Being a Tollywood movie lyricist is quite a challenging job. The lyricist needs to reinvent thoughts and redefine creativity for every song they write. One such new talent who has been making good buzz is Krishnakanth. He wrote some memorable songs for Andala Rakshasi, Jil, Kumari 21F, Bhale Manchi Roju and now a single card album for Nani’s Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha. Here is an iQlik exclusive chitchat with the star lyricist:
Hello Krishnakanth..Congrats for the success of your Krishnagaadi Veera Prema Gaadha album.
Hi.. (Smiles) Thank you!
About your background...
Hailing from Suryapet, I was keen on music and writing since childhood. Though I was a Multimedia graduate and started off in a news channel, I used to keep writing petty poems and songs. I along with my friend even composed and released a private album named 'Kalayo Nijamo' in 2008 which earned me recognition. About one year before Andala Rakshasi, I met director Hanu for the first time through my good friend Phani. He gave one song in Andala Rakshasi intially but was impressed and made me part of the entire album. And from them I never looked back.
Being a multimedia graduate, how did you shape up as a lyricist then?
(Smiles) As I told you I used to write poems and stuff. Well, we are four brothers and I'm the younger one. We used to have an Audio store back in hometown and I had access to all new songs. I used to listen to Tamil songs as well & even byhearted the lyrics of Kadhalan (Premikudu) & Gentlemen. Right from under-graduation I seriously started writing songs and share my work with my good friend Santosh (who is also a writer). I gained confidence with the success of the private album and with encouragement of Sukumar garu & Hanu, I never looked back.
Being a multimedia graduate, how did you shape up as a lyricist then?
(Smiles) As I told you I used to write poems and stuff. Well, we are four brothers and I'm the younger one. We used to have an Audio store back in hometown and I had access to all new songs. I used to listen to Tamil songs as well & even byhearted the lyrics of Kadhalan (Premikudu) & Gentlemen. Right from under-graduation I seriously started writing songs and share my work with my good friend Santosh (who is also a writer). I gained confidence with the success of the private album and with encouragement of Sukumar garu & Hanu, I never looked back.
Do you have any good friends in the film industry?
Well my friends are Hanu Raghavapudi and Jil director Radhakrishna. I knew director Sukumar since Arya days. I made him listen a song from my private album then. We thought of working together for 100% Love but things didn’t work out. But Sukumar was quite encouraging to me always. Finally we got to work for Kumari 21F. He is one of my best well wishers and friend.
How was it working with Hanu Raghavapudi for Krishna Gadi Veera Prema Gaadha?
He is a great intellectual. Hanu is one of those rare individuals who are greatly concerned about Telugu language and diminishing prominence in Telugu film music. That's why he wanted me to write songs in Telugu avoiding English lines to the possible extent. Usually directors tend to edge towards commercial elements and compromise but Hanu did not change even after Andala Rakshasi. We always had a constructive debate about every single line and word. Since he is a close friend, I was involved in the recording of this album as well! “Nuvvu” was the first song we worked on and it was quite challenging.
Your working experience as a single card lyricist for Krishna Gadi Veera Prema Gaadha?
KVPG is almost a year long journey and he chose me to write all the songs in the album. I know it is not easy to impress Hanu but I took it as a challenge and was much attached to this project right from the beginning.
Was it fun working with Kollywood composer Vishal Chandrasekhar for this film?
I knew Vishal since Jil Jung Juk recording days. He is a cool guy and supremely talented. I knew Shoot the Kuruvi would be a great hit back then. He gave his his best for KVPG also. We became quite close while working for this film. He put the extra effort to sound more native and suit the film’s theme.
How was it working with a prestigious banner like 14 Reels?
The best aspect about them is they never segregate artists as newcomer or experienced. They are very passionate about making quality films and even helped us with lyric writing as well.
You can now be a full fledged lyricist but why not yet?
I might become but my job (As Graphics Head in a renowned News Channel) is equally important. I have full time work in office and I write during nights plan my meetings during weekends. I'm quite comfortable this way and I'm glad my office supported me.
What do you think is the key to success in this industry?
I strongly believe in hard work and only that will fetch results.
What is your trigger point to write a song?
I find it difficult to work with deadlines. However, working for Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gadha was like a journey and I enjoyed doing it. In such situations we get good songs. Well, I don't have a trigger point as such. I keep listening to the tune & suddenly I get something and eventually the song shapes up.
About your family support...
My wife Hima Bindu and kids Hrudhi (4th standard) & Hrishith (LKG) give me full freedon in this aspect. I'm a normal husband & father back home but once I'm indulged in work, they don't disturb me.
You are known for your love songs and melodies. What's the inspiration?
(Smiles) It is always the directors, their scripts and of course the love of my life - my wife Himabindu.
Great! Any letters & poems you have written to her?
(Laughs) Of course alot! That is how I impressed her. Though we were relatives, we never met until my Intermediate. We hardly met but wrote so many letters to each other. Especially I used to write about 20-30 page letters each and every time. My first letter to her goes like this...
(Smiles) Well once I got a job, we disclosed our love story to parents and got happily married.
Great! Any letters & poems you have written to her?
(Laughs) Of course alot! That is how I impressed her. Though we were relatives, we never met until my Intermediate. We hardly met but wrote so many letters to each other. Especially I used to write about 20-30 page letters each and every time. My first letter to her goes like this...
(Smiles) Well once I got a job, we disclosed our love story to parents and got happily married.
Any favorite lyricists you look upto?
Veturi garu & Sirivennela garu. They both are two different schools and they are always my role models. Otherwise I also admire Athreya garu & Sri Sri.
Any special memory you share exclusively with us?
Hmmm..well I must confess that I am a diehard fan of Nagarjuna sir. And back in my childhood when my family and brothers are crazy about Sr NTR, I used to argue that Nagarjuna was the best. I went haywire and even wrote a letter with my own blood to Nagarjuna when his film Vajram got released. Surprisingly, I got a letter from his office saying "never do such things again!" Today I wrote a song Adirabanna for his Soggade Chinni Nayana and for his son Naga Chaitanya's Dohchay as well! Always memorable & special for me.
Thanks & wishing you the best for your bright future!
Thank you so much!
ALSO SEE :
Krishnagadi Veera Prema Gaadha Trailer
