On his training: At the age of four I learnt vocal classical music. When I was eight-years-old I joined Dhanraj Master. In fact both A. R. Rehman and I had joined on the same day. I learnt guitar for 3-4 years there, then the piano. Then I did my seventh grade in theory. At the age of eleven, I was a regular musician for many music directors. I could play for all languages because then, most films had their recording at Chennai. Today I can play about ten instruments.

On his entry as a music director: I wanted to compose my own tunes and have someone else play them. I'd assisted various music directors and even done ghost music for some of them. So I had the experience and wanted to compose independently. I signed my first film in Tamil in 1989 titled 'Poomanam' directed by Rajasekhar (Robert). I had a good rapport with actor-director Arjun, and composed for many of his earlier films.

Lyrics versus tune: For me, lyrics are more important than the tune. I want my music to be melodious and the listeners to enjoy them. I prefer setting tune to lyrics already written.

On cutting a private album: I want to, but it needs a lot of time. I've to take a concept first and then work on it. Probably it will materialise next year. I'll take a concept other than love and patriotism.

On the singers he's introduced: I've given a break to many singers like Harish Raghavendra, Pushpa Sriram, Sriram Parthasarathy, Gopal Rao, Manickam Vinayagam, Srinivas, Vithu Prabakar, Paravai Muniamma, Sadhana Sargam (in tamil), Chinmayi, Malathi Laksman and Srivardhini. I select a voice according to the situation.

His success slogan: Success doesn't depend on how many films you do, but for how long you've managed to sustain in the industry!