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Musings of melody man

Music Director Deva is now flooded with acting offers, writes G.PRASAD

COMPOSED Humble to the core Photo: M. Moorthy

That Deva has a liking for melodies might sound strange to many, as the music director's name is very much synonymous with peppy numbers.

When he made an entry into the film industry, Ilayaraja was at the peak of his creative best. Deva needed a style of his own to survive.

Gana inspiration

Inspired by the gana songs, he gave it a cinematic version, which turned out to be an instant hit, especially with the youth.

Although the gana's gave him an identity, he always laments that some of the melodious numbers he composed went unnoticed.

"Melodies remain etched permanently. But present generation looks for fast paced songs making melodies a rarity these days," says Deva, adding that even film director's want peppy songs particularly if the story is moving slowly or just before the intermission to keep the interest of the audience alive.

It has been quite sometime since Deva's voice has been heard in movies.

"People ask me why I am not singing these days, which makes me feel elated. I am always particular that the audience shouldn't get bored of my voice and that's the reason for the gap," he reveals.

Though Udit Narayan, Sukhwinder and others from the north have been widely accepted, with most of their songs turning out to be hits, there has always been an unanswered question, what is the need for Hindi singers when there is so much of talent available here?

"It is just to present the audience with a new voice, though there have been occasions when they have struggled to pronounce words," he says.

Good back up

Deva says he has always enjoyed working with his brothers and expresses happiness on Sabesh-Murali churning out some good numbers.

"I am satisfied with whatever I have achieved. Frankly, I never thought I would reach such a level. Now it's the turn of young music directors. Not just my son (Srikanth Deva), be it Yuvan, Harris Jeyaraj are doing a good job and there is a healthy competition between them, which is a good sign for the industry," he says.

Variety in music

Deva also points out the youngsters are making full use of the technology and there is a variety in their music.

"With the availability of plug-ins they are increasing the pace of the songs, which is received well by the audience," he adds.

The veteran music director also cites the importance of re-recording and asserts that it needs to be scored in such a way that it coheres well with the scene.

"We can have a movie without a song, but not without a background score for that is what gives life to the visual."

Deva has appeared on screen for some songs in recent films.

Does it mean he is likely to take up acting?

"I am getting lot of offers. The film in which I appeared - `Adi Thadi' and `Englishkaran' turned out to be hits and the producers want me to act for sentimental reasons. But I have declined many offers as I want to do things in which I am good at," he clarifies.

In the film circles, Deva is known to be a very spiritualistic man.

How does that help him while composing?

"I do meditation regularly. It helps me toconcentrate more, while on work. For me music itself is divine," he wraps up.

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