GV Prakash - Interview

GV Prakash aka Prakash has come to create a rare record in South Indian film industry in the sense that he is the youngest (just 22 Years) composer who has worked for Superstar Rajnikanth film – Kathanayakudu (Kuselan in Tamil). Starting his career at the age of 18, this dynamite of music finished eight films. Third from the South to successfully finish the Music course at Trinity College, London, Prakash tells Idlebrain.com that “Music is everything in universe. Music will revolve round life and vice versa. Music is my passion and breath.” Latest, he made his debut (straight) into Tollywood with A. Karunakaran-directed Utsahanga Ullasanga, which is set for release soon. He is frank enough to retort to ones’ feeling about him. “Don’t think that I got a place in the music world just because I happen to be the nephew of AR Rehman. Nobody will ever entertain anybody if he is not talented, particularly in Music.”

Tell us how you started your journey as composer?
Well. Even before I became a composer, I was a playback singer even as a small boy. I don’t why exactly what attracted me towards the realm of music. I simply fell for it. It is my passion. When I was in school and college, I took active part in cultural programs. I used to play guitar. Ilayaraja sir is a big inspiration to me. AR Rehman is my idol. I am thankful to the audience who recognized me very early when I sang the chuk bhuk railey song in Gentleman. Later, I sang for about forty songs. I worked for ad commercials and radio programs. I first turned the composer for Tamil film Veyyil, winning the National Award. Of course, I worked in the Music department for the films – The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey, Anniyan and a couple of films. Recently, I scored music for Rajni sir’s Kathanayakudu, which is Kuselan in Tamil.

How did you get a chance to work for Rajni’s film?
It’s a miracle. A wonder. Rajni sir watched Veyyil and was impressed with my work as composer. One day, I got a call from P. Vasu (director) sir that I would be doing music for Kathanayakudu. I was puzzled. I dashed to his residence. I wholeheartedly worked for the project. And you all know the result. When working on it, I got immense support from one and all in the unit.

How did you feel scoring music for Rajni’s film, being so young?
Yes. I must be the youngest person who had worked for Rajni sir. In fact, I am a big fan of him. As and when I got the project, I started composing tunes to the best of my ability from day one. I am satisfied with the response to the audio. It makes me more humble and reminds of the big road ahead.

What inspired you to compose the Cinema Cinema song?
Yes. It’s a eulogy to the 75 years of film industry. Both Telugu and Tamil. Over all, the South Indian film industry. It gives me utmost satisfaction. The feedback it generated was awesome. It is the Introduction song of Rajni sir in the film. The fans will relish it to the maximum level. Nothing to say about any particular inspiration. Just, It got it out of my passion for films and music.

How strong is AR Rehman’s impact on your work pattern?
Of course, it will be there. But, I hold my own perspective as an individual composer. I get attracted to the best of tunes from all around. Whenever I hear such supreme stuff, the urge in me gets doubled and trebled… to do even better than that. To outshine that beyond reach. But, I am not in a hurry.

What is your choice of tunes, compositions?
It depends on the situation in which I am placed. It differs from season to season. Theme to theme. So on. Music is not static. It is life personified. For giving the best output, one should have multiple and creative thoughts. He should be able to apply the presence of mind constantly.

Is it compulsory that one should get trained in the Classical to become a good composer?
Not necessarily. But, that would be an added advantage. It brings the finesse of the art of music. As of me I took sufficient training in the area. It really helps. It makes us understand the real ethos of our native music. It further helps us to strike a balance between the Western and ours.

Tell us about your straight Telugu (debut) with Utsahanga Ullasanga (UU)?
I am here for Telugu project Utsahanga Ullasanga just because of my director Karunakaran, whom I knew since as a boy. He knows my passion and I understand his urge for perfect finish to the entertainment. Mutually, we could strike at the right chord.

How do you categorize the music of UU?
It is like a Monsoon Love. It’s sonorous and odoriferous of romance.

You did a Rajni’s film in Tamil. But, the UU is of debutants. Are you comfortable?
I am least bothered about the artistes. Just I work for Karunakaran sir. He is a highly creative director. He knows what kind of material he should get from the music director. In short, he defines the yardstick of a music director, yet giving him the best measure of freedom.

Did you ever feel dejected in your career?
Yes. It was when I did get the film Kadhal (which I was supposed to do). Anyways, I did another film Veyyil and got the National Award. That was a different story.

What you think is your specialty as a composer?
I don’t think anything special of me. But, I believe in the synchronization of the Visual and the music for it. Until and unless it is realized, we are not doing the right job. This aspect constantly guides me. Of course, this I feel is my strength.

If you had not been a music director, what would you have been?
I cherished an urge to become a cricketer. But, it didn’t happen. Now, I am content as a composer. Recently, I scored beats for IPL Chennai series.

Who is your favorite Music director?
In Hollywood I like a good number of composers. In South, it’s one and only Rehman. But, I listen to all good songs and even discuss its strengths with their composers. I already told you, I relish music, its my passion. Music is no man’s property. It’s dynamic.

Who are your favorite stars?
In Hindi, they are SRK and Aamir Khan. In Telugu, it’s Mahesh Babu. In Tamil, its Rajni sir.

Who is your favorite heroine?
I like Kajol and Simran.

Your future projects in Telugu?
Yes. I am getting some offers. It takes time to get them finalized.