They say the third time is the charm. Thus, when singer Shakthisree Gopalan was approached by producer-director Sashikanth to compose music for films on two occasions, she declined both times. However, after considerable contemplation, she agreed to take on the project for the third time, which is for the film 'Test'.

Shakthisree Gopalan's voice is already familiar in Tamil cinema, as is her independent music. What is new, however, is her venture into film music composition. As she prepares to make her debut as a music composer with the upcoming Netflix original Test, the singer, who has an academic background in architecture, engages in a discussion with OTTplay about her journey into the film industry and her collaboration with Sashikanth, another architect, who is making his directorial debut with Test.

It was Sashikanth who encouraged Shakthisree to compose for his film. Having already been involved in creating her music, Sashikanth recognized her potential for film music. Reflecting on their connection, Shakthisree recalls, “He had previously asked me to score for another film a few years back. As an architect, I remember him as a guest lecturer at my college. Our history goes back a long way, and I feel fortunate to share a unique language of communication with him.”

Shakthisree Gopalan Interview: On making the plunge as composer

I inhabit a realm filled with sounds and emotions, where I perceive the auditory landscape as the most accessible medium for conveying my feelings. In contrast, Sash (as she affectionately refers to Sashikanth) finds expression through visuals and colors. I believe that somewhere in between our approaches, we managed to communicate effectively and align our creative visions, remarks Shakthisree.

Reflecting on the initial time Sashikanth reached out to her for composition, the singer recalls feeling that the moment was not appropriate. "Years later, he contacted me again while I was on tour. It wasn't for the project Test either. However, when he eventually reached out regarding Test and shared the story with me, it sparked my interest. The final pages were incredibly captivating. It was so impressive that I even encouraged him not to seek other composers," she explains.

Although Shakthisree embraced the opportunity to compose for a Test project, she expressed feelings of unpreparedness, noting that scoring a song differs significantly from producing an entire album and crafting the musical landscape for a film. "Each film has its unique fabric that supports the unfolding story, shaped by the filmmaker's aesthetics and vision. A substantial element of collaborative energy is involved in this process."

AR Rahman’s piece of advice to Shakthisree

Acknowledging her feelings of unpreparedness even at the third chance to contribute to a film, Shakthisree shares her experience of meeting AR Rahman shortly after reading the script. “While I was immersed in the story, I could hear and feel it deeply. When I discussed my excitement and lack of readiness with Rahman sir, he advised that sometimes one cannot wait to feel prepared; one must simply take action.” Shakthisree emphasizes the importance of taking risks, noting that she initially encouraged Sashikanth to collaborate with AR Rahman on the score, but he ultimately convinced her to leap the composer.

As a recording artist, Shakthisree explains that the essence of a song is often present, even if not fully developed, during the studio process. “For several years, I have been creating my music as an independent artist, producing and writing it. These works have been extensions of my expressions and reflections of my experiences. However, the challenge in this case lies in the fact that the storytelling is Sashikanth's, which comes with its voice, tone, and aesthetic. The music must align with his vision, the characters, and their subtleties. The script serves as the primary source for all the music, containing the intricate details that Sash has infused into the characters.”

The musician further elaborates that the script is a vital resource, rich in details that provide the foundation for the score. “We navigated through it, discovering the colors of the world through sound. We created a sonic mood board to capture the essence of how Test would resonate,” Shakthisree concludes.

Read Also: Junaid Khan a Better Choice Than Aamir Khan-Kareena Kapoor in Laal Singh Chaddha: Mansoor Khan

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!