January 3, 2011 (Sampurn Wire): South Indian playback singer Deepa Mariam had a grand start of the New Year 2011 as she has been honored with the Best Female Playback Singer on 1st January. This award came to her for singing the numbers Para para kili from Rettaisuzhi and Thigatta thigattave from Yathumagi.

Deepa took this occasion to thank Karthik Raja and James Vasanthan, the music directors of both the films for giving her the opportunity to sing for their compositions. She said that it was pleasure for her to sing in these films and the award came as the icing on the cake.

The singer added that for an artiste it is a big boost to start the New Year with an award from the audience.

In the meantime, Deepa is keeping herself busy with several movies in different languages. Speaking about this, Deepa said that she sings songs for at least three movies in a week. She has also plans of singing during Pongal concerts this month.

We hope this grand start gives her a wonderful New Year and she keeps on offering many more melodious numbers to her fans!

--Sampurn Wire