The Melody of Poetry

Be it mass numbers like in the film ‘Mirchi’, the powerful classic like “Sadasiva Sanyasi” in ‘Khaleja’, the soulful melody “Naalo Nuvvena” from ‘Banam’ or scores of other hit numbers in numerous films of the recent past, Ramajogayya Sastry, one of the most in-demand lyricist of Telugu film industry, has moulded himself, each time, in order to fit into the format without missing out on the sanctity of language. It is his positive attitude that has kept him in good stead and helped him strive for the best always

Excerpts:

How are you enjoying the success of ‘Srimanthadu’?

Success is over (Laughs). Songs are good and at the same time it fabricated a launch pad for the film. More than the songs I am happy that people received the movie with the open hearts.

Being a manufacture engineer, what made vyou risk your career to choose film industry?

I was very much influenced by films and it was my admiration for NTR (I am a big fan) that dragged me towards movies. But I was interested in becoming a singer.

Since I was also good with my studies, like others, I too picked up a job in Bengaluru, however a part of me retained the fascination for movies. It was only then that I started exploring opportunities in films.

I started from writing albums in Bangalore. When I came to Hyderabad for the job, I met my mentor Sri Sita Rama Sastry and I asked him if I could work with him.

It was during the time I was working under him that Sri Ravi Kishore gave me the first opportunity to write for ‘YuvaSena’, the Malayalam re-make film in 2004.

Till 2008, I continued my job and simultaneously wrote lyrics. But, post 2008, I thought I had to draw a line and pick up one pursuit where my triumph lies, and I took a firm decision to remain a lyricist.

How do you feel when you have to switch between writing class and mass songs?

I don’t feel it is difficult. Sometimes, in a day, I attempt to write 4-5 songs of different genres, which means switching between two many moods and it is not at all an issue.

Is it too much of a stress to come up with unique thoughts for your songs, especially when you are working on many songs?

I don’t say stress. I say it is personal resolve. In a week 4-5 audio launches will happen and at a certain average we can say 25-30 songs are being released. In a month probably 100 songs are being released.

So around 100 songs if you want your song be the foremost then you have to help yourself. In the given time, give your 100% and then leave it to the audience. When you love your work then words like stress and strain words don’t appear in your dictionary.

What kind of difference do you see while writing for dubbing and straight films?

I personally feel there is no contrast. Because there is a tune and there is a situation and I have to balance both the things. Taking this as a basic idea, we write. So a song is a song. But for dubbing movie, which is already shot, you have to write according to lip-sync. At that moment you have to be careful.

How is your equation with Sri Kamal Hassan?

I am blessed to be working with him for the last four films. Currently, I am working with him for ‘Cheekati Rajyam’. The film has only one song and that is a promo-song. It’s a learning experience, basically. He also knows Telugu and so with him, the interaction is always good and he appreciates my work.

In ‘Srimanthadu’ you appear during a scene and in ‘King’ you acted with Nagarjuna in a comedy scene. If given a chance, would you like to work in a full-fledged role for a film?

Acting is not my cup of tea. But I enjoy appearing on the big screen. I won’t deny it. But I will not act on regular basis. I will only do it for fun. Even in ‘Cheekati Rajyam’, I am doing a 5-minute cameo-that too because I want to cherish the memory of being on screen with Mr Kamal.

Who is your best critic?

My best critic is my mentor Sri Sita Rama Sastry. Whenever he point outs my mistakes, I listen to him quietly and rectify them. His appreciation is so much valuable for me that for me it is like an Oscar award.

What message would you give to youngsters who want to opt for writing film songs as their profession?

They have to check themselves whether they have enough passion or not. They have to study the existing songs and keep observing the current trends. Constant practice is a must. Before coming here, make sure your families also support your decision and they stand by you so that your journey is better.

When you turn back and look at your success, what is your instant reaction?

More than success, I feel it is my responsibility. I know the reason for all the respect and appreciation I get. My thoughts always revolve around delivering better and better songs in future.

Being a lyricist yourself, are you happy with the current trend in film music?

My designation is to provide lyrics for the tune as per the director’s vision. I refrain from being judgmental because it affects my writing. If I like a tune, I attempt with double enthusiasm and if I don’t like it, I work much hard to make it a hit song.

Do you feel lyricists now-a-days are being deprived?

To an extent yes. Lyricists are not getting their due recognition. Lyrics are the key to a song. Content of the song is paramount. Yet, somehow, even as some FM Radio and music channels are mentioning the lyricist’s name, yet, there is a wide gap to fill up. In this context, I request the audience to research and acknowledge the lyricist.

By:Abhyudaya Karamchetu