Mani Sharma, a renowned name in the Telugu film music scene, reminisces about his golden era during the early 2000s. Known for crafting melodies that resonated with audiences, Sharma faced a noticeable decline in opportunities after 2010. However, his 2019 collaboration on “iSmart Shankar” marked a resurgence, rekindling his creative flame.
In a heartfelt interview with Rajesh Manne, Sharma candidly discussed his pivotal contributions to the cinematic successes of Mahesh Babu and Pawan Kalyan. Despite sharing deep-rooted connections with these actors, Sharma expressed feelings of neglect in recent times. He recalled the camaraderie and collaborative spirit he once shared with Mahesh and Pawan, lamenting the rare interactions and missed opportunities for future collaborations.
A poignant observation Sharma highlighted was the evident industry trend wherein top-tier actors, like Mahesh and Pawan, predominantly lean towards established composers such as Thaman S and Devi Sri Prasad. Sharma passionately advocated for a more inclusive approach, suggesting that a diversified collaboration roster would cater to a broader musical palette, ultimately benefiting audiences.
Addressing a sensitive topic, Sharma addressed past instances where he replicated tunes, emphasizing that such decisions were often coerced by film teams. He underscored his commitment to originality, attributing such compromises to the industry’s relentless pursuit of commercial success and the disproportionate blame composers face during a film’s lackluster performance.
In sum, Mani Sharma’s reflections provide a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of the Telugu film music landscape, juxtaposing nostalgic recollections with contemporary challenges, all while championing the timeless value of artistic integrity.