Latest news with #Thaman
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Music didn't just happen to me; I chose it for life: Thaman S
Thaman S Thaman S didn't just stumble into music; he grew up surrounded by it. From watching his father drum for hundreds of films to touring the world with SP Balasubrahmanyam, Thaman's early years were shaped by rhythm, loss, and relentless learning. Acting in Boys may have briefly taken him in another direction, but music was always the goal. Now one of the most sought-after composers in the South, Thaman looks back on the trials that shaped him, the mentors who guided him, and the mindset that keeps him grounded. With a journey that began with an impromptu performance as a kid to touring with S P Balasubrahmanyam, Thaman S has carved an illustrious path in music, establishing himself as as one of the most sought-after music directors 'It was my father who discovered that I had a natural sense of rhythm' Thaman was born in Chennai to Telugu-speaking parents. 'My father hailed from Nellore, and my mother is from Guntur. Though I occasionally visit those places, I've never lived there. Chennai has always been my base. I was born and raised here.' His father, Ghantasala Siva Kumar, a respected drummer with credits in hundreds of films, was the first to recognise his potential. 'My father used to practise at home, and I'd join in, playing alongside him. That's how he discovered I had a natural sense of rhythm. No one taught me; it was instinctive, something that came by blood. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo During his breaks, I'd grab the sticks and take over.' Even in a home filled with music, convincing his family it could be a real career wasn't easy. 'In most families, even musical ones, there's a dream that the child becomes a doctor or engineer. It's the default template. Convincing my family that music was in my blood and that it came from them wasn't easy. My father faced many hardships in his musical journey, and understandably, he didn't want me to go through the same struggles. The film industry is unpredictable, one flop can pull you down, one hit can take you to the top. There are countless logistics involved, and that's something we learned early on.' Everything changed in 1995, when Thaman was just nine and lost his father to a heart attack. 'My mother only realised that music was in my blood, rather painfully, only after I lost my father. That's when what was once a hobby became a lifelong commitment.' Thaman S 'Boys was an accidental entry, I only wanted to learn' Drums were Thaman's first love, but as the industry evolved, he adapted. 'I noticed that musicians who could play both drums and keyboards were getting more opportunities. So I thought, okay, I should learn keyboards too, for survival. What started as a necessity soon became a passion. I began composing my own tunes and set them aside, waiting for the right moment.' That moment first came in an unexpected form: acting. While working as a drummer with AR Rahman, Thaman got an unexpected offer. 'Director Shankar was looking for a stout drummer for Boys . When he saw me, he asked if I could play. I told him, 'Yes, I'm a professional drummer.' That's how I was cast.' Though acting wasn't his goal, the film was a masterclass. 'I was curious. Why is Shankar sir such a big name? Why is AM Ratnam so respected? What makes Ravi K Chandran, Sabu Cyril, and of course Rahman sir, masters of their craft? Boys helped me observe all of that firsthand.' A still from Boys (2003) 'My dream was to become a music director by the age of 25' Boys released in 2003, but Thaman had already been working in the music industry since 1995, starting at the age of 9. 'I resumed my journey with Mani Sharma sir. From Okkadu to Billa , I worked with him on nearly 94 films. I was learning constantly, working non-stop for about eight years. My dream was to become a music director by the age of 25 — and in my 25th year, 2008, I achieved it.' Thaman's debut as a composer came with Moscowin Kavery in Tamil, followed by Malli Malli and Kick in Telugu. Though Moscowin Kavery was his first project, Kick and Malli Malli hit the screens earlier, launching him into public attention all at once. 'It was a high-pressure transition. Because once you become a music director, no one calls you to play under them anymore. The mindset changes: 'He's a music director now, why should we call him?' I felt that shift and it weighed on me. There were moments I questioned myself: Should I go back to programming, or stay on this path?' Still, he held on. 'I believe beyond talent, success has its own timing. Somewhere, I feel my father was watching from above, guiding me through every challenge.' AR Rahman and Thaman S 'Ilaiyaraaja sir is in my blood, Rahman sir is the nerve that carries it' At home, Ilaiyaraaja was ever-present. On the outside, AR Rahman was changing the game. 'Ilaiyaraaja sir's music shaped my instincts. And when Rahman sir came in, he brought a whole new sound. If Ilaiyaraaja sir is in my blood, Rahman sir is the nerve that carries it. I'm a mix of both.' Rahman also became a benchmark in reinvention. 'He could've retired comfortably, but he's still pushing boundaries. He challenges us to evolve. Technology is always evolving and he taught us to stay curious. Comfort is the enemy of creativity. You either evolve, or you get left behind.'
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First Post
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Nandamuri Balakrishna unveils the teaser of his next ' Akhanda 2: Thandavam' on his birthday, netizens react
It seems to be a blend of modern action and mythology. The actor seems to have been inspired by a spiritual and mythological character. read more Nandamuri Balakrishna unveiled the teaser of his next ' Akhanda 2: Thandavam' on his birthday last night. It seems to be a blend of modern action and mythology. The actor seems to have been inspired by a spiritual and mythological character. Thaman's background score lifts the visuals to a whole new level. His music especially for Balakrishna films continues to be otherworldly, and this teaser is no exception. The production values by 14 Reels Plus are top-tier, adding scale and grandeur to every frame. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The film is currently being shot in the scenic locales of Georgia, where a major sequence is underway. The makers assure that the film will bring Thandavam to theatres across India starting September 25, making it a divine Dussehra treat for fans. Akhanda 2: Thandavam stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha, and Aadhi Pinisetty (as the main antagonist). The film is helmed by Boyapati Sreenu and produced by Raam Achanta and Gopi Achanta under the 14 Reels Plus banner, with presentation by M Tejeswini Nandamuri. The music is composed by S. Thaman, cinematography by C. Ramprasad and Santoshh D Detake, editing by Tammiraju, action choreography by Ram-Lakshman, art direction by A.S. Prakash, and marketing handled by First Show, with Vamsi-Shekar as the PRO. Netizens react One said, 'It's NBK's original Hindi voice. The next 1000 crore club movie.' Another wrote- 'Five years ago, I moved to a new state for a job during COVID and was in 14-day quarantine. That's when I saw Akhanda's teaser on Balayya's birthday — got goosebumps then, getting the same feeling now. Blockbuster vibes again!"
