Striking a winning chord
S. R. ASHOK KUMAR
|
Music composer Vidyasagar is on cloud nine what with ``Chandramukhi," marching towards silver jubilee.
|
You will be surprised to know that `Konjaneram... ' was not composed for ``Chandramukhi." I was savouring this tune for a long time, waiting for a chance to use it.
DRAMATIC: The song-dance sequence plays a crucial role in "Chandramukhi".
With 194 films (70 Tamil, 80 Telugu, 40 Malayalam, three Kannada and a couple of Hindi) under his belt, music composer Vidya Sagar is riding the crest of a wave. The streak of success that started with ``Dhill" followed by ``Dhool" and ``Ghilli" has peaked with ``Chandramukhi," whose songs are a big hit. Excerpts from an interview:
A basic question — Do we actually need songs in a film?
Why, songs are not unique to Indian films. What began as 17 songs in 21 reels has come down to five. But music has always been an integral part of cinema.
Is knowledge of Carnatic music essential?
Why only Carnatic or Hindustani music? Tamil films are not seen by Indians only. Our music reaches Canada, U.S., Africa and Japan. It is better to be acquainted with music of all types Western, Hindustani and so on.
Did you learn music?
My lessons in Carnatic music started when I was four. I studied Western classical music at the Trinity College of Music, London. My father U. Ramachander was a musician and my grand father Varaha Narasimha Murthy was a vidwan in the court of king Bobili.
STREAK OF SUCCESS: Vidyasagar.
How do you handle the diction aspect? Do you correct the singer when he/she makes a mistake?
Accent or pronunciation is a problem when the mother tongue of the singer is not Tamil. But then Tamil is spoken in different ways in various parts of the State. In fact young people these days speak
Tamil in a very affected way. Composers do correct the singer when the diction is bad.
Perhaps we should find new voices?
I have introduced not less than 28 singers so far. The ``Ra Ra" song in `Chandramukhi' has been sung by Binny, whose mother tongue is Malayalam. She has rendered the Telugu song without a flaw.
That song is a superhit.
Yes. Coming in the climax, a crucial segment of the story is woven around the song which at once makes it so dramatic and powerful. P. Vasu's Kannada film also had the same song but the tune and the orchestration were different. I took the word first word `Ra Ra' and tuned the song in my own way. It was a combined effort — involving the actors, director and the singer.
Generally, when a hit film is remade, the team including the technicians are retained. In this case it was different.
I thank God for giving me this opportunity. It speaks of the faith P. Vasu has in me. I have known Prabhu and Ram Kumar for a long time and with Rajini accepting the proposal we formed a winning team.
Did you do any homework for the film?
Well. I wait to hear the story and the situation for inspiration. Vasu is musically minded and a brilliant narrator too. His previous films also had very good music.
How did Asha Bhosle fit into the scheme of things?
You will be surprised to know that `Konjaneram... ' was not composed for ``Chandramukhi." I had been nurturing this tune for a long time, waiting for a chance to use it. When I suggested it to Vasu he was overwhelmed. We played it to Rajnikant, Prabhu and Ramkumar all of whom approved it.
Sivaji Productions has a great rapport with Lathaji's and Ashaji. It has been one of my dreams to make Ashaji sing my composition. After recording she told all of us that the song would be remembered for a long time.
Now what next?
Success is never a destination; it is only a part of the journey. God has given me many pleasant surprises and I hope to achieve something with His grace.
Any favourite among music directors?
I like Madan Mohan, Sriramchandra, S. D. Burman and his son R. D. Burman. Each is great in his own way. I admire and respect all those composers who have set trends.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
