‘Creative Inertia Is Death to Me’

You recently turned 65. How do you intend to rejuvenate your creative energies?

I have started my own YouTube channel to promote young talent through experimental music videos and short films. I firmly believe the future belongs to the next generation. We cannot keep clinging to the past, however glorious it may have been. We must keep searching for new voices in the wilderness.

What does turning 65 mean to you?

It means inching closer to the end. I am aware that time is running out and there is still so much left to do. I believe every day and every opportunity to express myself is God-sent. I never take anything for granted.

After RRR, you now have Varanasi. The expectations must be enormous.

Expectations are very high. But I don’t want people expecting another RRR. Varanasi belongs to a completely different universe.

Besides, you’ve never believed in repeating yourself.

I simply can’t. Doing the same thing for the sake of it is creative inertia. And creative inertia is death to me!

What is the secret behind your remarkable rapport with S.S. Rajamouli?

Well, we’re family. Rajamouli is the only son of my father’s youngest brother, Vijayendra Prasad. We’ve worked together on so many films that we now understand each other almost instinctively. Sometimes, we can communicate his musical requirements through sign language.

Which of your Hindi film scores are you most proud of?

Among my favourites are Jism, Sur, Zakhm, Paheli and Special 26 for their songs; the Baahubali films for the background score; RRR and now Varanasi. But I’d rather speak about others than myself.

Tell us about your beginnings.

I started my career as an assistant to the great K. Chakravarthy sir. I’ve been composing for nearly four decades. Ironically, my first independent soundtrack was never released. My career could have ended before it had even begun, had it not been for Ram Gopal Varma.

How did Ram Gopal Varma change things?

It was Kshana Kshanam that gave me recognition and I will always remain indebted to Ramuji. Everything else followed from there.

Which musicians have inspired you the most?

My all-time favourite singers are Frank Sinatra, Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle.

You have worked extensively in Hindi cinema. Was language ever a barrier?

I may not be fluent in Hindi, but I understand it well enough. Besides, the language of music is universal. People across the world danced to Naatu Naatu from RRR without understanding a single word.