Sivamani lashes out at Darbar

In the city to do what he does best, percussionist Sivamani is the latest to lash out at music composer Ismail Darbar for alleging that AR Rahman “bought” his Oscar.
“Darbar is in the wrong company. He does not even know what he is talking. I have worked with Rahman and know him well. He is a genius. He does not need to buy an Oscar,” Sivamani says, adding, “The more I talk about this issue, the bigger controversy it will become.But Darbar ‘is’ wrong.” This apart, Sivamani settles down to talk about all things musical.
One man, too many instruments
I think of a story and accordingly play the music. Every story should be different but of course it should have the Sivamani connect. If you say that playing many instruments simultaneously is unusual, then I would say I am God gifted.
Stage vs filmi scoreI am a stage artiste. I think I am born for the stage and I love it. There cannot be anything that’s as thrilling and exciting as playing live.
Filmi connect
I am now getting more into composing music for films. I am currently composing music for a Tamil film. It cannot be is rather not going to be anything like what I do on the stage. On stage, there is a lot of freedom and I try and explore things I can further do when on stage. But in a film, one has to work within certain limitations. However, people will know that it is my music because it will have the Sivamani flavour.
From Sivamani to Jeevamani
I am humbled by this name given to me by Tamil Nadu chief minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi after one of my performances. Jeevan means life, and I am happy that people feel that I bring life to them through my music. Hence, I like using this name more than Sivamani now.