I have always worked hard. The only thing missing was a smile from Lady Luck.
I was only 26 when I started my career. Those days I only wanted to work. When my films did not work, I didn't know what to do. But I never went to anyone for work. Work came in search of me.
I started off playing the harmonium and singing. By the time I was eight or so, my interest moved to Western instrumental music.
My father set a strict regimen for me. He insisted that I learn to play many musical instruments before I choose one.
I was born in Vizianagaram but have lived all my life in Chennai.
I always compose on the harmonium.
I've composed music for many remakes and they've all come out much better than the original.
I want to talk less and let the music speak for itself.
I am happy that my hard work in 'Chandramukhi' has been recognized well.
In Kerala, three of my movies release on the same day and interestingly I am the competitor for myself there.
All genres of music have their own beauty.
I listen to world music a lot.
Madurai G. S. Mani was my guru, and later M. Balamuralikrishna taught me a lot.
Even if you want to try out something new, that should not be done without losing your roots.
I won the national award for the best music composer and also had the fortune of scoring music for songs penned by M. Karunanidhi for the movie 'Pasakiligal.'
Since my childhood, I had a great liking for Karunanidhi and admired his writing skills.
I was thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to compose music for three songs penned by Karunanidhi in 'Paasakiligal.'
