“When it came to the script of Kandukondein Kandukondein I was heavily inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility. I would have liked to try my version of Pride & Prejudice too but it seemed too much of a task so switched to this instead. I love Austen was ahead of times; considering how at that time, society didn’t give women the freedom to work, vote, or even consider them as equals. She was giving a voice to strong women and telling us to respect, honour and give women their dignity back. It feels apt even now.”

I read a lot of non-fiction; My Goodreads list includes Aravind Adiga’s White Tiger and Cuckold by Kiran Nagarkar. I love collecting paintings as well!

Tell us about your connection with music?

“I didn’t learn it formally per se but from childhood, I could identify ragas and just learn it from the environment I grew up in. People are turning organic when it comes to food, arts, and music as well. Traditional forms of music are making a comeback and people are realizing the worth of these arts only now.”

What is Sarvam Thaala Mayam about?

“It is about the young; a young man and his journey towards establishing himself as a musician. It is the story of an underdog but what I wanted to bring out is the frustration of the youth in a still backward society that discourages more than encourages. I wanted to show this with real people, real musicians which is why GV Prakash was the first choice. This film will be universally relatable, no matter the walks of life, region, or profession.”