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Yuvan Shankar Raja (a short chat)
 Music is in his blood. Like it is, in his two siblings Karthik Raja and Bhavatharini. For Yuvan Shankar Raja, Karthik and Bhavatharini are the children of maestro Ilayaraja. Their father had established his credentials with his very first film, and the trio, no doubt have had to live under his shadow, and prove their own worth. A formidable task no doubt, but the siblings are steadily making their way up. Lately in the news is Yuvan with his music in the newly released 'Whistle' and 'Kadhal Konden' being
apppreciated.
Yuvan considers it an honour to live under the shadow of a living legend like Ilayaraja. Says he, "I'm proud that I'm his son. No doubt people's expectations are high, and I've to work really hard to establish my credentials, and strike my own individuality". And on his kind of music, Yuvan says it's western classical, jazz, "and any music that captures audience attention".
Songs are an integral part of films, though at times they tend to hamper the pace of the narration. But Yuvan considers music and songs crucial for a film, and adds, "For today's market, songs are important for films. If the songs are good, the audio get high returns, there is repeat audience for a film". Yuvan however concedes that variety is the need of the hour, and that peppy folk numbers are becoming quite popular.
Among his favourite musicians, Yuvan mentions R D Burman, John Williams, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and SPB. And the director he'd love to compose for, is surprisingly Ram Gopal Varma. "I sort of like his song picturisation, since the time I saw his Telugu film 'Udayam'. Yuvan himself has appeared in 'Punnagai Poove', with bits of a song picturised on him. Says a slightly embarrassed Yuvan, "We actually were trying to experiment on something like a sound-track. I suggested we do it with a Mumbai singer and shoot it on him. We weren't getting the right person, and when they suggested my name, I kept postponing it, till I had to do it!"
On the type of music he's used for 'Kadhal Konden', which has got him positive reviews, Yuvan says, "I've used mostly western classical, choir music, and piano for this film. The subject inspired me, and I took about 22 days for the re-recording. Good picturisation too, does magic", admits
Yuvan.
Four musicians in a family and all under the same roof. Does it hamper creativity or create problems? Says Yuvan, "It's cool, and we get our own space. Though we generally don't discuss music at home, at times I do play my songs to Dad, and at times he does give his suggestions too".
Any plans of producing a family album? Yuvan hasn't thought of it, but he has ambitions to produce a film. "Not necessarily a musical. But definitely a complete entertainer!"
Malini Mannath
Published on 20th
July 2003
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