Melody Brahma Mani Sharma!

Coming from musical family background, Mani Sharma though did not have any formal music training has earned the title of “Melody Brahma” for his melodious journey through more than 175 films in all south Indian languages, majorly Telugu. As a kid Mani adored Maestro Ilayaraaja. He used to run behind his car to catch a glimpse of the great. Mani considered Ilayaraaja as his guru and himself as an Ekalavya. Mani started his career as a keyboard player in the late 80s under the guidance of music director Satyam. He later worked in the troupes of Raj-Koti and M. M. Keeravani as a keyboard player. Eventually, he got a chance to work under his God, Ilaiyaraaja, of course for a small period.
Mani Sharma’s scored back ground scores for Ram Gopal Varma films like Raathri and Antham. He become full time music director with Venkatesh starrer Preminchukundam Raa, a musical super hit film. But he shared credits with another music director Mahesh Mahadevan. His full-time music composed film was Super Heroes. Real break to Mani came in the form Chiranjeevi’s Bavagaru Bagunnara. The film become a blockbuster, Mani’s music got rave reviews and considered to have played major role in films super success.  It was God shown destiny for Mani Sharma.
Then released Choodalani Vundi again starring Chiranjeevi which was also a super hit. The songs of the film were more popular than the film itself, especially “Yamahanagari”, a paean on Kolkata. He received Nandi and filmfare awards for the film. He scored most of the movies for Vyjayanthi movies. Producer Aswini Dutt owes success of films made under his banner to Mani Sharma.
After Ilayaraaja slowed down, the Telugu music got louder, noisier than any soother, Mani stepped in as savior. Main asset of Mani is melody. Even his mass numbers composed for mass films like Chirutha and Rachcha, Mani doesn’t miss the melody.
He has given spellbinding music for Prince Mahesh blockbuster films Athadu and Pokiri.  Mani composed “Alanati Ramchandruni” song from Murari has become wedding anthem for Telugu marriages. No wedding video is complete without that song in background.
Nandi and Filmfare awards adorned him more than once for his amazing music compositions for movies like Okkadu, Chirunavvutho and other. Mani Sharma received many accolades for his music for the film Indra. It wouldn’t be exaggeration to say that the rain song, “Gallu Gallu Mani” could make skies overwhelm with tears.
Background scores composed by Mani Sharma for films are like soul for the films. It enlivens the scenes especially emotion backed movies like Seethamma Vakitlo Siri Mallechettu.
Aadi starrer Rough, opened to packed houses this weekend has Mani Sharma as music director.