S uresh Damodaran is a firm believer that music touches the soul. He is the producer of ‘Rhythm’ and currently ‘Gandharva Sangeetham’ on Kairali channel. Both the programmes are based on music. However, as musical programmes are a dime a dozen on the mini-screen, one has to work hard to create a unique USP for the programme. Excerpts from an interview with Suresh.
Star value
All channels want TRP ratings and what better way to bring in viewership than by having stars participate in the show. ‘Rhythm’ is anchored by Rimi Tomy. ‘Gandharva Sangeetham’ has hopeful singers vying for an award instituted in the name of K.J. Yesudas. As the audience love watching their favourite celebrities on television, we rope them in for the shows.
Rhythm on screen
Rimi Tomy is the main attraction of ‘Rhythm’. The chat-cum-music programme has completed a year on screen. We launched the show with Suraj Venjaramoodu, as a guest. Rimi’s bubbly personality is what makes the show a hit. The way she interacts with Mollywood stars is charming; she makes them open up to her with her sense of humour and down-to-earth way. We plan to have politicians as guests on our show, next.
Music all the way
‘Gandharva Sangeetham’ is one of the first Malayalam reality shows. Our emphasis is on music alone. There are no dances, SMS voting or the like on the show. The fact that the show is into its 13th season shows that the audience enjoys this music show sans frills. I have taken over the show from Santhosh Palee who ran the programme last year.
For a new look
Each producer has his or her own style. As the producer produces a programme over the years, the style becomes repetitive and predictable.
The reason producers change shows, is that, someone else can bring in a new look to the show. That is why I am in ‘Gandharva Sangeetham’, to create a new feel to the show.
Producer and lyricist
I joined Kairali channel in 2008. I started out as chief associate producer for ‘Ellarum Padanu’. I then went on to produce ‘Star Hunt’ and various other shows on television such as ‘Ee Puzhayum Kadannu’, ‘Face to Face’ and ‘Pacha Kuthira’. I love music and I have released several music albums, in which I have written the lyrics. The latest album released last year, is called ‘Ente Kannan’.
I have composed the lyrics for the title music of ‘Gandharva Sangeetham’ and ‘Nakshatradeepangal’ on Kairali channel and for ‘Campus Chillies’ and ‘Youth Carnival’ on We channel.
(‘Rhythm’ is on Kairali channel on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 p.m. and ‘Gandharva Sangeetham’ is on Kairali channel on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 9.30 p.m.)
