Music Director - Chakri
Music director Chakri belongs to a rare breed of music directors in Telugu film industry. He has seen the crest and troughs of the career. In this exclusive interview with TotalTollywood, Chakri speaks about his priorities, future and his love for music. At present, he is basking in the success of Takkari audio at the music stands. Excerpts from the chitchat.
Specialty of Takkari music.
Takkari is in the combination of me, Amma Rajasekhar and Nitin, for the first time. I accepted to score music for Takkari instantly as and when I was asked to do so. My first priority here is that Amma Rajasekhar, the director who himself is a choreographer, has absolute working knowledge about music and its placement in tune with the dance sequences. Takkari songs have the punch of Desamuduru. I did the job with a lot of confidence. Certainly, I have taken special care and attention for this album. This is my first movie with Nitin. Hero's dad Sudhakar Reddy is known to me well. Reddy took a lot of interest in me and booked me for the next three films of Nitin. That is their confidence, so I should do justice to my side too.
about Upbeat number Ammi Ammi
It is all new talent in Takkari album. New voices and new punches have been through the project. I made it a rule to introduce the young and talented singers to the industry from time to time, for change and for giving fillip to such sections. A 12-year-old girl Shivani is introduced to render her voice for the song – Ammi Ammi. Though the girl was defeated in a contest, I could see superb ease in her voice and notation. Coming to this lyric, I reiterate that it is unique in itself and nothing influenced it. Its on the lines of an Arabic rendering. Aa, Aaa, Ee, Eee – this song was executed on a pub set. Similarly, another playback singer Jubaid is introduced through this film. I also sang my version for the song. Melody and mass beats are equally important. All the songs have come out well.
Contribution of Kandikonda
Lyricist Kandikonda penned all the lyrics in the album. In fact, it is very difficult to write all the lyrics for a big banner film. He rendered his job in such a way that it has ample scope to prove his mettle fully. This project will definitely get him a very good name. Another plus point is that Nitin had actually done a wonderful job for the lyric Ammi Ammi.
Record timing of Nitin's steps
There is one song – Kobbari Kobbari. In this particular song, Nitin did a sequence that stretched up to 1 minute and twenty seconds. This is a record in Telugu film industry. The audience would surely clap to this special step, choreographed by Amma Rajasekhar (director himself). This will be on the lines of Megastar Chiranjeevi's Dayi Dayi song in Indra with music scored through Sitar. In Takkari, the beats are done on Mridangam.
Good movie, Good music
This is important. When the story is good and the star cast is good, both would help elevate the success levels of music too. Even if you give wonderful music and the story is not good, it is all left waste. Hello Premistara has extraordinary music. But due to some snags in the story, the efforts are rendered waste.
In the face of commercialism
Yes. Several people asked me why I had been used and overused by the directors, before leaving me. It never bothered me much. They have their own options. I am willing to work with any artiste and any director.
On Imitations
Always, I take special care not to imitate anyone. On one occasion, I was wearing gold chains. Somebody commented that I was imitating Bappi Lahari. Immediately, I withdrew my style. I never want people to think that I am a copycat. And I shall never be.
Helping hand to poor and needy
Actually, I don't want to say much about it. I am financially assisting poor students in paying their fee for engineering courses. Also, I took the initiative in supplying book material to the needy students. I shall expand my activities in this direction, with the support of my fans.
Chakri: Deewali Wishes to one and all.
