As SS Thaman celebrates his birthday on Nov 16, he speaks about his career path, 'Jawaan', his equations with Sai Dharam Tej, and more.

You have been in the industry for several years now. What is your career graph going to be like in future?

I have done 50 films rather fast. I now want to slow down. I have made a conscious decision to accept not just commercial movies. It's time I try out something new in my career. I want to show freshness in my coming movies.

What are your expectations from your next film with Dharam Tej?

Although we were not born to one mother, I and Sai Dharam Tej are like brothers. Our films 'Tikka' and 'Winner' may have been flops, but the songs were successful. We want to deliver a hit with 'Jawaan'. We are determined about it. I will compose the music for his film in the direction of Sai Dharam Tej. We have two more films coming in our combination.

What made you rope in Raashi Khanna to sing a song?

All the songs of 'Jawaan' have come out really well. I had always wanted to enlist Raashi Khanna to croon a number since she is a good singer. She did sing a number in 'Jil'. I had heard her sing during the shoot of BVSN Prasad garu's 'Toli Prema'. I had then told Sai Dharam Tej that she sings very well.

What explains the craze for singles these days?

There was a time when all the songs in a film used to be out at one go. Releasing singles is a new promotional strategy. This strategy helps in giving every song its identity.

How do you see hero-oriented movies made predominantly these days?

Every director and producer makes a film with the intention of delivering a hit. Everyone believes that they are attempting something new. But the audience may or may not like it. A film is made keeping in mind the hero's image. Nowadays, most of the Telugu films are revolving around the hero's character. If the hero is a tree, the director is the root. Other technicians are the branches.

Having done a 'Sarrainodu' and a 'Raju Gari Gadhi-2', what difference do you see in composing the music for these genres?

When it comes to horror movies, background music gets a lot of space and scope. In the case of commercial cinema, it's the songs that get the lion's share of importance. Both 'Mahanubhavudu' and 'Raju Gari Gadhi-2' have given me a good name for their BGM.

What about your Bollywood projects?

I have done the successful 'Golmaal Again' in Hindi. I am going to compose the music for the Hindi remake of 'Temper'.

How are you planning to celebrate your birthday?

I have no particular plans as to how to celebrate my birthday. When I was to London recently, I bought some new equipment. I will celebrate my birthday by testing them.