M.M. Keeravani, also known as M.M. Kreem in Hindi cinema, is a highly acclaimed Indian music composer, playback singer, and lyricist who primarily works in Telugu cinema. He has also contributed to Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films.
Early Life and Background:
- Birth: Koduri Marakathamani Keeravaani was born on July 4, 1961, in Kovvur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Family: He comes from a family with strong ties to the film industry. His father, Koduri Siva Shakthi Datta, is a lyricist and screenwriter. He is the cousin of renowned film director S.S. Rajamouli, music composer Kalyani Malik, and writer S.S. Kanchi. His wife, M.M. Srivalli, works as a line producer in films. He has two sons: Kaala Bhairava, a playback singer, and Sri Simha Koduri, an actor.
Career:
- Early Career: Keeravani began his career as an assistant music director with K. Chakravarthy in 1987. He also assisted Malayalam composer C. Rajamani. He received guidance from veteran lyricist Veturi for over a year.
- Debut as Music Director: His first break as an independent music director came with the film “Kalki” in 1990, though the film was unreleased. His first released film was “Manasu Mamatha” (1990), directed by Mouli, which brought him recognition.
- Breakthrough: The 1990s saw Keeravani establish himself as a leading music composer in Telugu cinema. He gained widespread popularity with films like “Criminal” (1994), which was also successful in Hindi.
- Versatility and Style: Keeravani is known for his versatility in composing music across various genres, including classical, folk, and contemporary styles. He often blends traditional Indian instruments with modern sounds. His melodies are known for their emotional depth and catchiness.
- Association with S.S. Rajamouli: He has a long and successful association with his cousin, director S.S. Rajamouli. He has composed music for all of Rajamouli’s films, including the highly successful “Magadheera” (2009), “Eega” (2012), “Baahubali: The Beginning” (2015), “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” (2017), and “RRR” (2022).
- Bollywood Career: Under the name M.M. Kreem, he has also composed music for several Hindi films, including “Zakhm” (1998), “Sur” (2001), “Jism” (2003), “Paheli” (2005), and “Rog” (2005).
- Playback Singing and Lyric Writing: Besides composing, Keeravani is also a talented playback singer and has lent his voice to many of his compositions. He has also written lyrics for some of his songs.
Awards and Recognition:
International Awards:
- Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR” (2023)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR” (2023)
National Film Awards (India):
- National Film Award for Best Music Direction for “Annamayya” (1997)
- National Film Award for Best Background Score for “RRR” (2023)
Filmfare Awards South:
- He has won multiple Filmfare Awards South for Best Music Director (the exact number varies slightly depending on sources, but it’s around 8).
- He has also won a Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu.
Nandi Awards (Andhra Pradesh State Awards):
- He has received numerous Nandi Awards (around 11) for his contributions to Telugu cinema.
Other Notable Awards and Honors:
- Padma Shri (2023): India’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing his contributions to Indian cinema.
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards: He has received a Tamil Nadu State Film Award.
- He has also received awards from various film critics associations, including the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4m9T5wN8cc&pp=ygUWbW0ga2VlcmF2YW5pIGludGVydmlldw%3D%3D
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Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MMKeeravaani/
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