'Music can communicate a person's vision'

Looking ahead

Bengaluru is close to Shankar Mahadevan’s heart for a very special reason. “My online academy is about making Indian music more accessible to people across the globe and many of the teachers there belong to this City. They are imparting education to thousands of students in over 47 countries and that, I feel, is a commendable thing,” says the award-winning music composer and playback singer, who was in the City recently.

Known for lending his uplifting voice to revolutionary ideas and social causes, Shankar says, “Music can communicate a person’s vision beautifully! It can create an impact bigger than that of a powerpoint presentation.” He shares that he is composing an anthem for the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ too.

The multi-faceted musician has several projects in his kitty.
      He will soon be seen donning an actor’s hat in Marathi film ‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’ (KKG), the directorial debut of Subodh Bhave (who essayed the role of Balgandharva in the 2011 film of the same name).

      “KKG is an epic musical based on a 70-year-old play. The story fascinated me because it revolves around the classical music of the country. I have even recreated and added some original music to the film,” says Shankar.

While he has composed the music for Kangana Ranaut’s next release, ‘Katti Batti’, he reveals that his son has sung the song ‘Sarfira’ in the film, slated to hit theatres on September 18 this year.

He is also working with Vijay Krishna Acharya (director of ‘Dhoom 3’) on composing the music for his next film.However, Shankar laughs off rumours of a biopic on him by Subhash Ghai.

    “Well, we were just sitting together and someone asked Subhash who he would choose to make a biopic on in future. He pointed towards me and that’s how it all started. I knew it was in jest!” He maintains that his association with the Kannada film industry has been strong and his voice will be heard in a couple of the upcoming films.

When in the City, Shankar doesn’t miss a chance to savour its delicious food. “I like to order ‘biryani’ from some of the very traditional places here. I love UB City and ‘Shiro’ for their amazing Pan-Asian cuisine. Bengaluru also gives me a chance to soak in its wonderful greenery and experience some beautiful weather,” he says.