M. M. Keeravani: 'I wish people had playlists of music artists, rather than of Shah Rukh or Salman Khan' - Exclusive!

Last year music composer M. M. Keeravani made headlines, as he won the Oscar for Best Original song for ‘Naatu Naatu’ from S. S. Rajamouli’s RRR. The man is now back with his latest offering in Neeraj Pandey’s Auro Mein Kaha Dum Tha starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu.
The talented musician in an exclusive interview with ETimes, opened up about his life post Oscar win and what changes he’d like to see from music lovers.
When asked if people’s perception of him has changed post his Oscar win, or if they treat him differently now, he said, “ People who knew me, the real me, their perception did not change. People who don't know me properly, their perception has changed, because of the tag. You need a tag to introduce yourself to strangers.”
Post the win, he also stated in an interview that India doesn't have music stars, it only has playback singers. But he feels that is changing now. He states, " It is changing because of globalization, if not today, tomorrow, it has to change and it's a good sign. A true musician getting recognition for his own merit, is always welcome.”
“ I wish people would go for playlists, like everyone will have their own favourite playlist. A playlist by a lyricist, a playlist by a composer, a playlist by a singer. It's what is healthy, I mean, for music. But we have a Shah Rukh Khan playlist, Salman Khan songs playlist, which is not healthy for the music industry at least. If I am a Shah Rukh Khan fan, there is nothing wrong with it, but I am not loving the music here. I am loving and admiring Shah Rukh Khan as a performer. So, whatever is associated with Shah Rukh Khan, I want to have that. I want to enjoy that. So, I cannot claim to be a music lover” he added.