Shankar Sharma sounded excited over the phone. He was waiting to watch Avarude Ravukal that hit the cinemas this weekend. Along with the enthusiasm of a 24-year-old to watch a movie, he also seemed edgy to see how his hard work has turned out to be. This young man has created the music and the background score for the movie. At an age when youngsters are confused about what to do in life, Shankar knew that he wanted to make music and it is his passion that has finally paid dividends.
He thanks his mentor Prashant Pillai for believing in him and his talent. “Prashant sir voluntarily handed over to me Darwinte Parinamam, which he was approached for. I had told him that I was too young to attempt a solo project, but he was confident about me,” says Shankar who has been working as an assistant to Prashant Pillai for a couple of years now.
He has contributed towards the different and unconventional music and background score that the movies Amen, Nee ko Njan Cha, Double Barrel, Anchu Sundarikal, Ezhu Sundara Rathrikal were noticed for. His first independent attempt — Darwinte Parinamam — not only brought him accolades has also filled his kitty, Avarude Ravukal, being the latest. He has also done the background score for Theeram, debut project of Pranav Ratheesh, son of veteran Malayalam actor Ratheesh.
Speaking more about Avarude Ravukal, he says, “The music for the movie includes all the elements that every section of audience will like and enjoy. Moreover the storyline and the type of character played by the individual actors were kept in mind while setting the background score.” Shankar says that it was his sister who brought him close to music. “My sister was an excellent singer and I used to accompany her to recording studios, which increased my love for music. Though she has passed away, I am sure that her encouragemnt will always keep me going.”
Interestingly, Shankar had responded to an online advertisement by Prashant Pillai about the vacancy of a music programmer. This was in 2011 and there was no looking back since then. Meanwhile, Shankar also did a graduation in music production from Chennai, which helped him understand the technicalities.
