In daddy’s shadow

Sagar Mahati, son of ace music director Mani Sharma, who is venturing into music direction with Naga Shaurya-starrer ‘Jaadogadu’, says his father has been a big inspiration to him and is an obvious influence on his music style.

“Since childhood, I have been going with him to studios and have seen him composing music. And so there was always an attraction to music,” he says. Yogesh, the director of the film was the main reason he decided to give music direction a shot. “It happened only because of him,” Sagar reveals.

On being able to match his dad’s work, he says, “That’s a Herculean task! It will be an achievement if I go anywhere near him!” However, there’s another influence on the budding musician – Kalyani Malik.

“If dad has motivated me 80 per cent, the rest 20 per cent can be attributed to him. He is my well wisher and a great friend.” What really drives him is the fact that people trust him. “When someone believes in you, there’s motivation to work hard. I hope I live up to the expectations,” he says.