Neeraj Madhav: This collaboration with AR Rahman sir is an enormous validation for my craft- Cinema specific

The outdated saying, Jack all trades, grasp of none”, has usually been used as an insult, however in reality, it goes on to be a praise: “Oftentimes higher than a grasp of 1.” This concept resonates with these individuals who try and excel in a number of fields, these we name ‘The Renaissance Males’. An actor, a rapper, a dancer… Neeraj Madhav aspires to be a Renaissance Man of his time. The Malayali actor, who rose to fame along with his efficiency within the Hindi net collection, The Household Man, made his Tamil debut with Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu (VTK). Aside from taking part in the function of Sreedharan, he additionally collaborated with AR Rahman for a rap music that will get utilised within the interval.

Starting the dialog by dropping a few bars from that rap, Neeraj says, “Normally when an artist excels in multiple area, naysayers attempt to convey them down. I confronted a lot of them after I began rapping. This collaboration with AR Rahman sir is an enormous validation for my craft.” A go-getter by nature, it was Neeraj’s efficiency on the movie’s audio launch that made Rahman take discover of his rapping expertise. The decision from the composer a few collaboration for VTK simply days forward of the discharge got here out of nowhere. “Rahman sir wished to strive one thing new within the interval parts and determined to go for a Malayalam rap so as to add color to the scene. I wrote the music, with the strains conveying the battle and feelings of Muthu. The thought was to precise Muthu’s ideas within the language of his attackers. This observe titled Porattam will probably be launched quickly,” says Neeraj.

Although VTK is in regards to the journey of Muthu—performed by Silambarasan—the significance of Sreedharan by no means will get misplaced, with the character drawing a refined, but compelling parallel to Muthu’s life. Destiny brings each to Mumbai, however future has completely different plans. One picks up the gun to outlive, whereas the opposite struggles to create a distinct path. “I aspire to function outdoors of my consolation zone. The writing ensured that Sreedharan had the mandatory impression. Having grown up watching Gautham sir’s movies, it appears like life has come full circle. Additionally, you’ll undoubtedly get to see extra of me within the sequel,” says Neeraj, who reveals that it was The Household Man that launched him to Gautam.

Aside from being an actor, and a singer, Neeraj can be a educated dancer, and this aspect of his laid the muse for him to discover his creative aspect. Naming AR Rahman and Prabhudheva as function fashions, Neeraj says, “Publicity to classical dance and hip-hop fuelled my curiosity in performing. In contrast to in Malayalam, separate dance tracks are nonetheless related in Tamil movies, and I’d love for the viewers right here to see this aspect of me too.”

Through the pandemic, the starvation to place himself on the market motivated Neeraj to provide combine tapes that have been acquired so effectively that he went on to make greater than ten rap tracks, together with Netflix’s South Anthem. “Creating music is liberating. As an artist, I get the house to precise my ideas by rap. Nevertheless, I’ve to consistently push myself to interrupt out of typecasting. I’m an artist and I wish to carry out the whole lot that I’m able to,” says Neeraj, who additionally states that this acutely aware effort to be distinctive displays in his movie decisions too.

After the success of The Household Man, Neeraj recollects getting many provides to play the villain. However his need to play distinctive roles made him go for light-hearted characters like in Netflix’s Really feel like Ishq in Hindi, and Sundari Gardens in Malayalam. “If my character creates some impression, I’ll take it up,” says Neeraj, who’s now in talks for a few Tamil movies, the Ayushmann Khurrana-fronted An Motion Hero, and the Malayalam multi-starrer RDX. Neeraj can be co-writing scripts along with his associates and harbours directorial aspirations as effectively.

From being unceremoniously edited out of movies to lacking out on alternatives as a result of lack of an business godfather, Neeraj, who first stepped in entrance of the digicam in 2013, continues to push ahead to create a spot for himself. “I’ve confronted many disheartening moments in my skilled life. I’ve overtly mentioned them, however by no means wished to make use of it as a sufferer card. As a substitute, I’ve invested my vitality into creating artwork, and my artwork has saved me going.”