Actor singer Rinosh George needs no introduction. His music videos have been a massive hit, especially among the urban youth.His singles 'This is Bengaluru', 'Mallu', 'Break Free' and 'Beard Anthem', marked for their straightforwardness and humour, have been viewed by millions on YouTube. In a candid chat, George, whose made his acting debut in the film 'Nonsense', tells Onmanorama about his passion for music, movies and much more.
How did you venture into music?
Music has been my dream since my childhood and from the time I could remember I knew what I wanted to be. I was born and brought up in Bengaluru and ever since I was in class 2 I was crazy about music and entertainment. I used to watch MTV and I was a fan of Shaan and other singers and I always wanted to be one of them. I desperately felt the need for launching a music career when I was in the final year of my BA. So then I dropped out of the college to focus on the music and albums.
What prompted you to mix local Malayalam language in your music videos?
When I made a few English songs, there were no takers for them. So I thought of exploring a method by mixing English with colloquial dialects, we generally communicate in a metro. In fact the songs came out thus naturally and was never a conscious effort. As an artist I tried to convey the message I had on my mind. Even when I did the song 'Mallu' I never felt it was an offensive term. I found it as a cool term used for addressing a Malayali youth.
Humour has always been the highlight of your songs, how so?
Humour can attract the attention of a person. No matter how grave and hard a message is, if it is conveyed with a tinge of humour, it can attract the attention of the target audience very easily. I felt that when a person watches the content of the song he or she should be able to relax. I always wanted to give a message through my songs and sometimes there are incidents I faced in my life like in the song 'Break Free'.
Were you apprehensive about launching a musical career in the beginning?
No. When you have been aspiring and practicing something for a years you will never be afraid of its success or failure. My parents were apprehensive to a certain extent. But I never had such a fear. I always wanted to do music and dreamed of reaching cinema through that. This has always been my plan I never thought of what would happen if things didn't work accordingly.
How do you arrange the music and dance in your album?
I start with the tune that comes to mind. I will have an idea of how the music should evolve and which instrument should be played. Then I explain it to a programmer who arranges them. I don't follow it technically as I never had a formal training in music or dance.
How was your debut film 'Nonsense' accepted by the audience?
Yes, the movie was well received and was rated highly by critics. The film was gaining popularity but some inner politics spoiled the prospects of the movie. The promotion and publicity of the movie was also very weak. I received a highly positive feedback from those who watched the movie. But the fact is the movie didn't reach enough people. It had adversely affected several people involved in the movie, including the cast and crew. In fact I myself had put in eight years of efforts to get this particular film. But finally, those who were supposed to remain with the film distanced themselves from the movie pulling it down.
Which is the platform you would ultimately chose to explore your artistic talent, music or cinema?
I will be pitching in both the platforms. Presently, I would like to work with directors who may tell a good story and offer me good character. Also, I would bring out albums or singles through which I will be conveying my message to the society. Besides, I would love to work with other music directors as well. So, music will be the medium that I would choose when I decide to communicate something to the society.
Your upcoming projects?
I am planning a Hindi song right now. Also I am reading a film script. But I haven't signed any project as yet. I am waiting for a good project.
