Music composer D. Imman, who started as a keyboard player at a star hotel and later debuted in films with Vijay's Tamizhan in 2002, has completed 100 movies with the first Tamil space film Tik Tik Tik. Having received the state award for Kumki, an elated Imman, who has half a dozen films in his kitty including legendary MGR's Kizhakku Africavil Raju, recalls his journey of 16 years.
"I began my career as a keyboard artiste to late music composers Adhityan sir and Mahesh sir. Later, I started playing for Jayakumar sir, who is the father of Harris Jayaraj. He gave me my first salary of Rs 500 which I consider very precious even now," Imman tells us.
The Mynaa composer, who thanked all his mentors including his dad David, feels proud he is one who also makes spot payments to his musicians. "There are 100 musicians working for my films. No sooner the job gets over, I pay them promptly (smiles)."
His small screen presence gave him an identity first and helped him to gain confidence while debuting in films, he reveals. "I have scored for more than 75 television serials which gave me clarity and self-assurance when I forayed into the big screen, thanks to Kutty Padmini who introduced me in serials."
Though he has worked with many well-known lyricists, his best comes out when he teams up with lyricist Yugabharathi. "Yes, my biggest strength is Yugabharathi sir." He adds, "Over the years, I have introduced more than 120 new voices and 80 percent were Tamilians."
He wished to thank Shreya Ghoshal with whom he has collaborated many times. "She is one singer I can depend on anytime. She allocates time for me despite her busy schedules and even when she is abroad."
His future offerings include a Sivakarthikeyan film, Karthi's Kadikutty Singam, Pugazhendhi Ennum Naan and Arvind Swamy's Vanangamudi among others.
