When you listen to the song 'Vennello Hai Hai' Mellello Hai Hai'' you would immediately recollect its music director 'Chakri'. He composed music for a patriotic song for a college function while he was studying in that college in Mahbubabad. At that time, no one would have thought that he would become such a big music director.
Chakri learnt violin while pursuing his studies and established his own orchestra. He used to perform stage shows during those days. After the completion of his studies, Chakri came to Hyderabad and Puri Jagannath gave him an opportunity to compose music for his film 'Bachi'.
However, the film failed commercially and Chakri could not get opportunities further in films. At this juncture, he got a chance for music direction for 'Itlu, Sravani Subrahmanyam', again under the direction Puri Jagannath. That film was a big hit and there was no need to look back for this music director.
Chakri scored music for over 50 films so far. Chakri always used to say that Illayaraja was his inspiration. Of all the films to which he scored music, Chakri's favourite film is 'Sivamani'. In that film the song '€” 'Rama Rama Rama.. Neeli Megha Shyama'' was his most favourite song.
Music director the late Chakravarthy had a record of providing music to 18 films in one year. Chakri equalled the record by scoring music for 18 films in a year.
Chakri had a strong ambition to give music on the lines of the music in a Bollywood film 'Taal'. However, Chakri hates copying tunes of others. This music director surfaced on the screen for a couple of films as an artiste.
However, he claims that he doesn't have any interest to play roles on the screen. He is always in the forefront to encourage new talent. Films like 'Idiot, Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi, Sivamani, Devadasu, Desamuduru and Dhee' earned a very good name for Chakri as music director.
This fantastic music director is celebrating his birthday on June 15. It has become a practice for him and his fans to donate blood on his birthday. This year also Chakri is continuing the tradition.