Kolaveri Anirudh opens up to CT :TOI

'I WANT TO ENSURE I'M NOT A ONE-FILM WONDER'

…says music composer Anirudh, who opens up to CT on his filmi career, love and more

Srinivasa Ramanujam

He was in his last year of college when a movie offer beckoned. Today, Anirudh has tasted quite a lot of success thanks to his tunes. Currently, he has about five projects in Kollywood and one in Bollywood. Besides, he's also acting in a film! CT gets chatting with the composer on his first love — music — and the big screen…
Post the success of Kolaveri, life must have changed…
After Kolaveri happened, life has been like a catapult, really, and not like a step-by-step climb. But, I wanted to ensure that I wasn't a one-film wonder and worked hard on my second album, Ethir Neechal, which is doing well now. At 21, I can't ask for more. I wanted to taste this kind of success at 25 but I'm happy and grateful to God to have showered it to me so early in my career.
How did composing for films happen?
3 was actually a short film for which I'd scored music. Those days, Dhanush kept saying that I'll make it big someday — but I thought he was pulling my leg! When he wanted me to compose music for the film, I was just 19 and in my final year of college. The offer was sudden and unexpected — just like the success.
The songs you've sung are also doing well…
Singing doesn't come naturally to me. As a composer, I record all my scratch tracks and sometimes, directors like the voice and so, decide to retain it.
So, how do you zero in on a singer for a particular tune?
When I'm composing a song, I have the singer in mind. For instance, for my next album Vanakkam Chennai, I tuned a song keeping in mind Ayushmann Khurrana's voice. I called him and fortunately, he agreed to sing immediately! That album, which I personally feel is my best till date, will also feature a song by Hard Kaur and Yo Yo Honey Singh.
You're going to act in a film now…
I'll be doing a film with director Vignesh Shiva and producer Gautham Menon. What attracted me is that the role I play in the film is very similar to my real-life character. I also want to make sure that my music career does not get affected due to my time in front of the camera. Music is my first love and it'll remain that way.
Which female co-star would you like in the film you're debuting in?
I'm fine with anyone who agrees to act with me! (laughs) When I was a kid, I used to like Sushmita Sen a lot but of course, she can't act opposite me now!
You're one of the most eligible bachelors in Kollywood — aren't you in a relationship?
Currently, I'm single.
Really? But you've not been in love?
Oh yes, I have. I have been in love — twice — but it didn't work out.

C H E N N A I A N D I


• I've been born and brought up in the city and so, Chennai is an integral part of me. The city has also been an inspiration for many songs.

• Every two days, I make sure that I take a little break from work and head to the beach. I love the beaches in Chennai. The harbour bridge is a regular haunt as well.

• The title track of my next film Vanakkam Chennai will have references to the city and has been inspired by my love for the wonderful places here.

Anirudh