So the other day, i was taking a leak in a public toilet at a well-reputed hotel at which we were playing an event. A chap walks in and proceeded to empty his own tank just 2 urinals away. Seemingly Indian by descent, like me, and more than likely, from India as well, we proceeded to have a little conversation that went like this…

Man: So why are u ‘Ray’ and not ‘Rye’?

Me: Because in the context of my full Indian name, it is pronounced as ‘ray’.

Man: But R-A-I is pronounced as ‘rye’ not ‘ray’.

Me: Yup! But i’m not ’something rai’, within the context of my name, it is ‘ray’.

Man: Oooo, yes i know, you are trying to be more Singaporean but it’s ok.

And walked off…

So at this point, being the generally more irritable one between Jack and I, two options did cross my mind… do i leap on him, sock him and ask him to say my name (which was quite a fun picture)… or just leave it be.

So in between choosing Option A or B, I did think… once and for all, i should lay this issue to rest and make the effort to answer the confounding question… ‘Am i Ray or Rye?’

Well simply put, I am East Indian by descent, and i have a name which is not atypical of any other Tamil name. My full name is ‘Sivadorai Sellakannu.’
‘Sivadorai’ is my first name and ‘Sellakannu’ is my last name. My last name is inconsequential in this matter, so I shall not address that right now…

Why I am called ‘ray’

My first name is ‘Sivadorai’, (pronounced si-ver-du-ray). As you can see, within the proper Tamil pronunciation of my name… ‘Rai’ is pronounced as ‘Ray’. If one wishes to break down my name… the first part ‘Siva’, which is what a number of my friends know me as, is adapted from a prominent Hindu god. ‘Dorai’, means something like a boss, or a noble… or a title given to those of that kind of stature. Hence, in proper Tamil pronunciation, as a derivative from ‘dorai’… ‘Rai’ is pronounced ‘Ray’.

Why I am not ‘rye’

The name ‘Rai’, pronounced ‘rye’, is generally for those who use the word as something like a last name or family name. For instance, ‘Aishwarya Rai’ or ‘Dileep Rai’ are names where the ‘rai’ is used as a last name… and is independent of the other words in the name. In this context, it is pronounced as ‘rye’ and not ‘ray’, as it is a word on its own.

So the next time, someone asks you why i am ‘ray’ and not ‘rye’ please refer them to this blogpost… I hope, on my part, I’m doing my little bit to educate the world on Indian ethnicity. And save me the trouble of meeting another fellow Indian in the bathroom who decides to engage me by insinuating that i’m trying hard to be someone else. Cos, it’s all in a name after all?

O by the way, in the end i chose Option B, and had few more beers on the company’s account.

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We lent our support to the HIV/AIDS cause by dedicating a special song, “Pixelated” to World AIDS Day 2009. The song carries the message that in a world of abundant information, ignorance and misconceptions about HIV still abound. Too many people are unaware of the ways to prevent HIV infections, its modes of transmission and its myths + misconceptions.

The song urges us to make the choice to see HIV as it is – with clarity and understanding, not through pixelated eyes.

We can choose to equip ourselves with more knowledge, protect ourselves from the disease and be supportive to people living with HIV. We’ve got a group of young people to produce a MTV for it too -




This song was performed on a special Singapore Idol World AIDS Day special episode and at an exclusive World AIDS Day party at the Supperclub!


Now that World AIDS Day is over, you can show your support by taking part in a contest! Upload your own renditions of ‘Pixelated’ and stand a chance to win thousands of dollars in cash! Here are the prizes:

1st Prize – $1,500 cash

2nd Prize – $1,000 cash

3rd Prize – $500 cash

4th Prize – iPod Classic 160GB – $388

3 voters also stand to take home $100 CapitaLand vouchers each!

At the end of the contest, all submissions to the Voice Gallery will be stitched together as a mash-up video to form a unified Voice of Love.

Here’s some tips on how you could take part… www.loveamp.sg

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okay, am just trying out another Youtube cover… on my acoustic home series… mucking about as usual. For info, I’m using a Blue Baby Bottle mic… and a 2002 Taylor 614CE.

‘Wheels’ is one of the Foo Fighters’ latest offerings. They somehow always pull something interesting out of their hats. ‘The Pretender’ was one song that literally blew me away.. and the music video was something else! Really good band, with lots of ‘in your face’ energy. This song is interesting… a lil’ Southern-rockish… laced with a typical Dave Grohl growl. Can’t sound like he does, definitely! but i just tried my own acoustic version. Here goes!!!

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hey everybody! Happy New Year from Jack & Rai! Hope this post finds everyone warmed up and ready for 2010. We, on the other hand, have decided to take a one week break after the uber-busy festive period, so you won’t find us anywhere on the radar this week!

Except for a quick appearance at Ngee Ann Poly’s Open House 2010! Jack is overseas at the moment, but I (Rai) will be performing with our buddy-in-arms, Alvin Khoo from 53A. Quite an explosive combi i might add, so those at Ngee Ann Poly on 7th Jan, do pop by the Atrium at 5pm for a Rockin good time with Rai and Alvin.

see you guys back at our usual venues from next week onwards. Quick update on our playing venues on the ‘Find Us’ link on the left-side bar. Cheerios!

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