Directors are my mentors – Music Director Ajay Arasada

"My aunt and sisters used to play the veena at home. I observed them closely since my childhood. That observation gradually grew into interest, and through keen observation, I began learning music" said music director Ajay Arasada. Ajay has composed music for the periodical web series Vikkatakavi, which started streaming on ZEE5 from November 28, captivating the audience. On this occasion, Ajay Arasada shared his thoughts in a special chit-chat session.

He remarked, "Directors have been my greatest mentors in learning music. Every project comes with a fresh perspective from the director. Collaborating with them helps me explore and learn new dimensions of music". Talking about the uniqueness of the music for Vikkatakavi, he explained, "For this project, we had to compose music that resonated with the essence of a periodical setting. We created tracks that transport the audience to the bygone era with their enchanting appeal".

• Background

• I was born and brought up in Visakhapatnam (Vizag). I pursued my engineering at GITAM University. From 2011 to 2018, I worked as a software engineer at TCS. Later, I decided to quit my job and venture into the film industry. Throughout this transition, I received immense support from my family.

• Why the Interest in Music?

• My aunts and sisters used to play the veena at home, and I observed them keenly from a young age. This gradually nurtured my interest in music. Through focused observation, I started learning music naturally. Initially, I wanted to learn the guitar. So, I learned the basics for about two and a half months under Sharath Master. After that, I began teaching myself by playing independently. When I joined GITAM University for engineering, I found a little more free time. At times, I even skipped college to immerse myself in music. Associating with music bands during this phase helped me refine my skills and deepen my passion for music.

• How Did You Enter the Film Industry?

• Between 2011 and 2018, while working as a software engineer, I simultaneously worked on short films. This gave me valuable practice and honed my skills. During this period, Pradeep Advaith introduced me to Pradeep, the director of Jagannatakam. After listening to a 30-second music bit I had composed earlier, he offered me an opportunity to work on Jagannatakam. That marked my first step into the film industry. Subsequently, I started working independently. Around that time, my childhood friend, music director Sricharan Pakala, invited me to contribute keyboard programming for the movie Goodachari. Later, I worked on films like Ksheera Sagara Mathanam, Nede Vidudala, Missing, and Sriranganeethulu. Apart from movies, I also composed music for web series, including Save the Tigers (Season 1 & 2). Most recently, I worked on the periodical web series Vikatakavi.

• How Did You Get the Opportunity to Work on Aay?

• A producer, Bunny Vas, heard a background music bit I had composed for the movie Missing and liked it a lot. We were introduced to each other at an event related to that movie. During our conversation, Bunny Vas expressed interest in collaborating with me, and that's how I got the opportunity to work on Aay. Initially, he asked me to compose music for two songs: Ammalalo Ram Bhajan and an item song. I delivered both compositions, and they were very well received. Impressed with my work, he entrusted me with composing the rest of the songs as well as the background score for the movie. Working on the background score for a comedy movie like Aay was no small task. However, when the film became a hit, all the hard work felt worthwhile.

• Working Experience on the Periodical Series Vikatakavi

• Director Pradeep Maddali had a clear vision of what he wanted, which made my work on the Vikatakavi series relatively smooth. Directors are my mentors, and following their guidance is my approach. I simply delivered the output he needed for the series. While working on Aay, I simultaneously composed music for three episodes of Vikatakavi. After the release of Aay, I completed the music for the remaining three episodes. Working on Vikatakavi was a different experience altogether. Being a periodical series, it required a unique musical approach. As a technician, my priority is always to deliver the output the directors seek, regardless of the genre—be it a film or a series. I'm always ready to adapt and create music for any kind of project.

• Who is Your Inspiring Music Director?

• "I have great admiration for Devi Sri Prasad sir. He is truly an inspiration to me," said Ajay Arasada.

• Upcoming Projects?

• Currently, I am working on Three Roses Season 2, along with two other web series for Aha. Additionally, discussions are ongoing for a few movie projects. I will share more details about them soon," he shared.