'AAY' Has Fetched Me a Good Name: Music Director Ajay Arasada

Ajay Arasada, a self-taught music director, has recently gained recognition for his work in the movie AAY. In a candid interview, he shares insights about his journey, the success of AAY, and his aspirations in the film industry.

How did you train in music?

Ajay says, "I didn’t undergo formal music training. I come from a family with a musical background, which helped me develop my skills on my own. As a child, I started playing the guitar. My early work involved composing for short films while I was also employed as a software engineer at TCS. In 2014, I made my debut as a music director with the film Jagannatakam. By 2018, I decided to quit my job to focus solely on music. Since then, I’ve composed music for films like Kirak, Nede Vidudala, Ksheerasagara Madanam, Sriranga Neethulu, and Missing. Recently, I composed three songs and the background score for AAY."

How did AAY bring you recognition?

Reflecting on the success of AAY, Ajay shares, "The movie gave me widespread recognition. I composed three songs—the item song, pre-climax song, and title song—along with the background score. The audience responded positively to both the songs and the score, especially the background music in key scenes. This project brought me more visibility in the industry."

What’s the best compliment you received for AAY?

Ajay fondly recalls, "Producer Bunny Vasu mentioned that the background music redefined the audience’s experience of the movie. He specifically appreciated the music during the climax scenes, calling it a major highlight of the film."

What do you consider your strength as a music director?

"My strength lies in composing background music," Ajay reveals. "When I work on songs and scores, I do so with full dedication. Background music is my passion, and I find satisfaction in enhancing emotions through it. For instance, I composed the background music and a song for Save the Tigers, where the music played a vital role in conveying emotions. I also enjoy working on comedy films; translating humor into music is a unique challenge."

Which genres do you prefer to work on?

Ajay explains, "I am interested in composing music across all genres. Growing up watching commercial films, it’s natural for me to gravitate toward this style. My goal is to excel in commercial films, creating music that resonates with the audience. For me, if a tune is memorable enough for someone to hum, it’s a hit. I also have a knack for composing melodies, which I believe many people appreciate."

How do you ensure your tunes don’t overshadow the lyrics?

"I admire Devi Sri Prasad for his ability to blend tunes seamlessly with lyrics. I follow a similar approach, making sure the tune complements the lyrics, ensuring that the song is memorable for years to come. Melody is key," Ajay states.

What precautions do you take when working on background music?

"Emotion is everything," says Ajay. "If the music captures the right emotion, the background score will elevate the scene. I believe in the power of music to intensify the emotional impact of a film."

What are your goals as a music director?

Ajay concludes, "The success of AAY marked a significant step in my career. It showed that I can create music for films that balance comedy, sentiment, and other emotions. Being a music director allows me to contribute meaningfully to a story. My goal is to work on commercial films in the Telugu industry. Currently, I’m composing music for a web series called Vikata Kavi and a love story film titled Rajahmundry Rose Milk. I look forward to what the future holds as I continue to explore opportunities in the industry.”