Shreemani has penned the super-hit songs of 'Rang De', the Nithin-Keerthy Suresh starrer that will hit the screens on March 26. In this interview, the popular lyricist talks about working on the movie, teaming up with director Venky Atluri and composer Devi Sri Prasad and more.

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I have worked with Venky Atluri since 'Toli Prema' (2018). He narrates the story entirely at the outset and explains the song situations neatly. It feels flexible to work with him. He pens story-driven situations for songs, which makes it easy for the lyric writer. When a music director like Devi Sri Prasad garu is at the helm, it is even more fun.

The songs 'Emito Idi', 'Bus Stande' and others from 'Rang De' belong to different genres. I am glad that such an album has been brought into existence. 'Choosi Nerchukoku' was written first and then set to tune. Even the 'Bus Stande' song had the lyrics first, at least as long as the first few lines are concerned.

When the situation is strong, writing the lyrics first helps. For example, 'Idhe Kadha' from 'Maharshi' was one such song. If the notes are classical, then the lyrics are better written first. For others, unless you have the tune first, it becomes hard to write the song.

Devi garu first analyzes the place of a song in the story before composing the tune. Analyzing the spirit of the song first helps a great deal. He comes up with a few words and the lyricist can use them as the cue.

For 'Emito Idhi' in 'Rang De', I was asked to use lighter words/sentences and not be heavy with the choice of words. I coined a particular expression that I wrote consciously to convey something. It will be better visually as part of the film.

'Rang De' is the kind of story 80% of today's youngsters will be able to relate to. It's a contemporary film.

It's Haarika & Hassine Creations which gave me the first break with 'Julayi'. Sithara Entertainments' Naga Vamsi garu is very encouraging. He is a young producer and I wish him all the best on 'Rang De'.

There are songs, which I discuss with my guru, Sirivennela garu. I did that for 'Jaanu' and 'Maharshi'. His suggestions help me often.

There are songs that require some research. They obviously need greater focus and effort. A song may philosophize about the mundane. For example, an elephant doesn't want to swim like a fish. In 'Choosi Nerchukoku' song in 'Rang De', I drive home the message that animals don't imitate other animals. It's only humans, who are supposed to be wise, who end up comparing themselves with others.

I like to pen high-brow songs. But lyricists don't get the opportunity often. A lyricist perceives the world in a certain way. On the other hand, the director has a different point of view. That's why there is a difference between what the lyricist is asked to write.

Telugu cinema has existed for eight decades and thousands of romantic songs have been written. I have to bring something new to the table if I have to make the cut. A lyric writer undergoes pressure for this reason. But pressure can lead to the best output.

'Varsham Munduga' song from 'Sega' changed my life. I wrote that song in 30 minutes. I was inspired to write the song pretty fast. I wrote 'Idhe Kadha' song from 'Maharshi' in one day. 'Aaradugula Bullet' song took me two months. There is no time limit.

I recently bought an iPod. But I prefer to jot down my ideas on a piece of paper. I am comfortable with paper and pen most of the time. I have got a few good friends inside and outside the industry. Thota Srinivas garu, who has worked under director Sukumar garu on several films, is one of my well-wishers.

A number of less-known folk songs are now being spotted and made popular through films. This is a good trend.

I don't concern myself with the YouTube views of a song. I just want to give my best. As for who should be credited for chartbusters, every creative contributor has to be appreciated.

My career took off with '100% Love', which is now 10 years old. Sukumar garu gave me the opportunity because he loved my sample lyrics he came across during the making of 'Arya 2'.