G. V. Prakash Kumar On Composing Songs For ‘Nayi Naveli’: ‘Yami Is The Lead, So My Songs Are In Safe Hands’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Having composed for films across Tamil and Telugu cinema, composer-actor G. V. Prakash Kumar is now gearing up for his first full-fledged Hindi score with 'Nayi Naveli,’ produced by Aanand L Rai’s banner and directed by Balaji Mohan. In a conversation with Variety India, the composer, who is A. R. Rahman’s nephew, talks about composing for the film starring Yami Gautam Dhar, the enduring appeal of lip-synced songs and the speculation surrounding his fees.

You've been associated with Hindi cinema since ‘Gangs of Wasseypur.’ What has the experience of creating your first full-fledged Hindi score for ‘Nayi Naveli’ been like?  
I had a chance to work on ‘Gangs of Wassepur’ because Anurag Kashyap was a very good friend of mine. But it wasn’t a full-fledged Hindi debut for me. As for ‘Nayi Naveli’ with Anand L Rai's banner, I’m composing all the songs. It will be very interesting. I'm confident the songs will turn out beautifully. Yami Gautam is playing the lead. We all know how beautifully she expresses emotions. So, my songs are in safe hands. ‘Nayi Naveli,’ which is directed by Balaji Mohan, will be something to look forward to.

Is composing for a Hindi film different from composing for a Tamil or Telugu movie?
It is no different for me from a Telugu or Tamil film. Every score is a challenge for me. The language doesn’t matter. I compose every score as if it’s my first.

With lip-synced songs becoming increasingly rare in cinema today, do you worry that they may eventually disappear?
Lip-synced songs have a unique visual appeal. As a country, we have a deep-rooted love for literature and music. I believe lip-sync is essential for a song to become a blockbuster.

Over the years, you've composed several hit songs. What's the secret to your success?
There are so many reasons for a song to become a chartbuster. It could be the lead artist, the lyrics, the hook step or the music… anything can catch on. If my songs have made an impact, there are many factors behind those successes. I alone cannot take credit for them.

You started composing music in 2006. How would you describe your journey so far?
For me, every song is a new start. I have been composing for Tamil and Telugu films for around 20 years. I've composed for more than 120 films, and I hope I will complete 120 more in this decade.

What do you think of the trend of remixes?
It all depends on the film. If a film really requires a remix, that’s fine, but I’d rather compose a new tune rather than fall back on my past bank.

There's often talk about the astronomical fees you charge. Do you really charge as much as people say you do?
No, not at all. I charge according to the film. I charge economically for the modestly budgeted films. For films with larger budgets, I charge more. It depends on the project.