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A chat with Bharadwaj
 It was a passion for music that brought this chartered accountant to films. Bharadwaj has since scored music for about 44 films in languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. All set to score for his first Hindi film, the 'O Podu' music director talks about his struggle and his growing career.
On his background: I was born in Tirunelveli, but had my schooling and college in Delhi where my father was placed. I was passionate about music, and since my childhood itself got trained in Hindustani, Western and Carnatic music. Even before I was doing my chartered accountancy, I had composed music for programmes on A.I.R. and D.D. at the age of 17.
On his association with Chennai: I came to Chennai in 1986 with a job in Ashok Leyland as a chartered accountant, and I worked there for two years. Even then I was doing the round of producers' offices looking for a break. I composed music for 'Bhakti' cassettes, jingles, and T.V. serials like 'Vizhuthugal' and
'Aalayam'.
On his first break in films: My first film was a Telugu one. Then came films in Kannada (three films) and Malayalam (one). After doing 19 films in these languages, I got my first break in Tamil. That was for the Ajit-starrer 'Kadhal Mannan' directed by Charan. Since then I've composed music for 25 films. With Charan I've done five films, the recent one being 'Jay Jay', to release shortly.
On his rapport with Charan: We started our careers in Tamil together. Our first film 'Kadhal Mannan' was talked about for its music. Then came 'Parthein Rasithein', 'Amarkkalam', 'Gemini' and now 'Jay Jay', the songs of all four films were hits, and the audio cassettes of 'Jay.Jay' are also doing well in the market. Charan and I have established a good rapport over the years.
The songs which made you famous: There was 'O Podu...' of course, in 'Gemini'. From 'Kadhal Mannan' there was 'Unnai Paartha Pinbu Naan', and 'Sathamillatha Thanimai Keitten'....in 'Amarkalam'. All the songs in 'Pandavar Bhoomi' were popular. In the film 'Rojakoottam', it was 'Apple Penne' which was a chart-buster.
Your style of music: The prime job of a music director in films is to follow the dictates of the director. The requirements of the story, and situations, the commercial aspect, all count. In a private album I can have my own style, but not in films.
About music dominating over lyrics: That accusation has not happened in my case. I've always focussed on lyrics and expressions, than the instrument part. The lyricist's creativity has always been rightly represented in my songs.
On bringing in Mumbai singers: I accept we do have varied talent here too. No doubt 'Sruthi' and 'Thaalam' is a basic requisite for any singer. But more than this, the right attittude counts too! I use talent whereever I find it. I used Shalini's voice for the first time in 'Amarkkalam'. Recently Suchitra (of Radio Mirchi') has sung for 'Jay Jay'; Just like we use artistes from other languages, there's no harm in using varied voices too.
On dull sales of audio-cassettes: The song quality is not that good now-a-days. All of us have to do better. Music is more visual today. It's based on movement, and rythmic music is needed. Added to that, the sprouting of so many FM channels has definitely had its impact on audio sales.
Would you compose for vulgar lyrics: We do have a social responsibility. But the lyric writer and director too have a responsibility. It's a decision we have to take jointly.
On his future projects: Charan's 'Jay Jay' is my 25th film, in Tamil. I'm also composing for Cheran's 'Autograph', the Dhanush-starrer 'Dreams' directed by Kasthuriraja, and the Arun Kumar-starrer 'Jananam', and 'Endrum Unnai Nesippein' where Karthik is the hero. And I've also signed my first Hindi film 'Friends', a remake of the south film. Since I'm fluent in Hindi, language should not be a problem.
Compiled by Malini Mannath
Published on 27th Oct, 2003
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