In a career spanning 23 years and a repertoire of over 3,200 songs, Chandra Bose had written lyrics on diverse topics and won encomiums for the same. A couple of days back, when a single from Rangasthalam released, his lyrics were lapped up by the young and old and are being shared by music lovers on digital and social media. “I am being flooded by compliments and calls. People are comparing the song to various incidents in their lives and are getting nostalgic. Yeru Senaga Kosam Mattine Tavvithe Yekanga Tagilina Lanke Bindha laga Yentha Sakkagunnave …I guess this has a recall value,” says Chandra Bose. Excerpts from an interview:
What do you think has worked for this song?
It’s simple yet has an intensity. When I write a song I always wish and try for such intensity. In this case, the comparison is with the village and the village girl. I had written Raavana song and it became famous too but this one is completely different and the reaction to it has been immediate. Even in Unnadhe Okkate Zindagi , I had done similar comparisons on friendship, purity and small things that makes life meaningful. I strive for that detailing in every line. This song went viral because it reminded people of their roots. One person tweeted that after trying various world cuisine, this song gave him a feeling of eating our piping hot rice, dal and pickle. A song need not have lyrics that are incomprehensible, the words can be simple so that a common man can understand and be moved by it. I weaved all old words that you and I have known for long and came out with a new expression.
Do you give credit to social media for instant popularity of the song?
100 percent. If someone does something beautiful it spreads like wild fire. Priya Varrier, the Malayalam actor became an overnight star only beacuse of social media. If she had to wait for popularity till the film released, the promotions, interviews etc..it would have taken time. This song too would have consumed time if it were to wait for audio release, analysis, reviews etc. Within few minutes of it being uploaded people are enjoying it and spreading it.
Who decides on the selection of singers? Do you have a say?
Who sings and should be singing….is not our department. People who learnt music and practised music will be qualified to say whose voice is right for a particular number. I personally felt that Devi Sri Prasad’s voice would suit for the rustic feel and he did a good job.
Did you write the songs first and then tune came later?
Absolutely. I got a single card for Rangasthalam , after writing the song, the tune came in. The director, music director and lyricist discuss first and then the director decides, takes a call based on the importance of the hero and the importance of literature/sahityam in the story. Look at the sahityam …..it is such a lengthy sentence and it is difficult to fit in a lyric into a tune. So I wrote Veru Senaga Kosam …first.
Unlike other lyricists, you never use English words in your songs
I would write English poems too and have learnt various languages but I always remember that I should be representing my mother tongue. I am very fond of Telugu, it feeds me too. I want to talk about its greatness and beauty and sweetness to others.
Do you differ with the director when you are asked to incorporate a song in a scene in a whimsical way?
To lead the people, you should join them. They tell us an incident..about a boy and girl who meet each other and a song happens. On such occasions, keeping our limitations in view, we need to write a good word, we should do whatever we are capable of. If we showcase our talent in an extraordinary way in simple occasions …we get equally good and extraordinary opportunities to excel. Sometimes people criticise those abrupt song and dance situations, but didn’t the song Aakasam ammay aithe nee laaguntundhe work big time in Gabbar Singh ? It is difficult to justify a purpose for every song presentation. Entertainment is important and as lyricists we can only show freshness in it.
Why do lyricists get branded for writing a particular genre?
I had written many hero-introduction songs. If a song is written well, the directors think that the lyricist has a grip over that subject and come to us again for a similar number. This happens because they develop faith and also they don’t want to waste time. Some lyricists get branded for writing item numbers. I have written all kinds.
