The Telugu film industry sees a massive influx of music composers every year, but only a few of them succeed in leaving a mark. One such talented composer is Krishna Saurabh Surampalli, who impressed the listeners with his first rendition only. Krishna Saurabh is the man behind the chartbuster song ‘Prema Geema’ from the film 'Simbaa: The Forest Man'. We at ETimes recently caught up with the talented music composer for a candid conversation as part of the #BehindTheCamera series. In a freewheeling conversation, he talks about how he forayed into Tollywood, his musical journey, inspirations, his upcoming projects, and much more.
Excerpts: While talking about his native place, studies, and own studio, Krishna Saurabh said, ''I am from Visakhapatnam. After completing graduation, I left for London to pursue my Master’s degree in music. I did my Music Production and Studio Sound Engineering at Alchemea University, London. I also did Film Music Scoring & Orchestration at Morley University. I received certification in Advanced Diploma & Higher Education from KM Music Conservatory (AR Rahman Music College). I came back to India and put up my own studio in Chennai. I have a team of eight people who permanently work for me. I rent out the studio for other composers as well. More than 120 films have been recorded in my studio so far.''
Reasons for setting up his own studio in Chennai, Krishna revealed, ''To be honest, no one told me to be here or anywhere. After finishing my Master's programme, I didn’t even go to my native place, and straightaway came to Chennai. I called my parents to tell them that I wanted to go to Chennai, and they shifted here as well. I haven’t been there for the last seven years. I really missed the place. I felt that Chennai is a central hub for music and which is why I set up my studio here.''
He opened up about his struggles in the initial days. ''I think struggles are there for everyone. I didn’t know anyone in the industry. I had no idea how to enter the field of cinema. Thankfully, with my parents' support and all, I was able to get into it. I feel I entered the industry at the right time. I have been approached for music compositions by the makers thereby I managed to get in touch with them,'' he shared.
Reminiscing how he got his first opportunity, Krishna recalled, ''It was a long process. I met Sampath Nandi garu in 2017. He listened to one of my tracks and was so impressed and surprised by the rendition. He kept on listening to that track because he is a musicophile. He has some music knowledge. He promised to work together on a film in the future. After five years, I had been approached by Sampath garu to compose music for the film called Simbaa. I started working on the project in September last year.''
About his association with the project, Krishna said, ''I was given absolute freedom to compose music for 'Simbaa'. They would explain the situation and allow us to compose music for the film. Before starting to compose, they will narrate the whole story first. So that we can get through what we need to compose.''
He added, ''The moment I heard the narration I really loved it. We’ve recently released the first single titled Prema Geema, a romantic melody with folk touch. I spent most of the time composing this song because I introduced Qawwali to it. There are two more tracks to be released. There is only one song and two theme tracks in the film, which will mostly travel through the background score. I can say my music can propel narrative swiftly forward.''
Citing the importance of music in films, he opined, ''In my opinion, music is also one of the characters in a film. I think without music, a particular scene will not be conveyed. Music is the only thing that makes sense. It will enhance emotions. There are instances where some movies could create wonders with the help of music. Music plays an inevitable part in the cinematic experience and is essential to the storytelling process. It supports the overall mood and narrative of the film. Yet, every craft has its own value to it.''
Talking about their favourite music composers, Krishna told, ''I really enjoy listening to music from the renaissance era. I listen to the 16th-century composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s music. When it comes to new-age musicians, I like John Williams, one of the legendary music composers of all time. And I was inspired by the music of AR Rahman sir, and Ilaiyaraaja sir. Since childhood, their music has been an integral part of my life.''
Revealing his upcoming projects, he said, ''I have composed music for ‘Simba: The Forest Man’ and ‘Krishna Lanka’, which are yet to be released. Presently, I am composing music for Ravi Teja’s production venture ‘Changure Bangaru Raja’. I am also part of Prasanth Varma’s ‘Hanu Man’. I am sharing the credits with the other composers in the movie,'' Krishna Saurabh signed off.
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