Hyderabad
June 29, 2008

Words uttered in frustration can be admiring sometimes. Such a man loathes inhibitions. A two-and-half year loss of face in silence is enough for music director Kalyani Mallik to understand the depths of professionalism in Telugu film industry. His perception of music underwent a sea change from that day – when he worked as the Chief Music Assistant with his brother MM Keeravani for Bollywood’s Sur: The Melody of Love (2002) - to the present day of his latest film album: Astha Chamma. “Music can play miracles for a movie.” Gone was that mindset. Now, he sings: A successful film alone will decide the success of its music. Kalyani Mallik debuted as full-fledged composer with successful offbeat film Aithe (2003), which didn’t have its audio release. Gopichand’s Andhrudu (2005) and Nag’s Boss (2006) didn’t bring him any luck. His expressions turned naked during chitchat with Idlebrain.com.

I can never forget that day of humiliation
The gap between Boss and my current film Astha Chamma is two and half years. One day during this stalemate, I attended a big film function. A couple of press photographers saw me, but passed me, as though they had not seen me at all. I caught their feeling. Veedini choosina palakaristhe, photolu thiyyalemo, endhukocchina badha! (If we see him or talk to him, we have to take snaps at him. Why take trouble?) I felt very bad about that situation. Man in a failure will definitely get that kind of respect. It is universal, though such victims don’t speak out.

Interviews and success meets are bogus
When my project didn’t click, nothing really helps me to resurrect myself in the public eye. We can’t simply fool away the public. Giving interviews and terming a flop as a super duper hit has come to be order of the day. But, people don’t believe this. All these tactics are bogus and foolish. Everywhere, you find hypocrisy.

There is confusion in my name
My real name is Kalyani. I am a big devotee of Lord Mallikharjuna Swamy (presiding deity of Srisailam). So, I prefixed Kalyani with Mallik. I know there is a little bit public confusion – mistaking me for a Bollywood music director. I don’t find any big loss to me in this aspect. If they (producers) think that way, they will give me more chances. (Tollywood a thriving ground for imports!)

Bad music can be chartbusting
If a movie is termed a hit, its music need not be strong. It has the chance of making the audience listen to the songs repeatedly. If you are forced to listen to a song repeatedly, the chances are plenty that it gets liked gradually. If the case is reversed, how much melodious might be the music, people don’t care for it.

Big Music directors are an exception
Big music directors are exempted from this yardstick (that if film is flop, music is out). Composers like Harris Jayraj have carved a special brand for them among music lovers. Irrespective of the success-failure dimension of their films, they continue their might with us. In fact, their brand becomes plus point to the film.

Adhi chala dharidranga untundhi
(Responding to a query): If I feel about my music, adhi chala dharidranga untundhi. It is for the audience to feel my music and give their feedback. To give good music and having satisfaction about it are two things that I can do. Nothing is in my hands once my music reaches the public.

Fallacy about my remuneration
By God’s grace I hold the required senses for a good music director. I was doing a background score for a particular film. The budget was Rs. 14 lakhs. I finished it in just Rs. 7.5 lakhs, giving a big saving to the producer. But, somebody started saying that I took Rs. 50 lakhs. In fact, I don’t take big remunerations. I take very reasonable remuneration, which might be the lowest figure when compared to others.

Package system works sometimes
The so-called package system in delivery of music has both plus and minus points. It gives an amount of freedom to a composer. He can have the options to be aesthetic and commercial as well. Producers’ involvement can be less. Good or bad, most composers are tilting towards it.

About Astha Chamma music
I tried my level best to give good music, because I too require success. If my work is good, people will like it. Otherwise, they shun it. The film should also run well. And I hope so. I introduced six Telugu playback singers from Hyderabad. I take delight in that. The album has a great deal of Teluguness. As a lover of Radio, I feel happy my music got released on the Radio FM. But how many people really listen to the radio? Seriously!

click here for another complete interview of Kalyani Malik taken 2 and half years back

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