The sound of music changes every 50 kms in India, says Thaman

Composer SS Thaman, who has worked on over 900 films with 64 music directors, says the key to connecting with audiences lies in understanding cultural nuance. Having composed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, Thaman has seen firsthand how music shifts with geography. “Working across multiple languages has been an incredible experience. At the end of the day, it isn’t just a change of language. Like Tada and Sullurupeta—they’re only 50 kilometres apart, but their musical cultures are entirely different. Each region has its own unique musical identity. That’s the beauty of India’s diversity.”His experience has taught him that each language comes with its own rhythm and soul. “You can’t apply the musical style of one language to another. Telugu music doesn’t work the same way in Tamil. Tamil music doesn’t translate to Malayalam or Kannada,” he says, adding, “We take time to understand the region—the kind of lyrics that resonate, the singers that click, the slang, the sound. We look at what has worked in recent years and what trends are shaping the soundscape. Only then do we begin composing. Because good music always respects its roots.”- Paul Nicodemus