Melodies always last long: Bhavadharini – Interview

Each and everyday Kollywood witnesses young musicians arriving on the scene with their penchant for innovation and unquenchable thirst for excellence. The latest one to join the bandwagon is Bhavadharini, daughter of music Maestro Ilayaraja who is making her debut in the Tamil with the film Amirdham as the music director. She speaks in an interview to the Editor of G.com.

Did you have any formal training in music?
Yes, I am still learning carnatic music from Dhakshina Moorthy sir. I have learnt Hindustani and classical music too.

How did the idea of making a video album Sudhandhiram (Freedom) set out? Was it to offset A.R.Rahman’s Vande Mataram which was creating waves at that time?
A few years back, one of our friends, director Tamizhselvan approached me and wanted me to do an album for Independence Day. I was singing in my dad’s compositions at that time. I have always wanted to do something different. So I thought why not I take a shot which will be a right launch pad for me. That’s how it happened. So there is no question of challenging Rahman!
Me appearing on the video was incidental. But, it received rave reviews.
There was one more album I am in love which had 7 songs.

What was your dad’s reaction?
He was cool. He was open to it.

At what age you started singing?
I think it was at the age of 10. It was a two liner from the film En Bhommu Kutty Ammaukku in my father’s composition.

What’s your father’s advice to you?
As I told you earlier, he never gets perturbed. He always tells us to do what we feel is right. In that way he has given us lot of freedom.

Your father is king of melodies. What’s your style?
I am also inclined towards melody only. I have a strong opinion that melody will always long last and linger in everyone’s mind. Even in a fast number you can incorporate melody. I should have my own style because most of the other Music Directors copy or get inspired by my Dad

What are your criteria for selecting a movie?
(Smiles) simple! It’s the script and the budget.

How did you bag the Tamil film Amirdham which has an offbeat theme?
Vedham Pudhidhu Kannan sir, the director of Amirdham knows my dad well. When he became independent with this film he wanted me to do the music as he is also the producer for this film.
When Kannan narrated the script to me, immediately I grabbed the offer. It has an intense unusual subject and had lot of scope for music. It was challenging for me. There are six songs. I have mixed classical and western and given a fusion. There are two melodies, all the songs are situational and do not come out separately as a song.

Do you have a ‘kutthu’ song which is the order of the day?
I don’t think each and every film should have a ‘kutthu’ song just for the heck of it. By saying this, I am not against it. But if the story demands you can have it. I do not have one in Amirdham.

Tell us about your experience with actress Revathy’s English film MITR and Hindi film Phir Milenge.
When Revathy madam started her MITR project, it was all women crew. So she was looking out for a lady music director. I was composing for title music of serials at that time. She was insistent that I must compose for her MITR. We used discuss all the time about each and every detail of the film to extract the best out of us. The characters do not sing any of the songs in the film. It just comes in the background.
For Phir Milenge, I did only one song and the background. The film is about AIDS and the background played an important role in it. When the film was released I got lot of phone calls appreciating my work.

Would you encourage new singers?
Yes, of course!

Do you compose for lyrics or lyrics are written for your tunes?
In both ways! It depends on the director.

Where do you stand in the current scenario?
No one can take anyone’s place. If you give good music you are there. No doubt, people's expectations are high since I am the daughter of Ilayaraja, and I've to work really hard to establish my credentials, and strike my own individuality and my film is yet to come. After Amirdham gets released, I would be in a better position to talk about this. As of now I am genuine and confident of having done my part well.

No plans of doing any more albums?
No, not now! My concentration is fully on singing and music direction.

Who is your favourite music director?
Undoubtedly it is my father and then in the list is A.R.Rahman, my elder brother Karthik Raja. I get lot of inspiration from my brother Karthik.

Some of her favourites
Singers: Lathaji, Ashaji, P.Susheela madam, Yesudas sir, SPB sir and currently Sujatha, Karthik and Ranjith.
Dress: Ethnic wear, Salwars
Food: Dosas
Joint: Residency in Park Sheraton
Mainland China in Quality Inn Tulip
Actors: Kamal, Vijay, Vikram
Actress: Jo, Simran
Instrument: Piano