Bengalurean music composer Ricky Kej, who bagged the ‘Best New Age Album’ trophy at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards for the album “Winds of Samsara” on Sunday in Los Angeles, said getting the award has been “surreal”.
Speaking from Los Angeles, California after receiving the award on Sunday evening, Ricky Kej said, “Getting the award is an unattainable dream. I still can’t believe it”.
He said he believed he got the award for music that was “from the heart”. While music composers must create music for money, it is important for composers to create music where he can express himself.
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Kej collaborated with South African musician Wouter Kellerman for the album, which symbolises peace and harmony.
In Bengaluru, Ramesh Aravind, film director, said, “I am delighted. It shows how frail borders are when it comes to talent and arts”.
He said he worked with Ricky Kej, with whom he got along instantly, in three Kannada films. The first film was “Accident”, which went on to win the annual award for sound effects.
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Mr. Arvind admired him for his professionalism and described as “terrific” his commitment to his craft and recalled how Ricky Kej worked for “Accident” continuously through light and and night for 21 days.
That was followed by two more films, “Venkata in Sankata” and “Crazy Kutumba”.
Kej also worked in the world of advertisement providing voices in one-minute ads.
Mr. Ramesh said, “He is also a sparkling conversationalist and great company to have at the dinner table. I wish him and his wife Varsha all the best. This is a fantastic achievement”.