Rajinikanth is a caring godfather, says music director Anirudh Ravichander

Music director Anirudh Ravichander will tell you that 2015 is a landmark year in his career. He’ll complete ten films by the end of 2015 and is also building his new studio this year. Wildly successful at a young age, Anirudh broke into the music scene with the viral hit 'Kolaveri Di?' in 2011. With all his albums since being blockbusters, he openly acknowledges the intense pressure and scrutiny he faces.

Here 24-year-old Anirudh talks about his relationship with his films​, Dhanush and Rajinikanth, and more—

Your recent albums for Dhanush’s VIP and Maari were blockbusters. What’s your relationship with him like?

I can’t be happier, even though I’m under pressure. Dhanush and I jam together when we work on an album and there’s a lot of truth and soul when we both work together; it’s no holds barred. We share a special relationship since my first film 3 happened with him as well. With Dhanush, there’s a magical chemistry and understanding and I hope it stays on forever. 

Tell us about your Ajith film.

In your music career, you’ll want every film to take you to the next level. Ajith’s film is exactly that. Last year, I had Vijay’s Kaththi and this year with Ajith’s film, I feel I am truly blessed. I’m a big Ajith fan. Before I got into music as a full-fledged career, I used to go for the first day first show of all of Thala’s films— whistles, claps, the works! It’s really nice that I am now the music director for his film. In fact, Ajith’s film is my 10th film.

The music for this film will be different from all my other films. Since I’m a fan of Ajith, I know how I’d like to see him on screen and the sound I’d like to hear musically for his film. That’s how I am working on this project. In fact, everyone was kicked after I gave them the intro song and I went to the set to see the shooting of the song as well.

How has Naanum Rowdy Dhaan turned out?

This is a completely romantic album. I can say that this album is straight from the heart and soul of Anirudh. I hope and pray it’ll be like that and the audience will love it.

What advice does Rajinikanth give you?

He speaks to me after the release of every album. He’s interested in what I do and how I’m progressing both professionally and personally. I am very open with him. He’s a caring godfather.

Your friend Simbu has unfortunately been having issues in his career.

I’ll always stand up for Simbu because I like him as a person. I wish and hope that Vaalu releases soon and becomes a big hit. I will always be there for him no matter what.

Thoughts about working in Bollywood?

After the first few Tamil albums, every time a song or album is offered to me, my ego won’t let me have a smaller start elsewhere. Unless and until a film like 3 is offered to me, I won’t move to Mumbai. The film needs to inspire me musically. I don’t want to do just party songs!

What mantra do you follow as a music director?

In the last three years, I’ve turned down so many films because I didn’t want to break the existing successful music director-director combinations. I don’t want to rub anyone the wrong way. I’m as happy as I can be. I couldn’t have asked for more.

Is it true you are cutting down on the number of films a year?

Yes, I want to eventually work on just two films a year. Everyone has a different working style and capacity to score for more number of films. The pressure to succeed with every film is high for me ever since 3 came out. To give my best, I can’t do more than three films a year. I compose a song a day but till I’m confident with a piece I don’t play it for the director. I can’t give my best if I’m releasing one album a month! I’m happy working like this. I think the audience also has high expectations and I can meet those expectations.