Academy award winner and Indian musical sensation, A R Rahman had composed popular jingles in the late 80s while he was still known as Dileep. Likewise, there have been several immensely talented composers who have worked for television related ventures, be it commercial or for the title songs for mega tele-serials before making their foray into silver screen including the popular Shankar Mahadevan.
In Kannada, veteran V Manohar is known for composing the title song for one of the popular tele-serials Danda Pindagalu directed by Phani Ramachandra.
Karthik Sharma has been one of the top most composers for television in recent times with scores of works to his credit including the most coveted ones being Puttagowri Maduve, Kinnari and Comedy Khiladigalu. He has also been busy composing for movies. After Lambodhara, Karthik is back with his second commercial venture which is called Nanu Mattu Gunda. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.
“Composing for tele-serials has its own fun despite restrictions such as time constraints and freedom for a composer. However, it makes one learn the entire process of composing, which even helps when working for movies. My first movie as a composer was for Banaadi which was a non-commercial venture, but with Lambhodhara, many were surprised that I was capable of doing movies too,” says Karthik Sharma.
With regards to his next Nanu Mattu Gunda, which revolves around an emotional connect between a dog and a man, Karthik shares that he was initially approached for scoring background music and when he eventually added a couple of songs, he was asked to convert it into a complete album. “It has more of an emotional touch and the music elevates the entire experience.”
He explains that working for television is a bit monotonous while movies come with greater freedom to experiment and explore the technical aspects of composing and recording which is very limited for TV. His latest works on TV are for Ranganayaki and Ishta Devathe alongside two of his upcoming silver screen ventures one of which features Yogesh in the lead. He is determined to not quit television, which he says made him what he is today.
“Title songs from the popular tele-serials such as Mayamruga, Mukhta Mukhta, Danda Pingadagalu, Guddada Bhootha, Silli Lalli, Papa Pandu, and many more are as popular as any classical ones from the movies. They have meaningful lyrics which held the attention of the audience,” says television writer Ashwini.
Director Naveen wraps it up by saying that it is the essence and identity of a TV serial. “Audience recognise it the moment they hear the signature tune of the serial songs. It is why many prefer to get it originally composed. But unfortunately due to time constraints, apart from first few episodes, the beautifully composed songs are shortened,” he signs off.
