I thrive on challenges that push my limits: Keeravaani

For MM Keeravaani, music isn’t just a job — it’s an intrinsic part of his being. “Music is in my blood,” says the Oscar winning composer. “I don’t see music as sadhana anymore. The act of composing music has become like child’s play for me. I do it effortlessly now.” Yet, despite this deep connection, he acknowledges that the act of turning ideas into music is never without its challenges. “When you think of something in your mind, it has a different texture, but when you apply it practically, it can face resistance. Your imagination doesn’t have obstacles, but the real world does,” he explains.
For Keeravaani, pushing boundaries excites him. “When I take on a challenging task, I feel a rush of excitement. If the work isn’t challenging, there’s no thrill. It could either be money or a tough task that excites me. Sometimes, working with a new person — whether it’s a musician or a director — also brings that excitement,” he shares, explaining why he is drawn to projects that push him beyond his limits.

‘Looking forward to my first show in Hyderabad in 20 years’
His upcoming live performance in Hyderabad on Saturday, his first in over 20 years, is one such challenge. “Normally, I perform with a smaller orchestra of about 15 people due to budget constraints, but this time, we have the luxury of a full orchestra with 150 pieces. It’s ten times bigger than what I usually perform with, and that’s as exciting as it gets,” he explains.
He has zeroed in on a setlist of 30 chartbusters, including both new and familiar hits. “I’ve composed over 1600 songs. Out of those, 800 songs were hits, 400 were super hits, and 200 were mega hits. But I can’t perform all 200. So we’ve selected about 30 songs randomly from them,” he says, adding, “I’m particularly fond of melodies, but I know the audience also enjoys fast numbers. So, one hour of the show will be dedicated to high-energy songs where people can dance and express their joy. I have dedicated segments to innovations and intimate melodies, the kinds of songs that speak to the heart.”
“My favourite instrument is piano. I am going to play piano and the violin,” he adds. Given a choice, he’d prefer to be the audience though. “I was in the audience when Baahubali was performed live at Albert Hall, and now RRR will be performed there in May. I’m going to watch the show because it’s my music. It’s always exciting to enjoy your own work without having to do anything,” he says, with a smile.
KV Mahadevan sir & RD Burman have been my biggest inspirations
The 63-year-old believes inspiration can come from anywhere. “My major influences are KV Mahadevan sir and RD Burman, but I learn from everyone,” he says, adding, “Whether it’s Mickey J Meyer or anyone else, if they do something innovative, I learn from them. Everyone and everything can teach you something new.”
‘Going ahead, there’s much to look forward to’
Looking ahead, Keeravaani has a slew of interesting projects lined up – Chiranjeevi’s Vishwambhara, Tanvi The Great, a Bollywood film directed by Anupam Kher and Rajamouli’s big-ticket adventure featuring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. “There’s lots to look forward to. I’m reuniting with Chiranjeevi almost after three decades for Vishwambhara. The last Hindi film I worked on was Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha with Ajay Devgn. After that, I’m working on Tanvi The Great; Anupam Kher is directing the film besides acting in it,” he says.
As for the highly anticipated Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli project, touted to be the most expensive Indian film ever, Keeravaani has high expectations. “It’s going to be tougher than ever. With each project, the challenge increases, and you must create new sounds. I don’t think we’ve ever made a film like this before. It’s going to be an adventure, and it will be a tough but exciting journey,” he says, signing off.