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The sound of music changes every 50 kms in India, says Thaman
Composer SS Thaman , who has worked on over 900 films with 64 music directors, says the key to connecting with audiences lies in understanding cultural nuance. Having composed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, Thaman has seen firsthand how music shifts with geography. 'Working across multiple languages has been an incredible experience. At the end of the day, it isn't just a change of language. Like Tada and Sullurupeta—they're only 50 kilometres apart, but their musical cultures are entirely different. Each region has its own unique musical identity. That's the beauty of India's diversity.' His experience has taught him that each language comes with its own rhythm and soul. 'You can't apply the musical style of one language to another. Telugu music doesn't work the same way in Tamil. Tamil music doesn't translate to Malayalam or Kannada,' he says, adding, 'We take time to understand the region—the kind of lyrics that resonate, the singers that click, the slang, the sound. We look at what has worked in recent years and what trends are shaping the soundscape. Only then do we begin composing. Because good music always respects its roots.' - Paul Nicodemus Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
They Call Him OG shoot resumes in Andhra, Pawan Kalyan expected to join soon
'They Call Him OG', one of the most anticipated Telugu films, is back on track. The shooting resumed on May 12, in Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh. Produced by DVV Entertainment, the film promises high-octane action and compelling storytelling. Actor and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, is expected to join the sets makers shared the update with a behind-the-scenes photo, captioned: 'Malli Modhalaindi Eesari Mugiddaaam (sic),' which roughly translates to 'We've started again, and this time we'll finish it.'advertisementHere's the post: 'They Call Him OG' was officially announced in December 2022, with its first glimpse, titled 'Hungry Cheetah', released on September 3, 2023. The project faced multiple delays due to Pawan Kalyan's political actor recently completed the final schedule of 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu', a historical film that also experienced postponements for the same reason. With just two days of shooting left, he wrapped it up last week, freeing up time to resume work on 'OG'.Here's the Hungry Cheetah Glimpse: Meanwhile, music composer Thaman confirmed that the first single from 'OG', titled 'FireStorm', has already been recorded. The track, sung by Tamil actor Silambarasan TR (Simbu), will be released around the time Pawan Kalyan rejoins the shoot. 'Yes, Simbu has sung a song. It is titled 'FireStorm', which is the first single from 'OG'. "It will be released on the day the shoot resumes,' Thaman said in a recent interview with anchor by Sujeeth, 'They Call Him OG' features a star cast including Priyanka Arul Mohan, Emraan Hashmi, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy, and Prakash Raj.
The Star
07-05-2025
- The Star
Passengers in limbo over flights
Bump in the road: Friends (from left) Jaskirat Singh, Thaman, Pushkar Thaman and Bagga discussing their options after their flight to Amritsar was cancelled at KLIA. — GLENN GUAN/The Star PETALING JAYA: About a dozen Indian travellers were stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after flights were scrapped over the tensions between India and Pakistan. The passengers, bound for Amritsar in India, claimed their flights were cancelled at the last minute, and they were forced to pay out of pocket to change their tickets and head to New Delhi. They also claimed that their airline did not provide proper accommodation arrangements. Tushar Thaman, 18, a student visiting Malaysia for the first time, said the group only found out about the cancellation when they arrived at the airport and were asked to switch flights. 'I am a student and I was here for a week-long trip. I don't have extra money to pay for a change in flights. I had to borrow money from a friend. 'There are 12 of us, and we feel helpless. We had to spend around RM1,000 each to change our tickets,' he said yesterday. He added that other affected passengers were given accommodation, but their group was not. Another student, Mohit Bagga, 24, said they had run out of money and had no place to stay after changing their tickets. 'We have to sleep at the airport tonight and wait for tomorrow's flight,' he said, adding that once they reach New Delhi, they are unsure how they will get home. Malaysian carriers have rerouted flights and even suspended flights due to the closure of Pakistani airspace and escalating regional tensions. Malaysia Airlines has rerouted two of its long-haul flights, with Flights MH2 to London and MH22 to Paris diverted on May 6 for a refuelling stop in Doha, Qatar, before continuing to their destinations. It also confirmed the temporary suspension of flights to and from Amritsar after authorities closed Amritsar Airport from May 7 to 9. Batik Air has also announced the cancellation of several flights to and from Lahore, Pakistan and Amritsar. The airline confirmed that flights on May 7 and 8, 2025, have been affected. The affected services include Flight OD131 from Kuala Lumpur to Lahore, Flight OD132 from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur, Flight OD271 from Kuala Lumpur to Amritsar, and Flight OD272 from Amritsar to Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, AirAsia Malaysia has also temporarily suspended flights to and from Amritsar from May 7 to 9. It said it was closely monitoring the situation and has notified all customers affected by the flight suspension. Those travelling to or from Amritsar are encouraged to check their registered email and mobile phones for notifications. The Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi has also issued a travel advisory after India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan on May 7. Malaysians are urged to avoid visiting Indian states near the Pakistan border. The High Commission also advised people to postpone holidays or other non-urgent trips. Malaysians in India who have not yet registered with the High Commission are encouraged to do so by email at mwdelhi@
