K Veda is debuting as a music director with Manchu Manoj-starrer Shourya. Better known now as Dasaradh's brother, he comes across as a promising musician out to make it big. In this interview, the fledgling music director talks about his background, how Shourya happened in a surprising way, and more.

What is your background?

I come from a middle class background. A generation before mine, our family was a well-heeled one. We lost property over the years and by the time I was a child, we were a middle class family. Even in Standard X, I received the Bharat Scouts and Guides award from the then President of India, Sri Shankar Dayal Sharma. So, education was the only avenue for economic mobility for me and my brothers. I did M.Phil Mathematics in the Osmania University campus and used to make money by giving home tuitions since my Intermediate days. Meanwhile, I learnt Western classical piano (completed 5 grades), learnt Hindustani harmonium for 6 years, and also trained in the basics of Carnatic music later.

We three brothers fought our battles individually. Since film industry has its share of uncertainties, I took my steps cautiously and joined the software industry laterally.

I have played jingles for ads, composed the tracks for about a dozen TV serials (like Savitri, High School, and Lukku Kikku).

What has your journey in films been like?

I used to work in Hitachi Consulting and later joined Oracle Corporation since earning money was important, too. However, during nights and weekends, I assisted Anup Rubens with making devotional albums.

I joined as a keyboard player with Chakri anna and worked for films like Thanu Monna Vellipoyindi, and Anucharudu.

I kept waiting for the big opportunity before quitting the job. I took an album to DSP, who liked my work and asked me if I was ready to join him in Chennai. I had no option but to quit the job because I didn't want to regret later by losing that big opportunity. I joined as an apprentice under DSP, observing and learning the things, after which I joined Chakri anna and travelled with him till Erra Bus. I shifted to Hyderabad because one has to have roots here.

Did you get the opportunity to compose music for Shourya because you are Dasaradh's brother?

Not at all. In fact, my producer didn't know that I'm Dasaradh's brother till the composition of four songs was over. Manoj garu too didn't know that.

How has the feedback been?

Shourya's music has been getting very good response. Many are telling me that I have composed like an experienced and knowledgeable musician. Two numbers, Modata Ninu Kala Anukunna and O Manasa, are especially on the chartbusters.

I'm lucky to have got a love story with thriller-like elements. The director being my brother helped me as I have been travelling with him from the beginning of this film. I created 18 themes for different characters and emotions.

Which music director's influence has been the greatest on you?

AR Rahman is my most favourite. Of course, everyone loves Maestro Illaiyaraja. Rahman's contribution has been pathbreaking; he demolished the need for budding musicians to be necessarily associated with studios and proved that one can do big things with software apparatus, thereby pushing the horizons and democratizing the space. We now know, thanks to him, that we can do music, provided we have the zeal.

As for whose influence has been the greatest on my musical style, you have to tell me that!

The song Thuppar Thuppar has been talked about.

Yes, because Thuppar Thuppar has an immediate cultural connect. It's the nativity that connects instantly with the listeners. Working and singing playfully – be it the Srikakulam culture, Godavari culture, or the Telangana janapadam culture - is part of the Telugu nativity.