Music director Devi Sri Prasad, better known as DSP, is as vibrant and fresh as a can of a potent energy drink
If you imagine a walking can of potent energy drink, it has to be Devi Sri Prasad, or DSP, as he is endearingly called. Whether it is foot-tapping rhythms or lilting melodies, he can play around with tunes.
Capping his signature item songs, he has made sensuous Malaika tap to “Telugodi” beat. The DSP rocks with Gabbar Singh’s ‘kevv keka’ in his raw folk tune for the mass. He shares his affair with music in an interview to Sunday Hans.
Your song ‘kevv keka’ is a roaring hit. How are you celebrating the success?
I am obviously thrilled with the success of Gabbar Singh, especially this song. I am celebrating my success in the studio recording for my next project “Julaai”. It is an Allu Arjun starrer and, as the name suggests, it is a complete mass story. So, I am doing some cool funky energetic music for this film. Since it is Bunny, I am going to give a melodious set of songs.
How did Pawan Kalyan work with you through this film?
Right from the first song Pawan used to listen to the tunes and message me. Director Harish is a great narrator. When he narrates a scene, he enacts each bit. So when I was composing the heroine’s song “akasam” too, he narrated the situation in great detail. When Pawan heard each tune, he said that he was awe-struck. He actually told me “Okko tune vintunte dimma tirigipothondi”. Overall, Gabbar Singh was a fun project and I am happy.
We have heard soft melodies and hard rhythms from you. Can we imagine a tune based on classical music, like “vaarai” in Chandramukhi, coming from you?
Why not? I have training in classical music. I was a student of Mandolin Srinivas for 10 years. I love classical music. In fact, my song in the film ‘Pournami’- ‘bharatha veda’ is based on classical music and was like by all. In the film “Damarukam,” which is a Nag-Anushka starrer that will release soon, there are 11 songs with many slokas. This film too will reflect a classical touch since the context demands it.
Where is the singer Devi Sri these days?
I have sung for quite a few films and I like singing. But my focus has always been on composing music and I enjoy it. I have no time to pursue singing. Whenever I can, I do sing here and there. I was supposed to sing a song in Gabbar Singh, but I chose singer Vaddepalli Srinivas instead, as his voice would be more apt. I penned the lyric for this song.
What do you think of the emergence of techno style in film music these days?
There is nothing new about techno music. It has always been there. I don’t judge a category as good or bad. I love Carnatic music. I also love Arabian music, Chinese and Oriental tunes. I also love Telugu mass folk and western jazz. That is because music is universal.
I grew up listening to a lot of concerts in Chennai and have had a wide exposure. If you actually look at it, music is not really “created”. Everything is already there. Musicians are just doing various permutations and combinations to come up with something different.
That is what is creating different styles and we call it fusing of music. We should all welcome fusion, as it is in a way evolution of what is in pure form. After all, are we not wearing jeans and T-shirts, instead of dhothi and kurta? So, I love anything that sounds good!
Can we get a bit personal? When are you getting married?
(laughs) Marriage? Me? Not really interested at this point. I don’t think marriage should be a compulsion. It is something one should do only if he/she really feels like. Besides, I am so happy being married to my studio. I also have a beautiful penthouse where I like to spend time. So, I don’t feel like changing anything now.
But you are the most eligible bachelor, having been linked to several people. What about the controversies around them?
There are no controversies. When something brews, I face it openly. It is true that I have been linked to a few people. That is probably because I am a person who does not hide my friendly nature. For that matter, I don’t hide my anger or other feelings too. Whether it is affection, respect or anger; I express it openly. That is why there have been many stories.
My dad taught me to be strong and confident. I don’t feel the need to explain to anyone. Not just me, my siblings too were raised like that. He never stopped us. He always said “I can only tell you what is good and bad, but you should make your choices”. That is how I grew up. I am an independent individual. For example, I don’t smoke or drink. Not that it is bad, but I chose to be like this, as I consider it reflects a strong character. Developing a strong character is important I feel. That is how I am and will be.
Why are you settled in Chennai when all the action is happening in Hyderabad?
I shuttle between Hyderabad and Chennai. I love Hyderabad. But the best musicians are still in Chennai. I don’t know when a tune may strike my imagination and I would like to be able to record immediately. So, I need access to all my musicians. Even Mumbai music directors like to work with the musicians in Chennai.
I grew up there in an environment where I used to go to several music and dance competitions and win prizes. So, I got used to the culturally charged atmosphere there. Hyderabad is a great place to enjoy, especially for partying. It is a colourful city, but I am not really a party buff. People say I am actually a bit boring, although I love music and dancing. For now, I will try to have the best of both worlds.
What is the difference between working in Tamil and Telugu?
A song is only a tune before the lyric are filled in. It may work in any language. The treatment and expressions make it sound different from language to language. Since I am a Telugu raised in Chennai, I am familiar with both cultural sensibilities; and hence, change the expression to make a fresh difference in each language when I have the same song (sings a song and demonstrates).
I have given some of the biggest hits like “Singam” in Tamil, apart from my Telugu hits. I enjoyed working in other languages like Kannada and Malayalam too. I have been getting offers in Hindi, but have been too busy in Telugu. The Telugu projects I have been working in are big films with big stars too, so I cannot let go.
So what is your biggest motivator now to continue composing? Money or fame?
Just music and nothing else. I have not even crossed 50 films, which proves that I have been choosy about my projects. I am glad God has brought me to this position and I just want to make great music.
Devi Sri Prasad is branded on labels as DSP. What is the reason?
SP Balu garu is a brand SPB, similarly DSP. All my friends used to call me that in school. Tamil Nadu, people know me by that name. I did not even realise and my producers started putting that name. I only thought it sounds like a cool brand, which I am.
(The writer is a popular
TV presenter and a journalist)
Credits: Hans India
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