Devi Sri Prasad: I will make my acting debut soon

Music composer Devi Sri Prasad is on cloud nine following the success of the recently released Pushpa - The Rise. Directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers in association with Muttamsetty Media, the film is headlined by Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil.

Songs from the movie have become a huge hit pan India and the BGM for the film too was much appreciated by all.

In an exclusive interview, Devi Sri Prasad talks about the work that went into the music for the movie, and more. Here are some excerpts:

How do you feel about the success of Pushpa's songs in all five languages?

I am really happy and excited. The effort that went into all the songs has really paid off. It took me almost one month to complete each of the songs in the film. I meticulously selected the singers to suit a particular language.

In fact, Andrea Jeremiah who sang the Oo Solriya song in Tamil was busy with a shoot. She took permission from the shoot and sang the song. I am thankful to all the singers and lyricists who cooperated well. Viveka has done a wonderful job with the Tamil lyrics. Also, Sid Sriram was excited to sing Srivalli as he felt this was something new to him. All five songs look more authentic in their respective languages. We were clear that this is not a dubbing film, but a pa-Indian flick and we wanted the quality to be on par with it.

How do you handle success?

Whether it is success or failure, I always take it to my heart and not to the mind. We put in the same effort for all songs and some of them become hits and some do not. We will have to be prepared for both. What is important is hard work and consistency.

About your chemistry with Sukumar and Allu Arjun...

Allu Arjun and I are very close friends. He is a very hardworking and dedicated actor. I cherish his success and the feeling is mutual. I was also one of the main guys pushing him towards Tamil cinema. He asks for my opinion on a few things as well.

I am elated that Pushpa had a good reception in Tamil cinema. Sukumar is like a brother to me. He is one of the most loving persons I have met. He is also very sensitive. All three of us have mutual understanding which reflects on screen in the movies that we do.

How much liberty did you have while scoring the background music for Pushpa?

As far as Sukumar is concerned, he gives complete creative liberty. During the background music recording (BGM), he could not come and, in fact, asked me to send it once it was completed. That is how much he trusts my work. I wanted him to watch the BGM as it was a new attempt. But he insisted on sending it. He made some minor adjustments. We understand each other very well.

The music scenario is changing now and movies are releasing without songs. How do you see it?

Music has importance worldwide. It changes the mood of the people. In foreign countries, there are no songs in films. But I personally feel that music should not be separated from the movie as it gives the complete theatrical experience. Songs give a completely different feeling to the audience making them all the more engaged with the film. I enjoy movies without songs, but I still prefer films with songs as they bring more energy and connectivity.

Earlier songs were differentiated based on the language. Does this seem to have changed now?

Someone said that music has no language. It is true that music has no language, but the lyrics make it attached to a particular place. Since we have many languages in our country, it becomes difficult to reach the audience. I take it up as a challenge to ensure that people from other states also enjoy the songs that I make.

Is DSP a music director or composer?

I am a music lover. I always love to compose my songs and score BGM. In many scenes, I use the songs for some RR. I am a devotee of maestro Ilaiyaraaja. He is like a god to me and changed how BGM was made for a movie. I would always prefer making BGMs over songs.

Are pan-Indian films fashion or passion?

We come to this field to get name and fame. There should be no regional restriction for that. Hindi movies are not called pan-Indian as they are accepted naturally. Regional cinemas are not given that benefit. But recently, films like Baahubali, KGF and Pushpa have changed this. Why should we restrict ourselves to one region? The word pan-India will soon vanish and it will all become Indian film and later change to world cinema.

When can we see DSP as a hero?

My target was only to become a musician, which is why I refused a few acting offers initially. But the pandemic has changed my perception. It got me thinking and I wanted to try everything that I am good at. So I will make my debut as an actor very soon. Work for that has already begun.