DSP is gung-ho about Sarileru Neekevvaru

Devi Sri Prasad is gung-ho about having done 'Sarileru Neekevvaru' for a major reason. He is elated that he got to compose two mass songs for Mahesh Babu. In this interview, the versatile music director talks about the film, what went into composing the five songs, his upcoming movies, what it's taking to compose for the Sukumar and Allu Arjun movie and more.

How has the reception been for the music of 'Sarileru Neekevvaru'?

It has been great. Each Monday of last month was like an exam. Thankfully, not just the media but also Mahesh Babu garu's fans have lapped up the songs big-time. Sometimes, the reception is far better than what you expect.

While the song 'Suryudivo Chandrudivo' is run-of-the-mill, you have scored high marks with 'Daang Daang' and 'Mind Block'. How did you approach the songs?

Before this film, I had this urge to give mass hits to Mahesh. I have given big hits for all major stars in Telugu. With Mahesh garu, I had been restricted to give only certain kind of songs because of the films that he did. In 'Bharat Ane Nenu', he played a CM. How could I have given tunes like 'Mind Block'? ‘Sarileru Neekevvaru' is totally different. Given the genre and Anil Ravipudi's vision, I had the freedom.

With 'Mind Block', I started out by working around the director's vision. When he told me that Mahesh will be wearing a lungi in it, I was like, 'Are you sure he will agree?' I conceived the title, the tune based on his get-up and the vibes of the situation. Even the small lines that Mahesh speaks in his voice came from me. I wanted to use his style of mocking way of talking at times.

As for 'Daang Daang', you will be amazed by Mahesh garu's dance and the beats of the song in the theatre.

What about the soldiers' anthem in the movie?

I could do it that way because I have always been fascinated by the sacrifices of the soldiers. Imagine living away from your family, in trying conditions. I can't even imagine. When I told Anil Sunkara garu that I will do it as a symphony orchestra and will have to travel to Europe for that, he was happy. The orchestra members were thrilled; they told me the tune is diverse and so unlike the Western symphonies.  

You have worked with Mahesh some five times. What have you observed in him?

He is a superstar with a sweet heart and immensely encourages his technicians. It's because of his encouragement that we are pushed to always better ourselves. He shows child-like enthusiasm when he listens to something exciting. That makes me want to give more and more. This quality is something that I have observed in Chiranjeevi garu as well.

Tell us about the Bunny-Sukumar movie that you are doing.

Having done a film like 'Rangasthalam', we want to give the best this time as well. Chandrabose is writing lyrics and I and Sukumar garu have been engaged in discussions. Sometimes we finalize a tune or something pretty fast. At other times, it takes a lot of time. Different voices will be seen in the album.

What about your other projects?

I am doing 'Uppena', which is musical and has given me the scope to give melodies. 'Rang De', starring Nithin and Keerthy Suresh', is a pure love story between two individuals. It's another dear project to me.  Nagesh Kukunoor-Keerthy Suresh's 'Good Luck Sakhi' will have country music, etc.  I am not doing any Tamil movie but will be doing a Bollywood movie soon. 

Do you have any hobby?

I have always loved photography. My father entered the industry with a desire to become a cameraman. His love for cameras has been acquired by me.