ranjini has not made a strong digital comeback until now.