He is one of those few music directors, who is popular for composing racy mass songs and is also known for melody tracks. Born in a small town of Mahabubabad in Warangal district, G. Chakradhar, well-known as Chakri, has made it big in Tollywood without any assistance or support of godfather.
“I never dreamt to be a music director. My father, who was a government teacher, was keen in dramas and staged many shows. He used to write songs, compose music and even sing to create social awareness among people. This influenced me and I learnt playing flute as a hobby,” says 38-year-old Chakri.
After making debut as a music director with Puri Jagannadh's “Bachi” in 2000, Chakri composed music for over 85 films. His latest tunes for Daggubati Rana starrer “Naa Ishtam” are already a hit. Before entering the film industry, he composed music for over 40 albums, including devotional and folk. “One of my friends was impressed with my talent and introduced me to Puri Jagannadh and that's how the journey began,” says Chakri.
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Good singer too
He does not confine himself to composing music. He is a good singer and has written lyrics as well. He bagged best singer award for “Sathyam” movie in 2003. “At times, it feels very surprising for me. I had no clue as to how film industry functions or the role of a music director in a film's success. I have no godfather,” he recalls.
“My father struggled a lot to raise me and my siblings. He even planned for VRS and wanted me to become a school teacher, but I wanted to do garments business. I was looking for a shop to launch the business. Unfortunately things did not work and I ended up being a music director,” says Chakri.
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Having undergone the struggle to get the first break, Chakri knows the difficulties of budding artistes and offers many opportunities to them. “Till date, I have introduced about 60 singers and lyricists. If producers continue to give me opportunity, I want to introduce 100 new singers and lyricists,” he concludes, sporting a smile.