He is loved by Carnatic music lovers all over the world as much as he is admired by those passionate about film music. Konnakol exponent, music director and son of ace ghatam vidwan Vikku Vinayakram, Selvaganesh has for years been delighting audiences across the globe with his scintillating performances, quite a number of which have been in the company of world-class musicians such as Ustad Zakir Hussain and U. Shrinivas.
Now, Selvaganesh is all set to showcase his skills as director. Yes, the man is on the verge of completing his first short film, Bodhai .
Says the musician, “I've always wanted to be a director but never actually made a move. It was only after a recent interaction I had with director Saravanan, who remade Siva Manasula Shakti in Telugu as Siva Manasula Shruti and for which I have scored the music, that I decided to direct this short film. One other reason why I chose to make this film is that it gave me an opportunity to compose the kind of music that I wanted to.”
Bodhai , which will showcase the evil effects of drug addiction, will also highlight the bond between a mother and her son and between friends. It will feature actor Sharanya of Peraanmai fame along with two newcomers Dinesh and Vikram in the lead. “ Bodhai is a story on emotions with a message but will not be preachy. However, it won't be commercial,” discloses Selvaganesh, who says that he intends to take his short film to several festivals including the Cannes.
“Zakir Hussain's eldest daughter, Haneeza, is helping me send my short film to the Cannes. A producer in Hollywood, she lives in Los Angeles,” says Selvaganesh, who has, apart from directing and producing the short film, written its story and screenplay and composed its music.
“There are over a 100 festivals for short films in the world. It is only here that we have not realised their significance. However, all that is bound to change. Believe me, even big directors will look at the option of making short films. I for one will continue to make them,” he says.
But what if he gets the opportunity to direct a feature film? “I will do them but I will not give up making short films. It has been an exhilarating experience,” he signs off.
