Is there a more humble global star in India than composer M.M. Keeravani? Not that I know of. Keeravani doesn’t like talking about himself.
“I don’t see what is there to say? I’ve been composing for the last 38 years. I started as an assistant to the great K. Chakravarthy Sir. My first independent film soundtrack was never released. My career could’ve finished then and there. It was Ram Gopal Varma’s Kshanam Kshanam which actually got me recognition and I’m forever indebted to Ramuji. The rest just followed,” says the great Keeravani.
He takes no credit for his longevous success. “It is all God’s benevolence. Otherwise, there are so many talented musicians more deserving than me. I believe it is all about being at the right place at the right time.”
The one thing that this mild-mannered melodist objects to is being called the Naatu Naatu composer. “There was a life before RRR for me and God willing there will be life for me for many years more.”
Keeravani says he has no reservations about scoring music in Bollywood cinema. “I was very active in Hindi cinema in 2000–2002. The Bhatts, Mahesh and Mukesh, invited me to do several scores. I enjoyed doing music in their films. Some of their songs like Jadoo Hai Nasha Hai and Banjara became popular. After that I got very busy in Telugu cinema. I couldn’t focus on Bollywood. The offers too were not exciting.”
Now, Keeravani says he is open to good offers from any part of India. “And why only India? Anywhere in the world is equally welcome for me. I have done several Hindi film soundtracks in the past. I’ve shared a terrific rapport with Mahesh Bhatt and also Neeraj Pandey.”
Keeravani laughs off all suggestion that his lack of command over the Hindi language is an impediment to his uninterrupted career in Bollywood. “I can’t write in Hindi. But I understand Hindi. Language is not a problem. The Westerners were dancing to my Naatu Naatu song from RRR. Do they understand the words in the song?”
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