It was a press meet with more than a two-hour delay but the media waited patiently. The reason: It was an interaction with Mani Ratnam and Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman. The duo was in the city for the ‘audio success’ meet of their new movie OK Bangaram (O Kadhal Kanmani in Tamil). Starring Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen, Leela Samson and Prakash Raj, O Kadhal Kanmani has an urban feel and addresses the issue of live-in relationships. At the audio meet, flanked by producer Dil Raju, lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, Prakash Raj and Nithya Menen, Mani Ratnam walked in with an air of contentment. “I watched Geethanjali 12 times as a teenager,” smiled Dil Raju and added, “I was associated with him as a distributor for Sakhi . Now I am a producer for OK Bangaram . Rahman’s background score is a treat to the ears and after hearing Sastry’s lyrics, one feels like falling in love.” Seetharama Sastry said one becomes a Mani Ratnam fan by default and compared Prakash Raj to yesteryear actor S.V. Ranga Rao for his versatility.
Prakash Raj recollected how he wanted to become an actor after watching Roja . “After watching me in Anthapuram , he (Mani Ratnam) did not send the usual congratulatory message. He said, “I am proud that you have set a benchmark.’ Every moment is a memory while working with him.” Mani Ratnam began by talking in Telugu and said, “Each time I am on stage in front of Telugu audience, I promise to talk in Telugu. Next time, I will learn the language and talk,” he said with a smile.
While AR Rahman cherished the experience of working with Mani Ratnam, a vibrant Nithya impressed the gathering by singing Mental Manadhil (from O Kadhal Kanmani ). Loud cheers were reserved for Nani who couldn’t hold his excitement and even took a photograph sitting between Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman. “I will frame the picture,” he said with joy. Nani, who has given the voice to Dulquer in the movie said, “He (Mani Ratnam) is a great master and understands even small nuances. In one scene, Dulquer is seen wearing headphones and I was asked to speak loudly. I was wondering why and then realised when you are wearing headphones and listening to music, one can’t hear one’s voice and tends to talk loudly. He even takes care of these small but important things.”
