It is more than a coincidence that a debut music-director's name is spotted on more than few occassions in a matter of weeks. It started with A Film by Aravind. Then followed Grahanam. A peek at music video done by Ramanand and now the audio of Please Naaku Pellaindhi. All four of them has Vijay in the music credits. Interestingly, A film by Aravind got good reviews for background score and Grahanam was nominated in music category at 52nd national awards. Here are the excerpts from a chat that Phani had with Vijay.



A film by Aravind Review, Grahanam Review



Congratulations on getting this break (A Film by Aravind)

Thank you, Phani. I am very happy for two reasons. Firstly, the success of A Film by Aravind and secondly, Grahanam got a national award. (Vijay is the music director for Grahanam too).



Though there are no songs in Grahanam, the background score is pretty impressive. Similar thing with A film by Aravind too. Re-recording seems to be perfect. Are you a RR specialist?

(Laughs..).. Nothing like that. I provided what the films needed. You will get to listen to my tunes in Please Naaku Pellaindhi. If you listen to them, then you will realize that I am a songs specialist too.



Give us a hint of your background

I love music. I concentrated only on music from the age of 18. To the extent, I discontinued my studies too. I learnt Piano under the guidance of
Rami Emanuel. Then I got trained in Symphony VIOLA from Thomas, John Marthand. Started doing zingles from 1998. Some of them got me good name like Margadarsi. Mohd. Ali Baigh introduced me to a documentary titled ROCKUMENTARY. This film got award in Japan film festival.
Following that I gave music to Last Laugh. Then I worked in the ETV crew for some time. Then came the chance to do background scores. I composed background scores for Aithey Enti, Pelli Kosam, Hojata hai pyar (Hindi). Indraganti Mohan's (Grahanam director) first film was Chali. I composed music for that one too. After watching Chali, Ramgopal Varma offered me the chance to compose music for Madhyanam Hatya. Due to some reasons, things didnot work out. Thats my bad luck. It is a rare opportunity to work with directors like him.





What do you think of the present music scenario. Dont you think good old music is better

That is true. But then in the old times, the music director had complete freedom to experiment and compose. You see, music really depends on the producers and the directors. Because they are the one who decide how the music should be. Now a days, most of the makers have definite preset of mind about it. Like they would say, I need one melody, 2 rap type and one item song. I am sure if the music director is given freedom, good music will be delivered.




Did you learn classical? Do you think that knowledge is necessary to be a music director

I strongly believe that a music director should have a classical music background. Also, a music director should know to play atleast one instrument. Then only they will get the feel for a particular instrument. I learnt Carnatic vocal and Violin.




What do you prefer - tune for lyrics, or lyrics for tune

Hmm... I usually do both of them as required. But I prefer song based on the tune. Because when the situation is narrated, you get a feel for it and the tunes come out of that mood. The scope is a bit rigid to compose music for given lyrics.




How was it working with Sekhar Suri?

Sekhar Suri is like my god father. Without him, there is no Vijay. We are friends for 15 years. Infact, I was to do music for his first film. But at that point I was still learning music. I had to go through a test before I was picked for this film. I had to compose music for an ad bit. The entire unit was impressed with the music and thats how I got confirmed as the music director for this film. COming to Sekhar Suri, he is a splendid technician.




Your upcoming projects

Please Naaku Pellaindhi is about to release. I did music for one music video for Ramanand.




What is your opinion about songs composed by one music-director and re-recording done by a different music-director for a given film

I feel that the music-director who composed songs should also do the re-recording. That way the feel is consistent.




Do you think that Telugu films should still cotinue with songs. Now a days, songs are more like speed breakers to the film. Rarely you see a film where the audience feel good about the songs

Songs became a part of Telugu cinema. I feel that now the situation is changing a little bit. Makers now dont feel the necessity of songs. I feel that when projected properly and timed in a situational manner, songs beautify the narration. Songs should support the story, otherwise as you said audience will walk out. For example take Anukokunda Oka Roju. Songs are placed nicely in this film. Also, A film by Aravind. What I mean to say is instead of having songs just for the sake of it, songs should be used based on the need. I also support brining the music in albums. But I guess it will take more time to establish.



What kind of music do your like - either to listen or to compose

Music is my life. I live every moment of my life in it. I am no reservations of what so ever in terms of music - either for listening or composing. When it comes to composing, it really depends on the directors and producers. I did 3 films until now. Fortunately, all the three are different in different ways. Grahanam has no songs at all.. it has only background score reflecting the moods.




What are your aspirations

I want to work with directors like Krishnavamsi, Ramgopal Varma. Infact, Ramgopal Varma already heard my music once. I am confident about my skills.



We wish Vijay all the best in his pursuit of goals. We thank him for giving us his time for this interview.

Interviewed by Phani