A biography for Shankar Mahadevanhasn’t been written yet.
“Despite being a classical musician, I keep poking my nose in other genres of music.”
“There is so much talent in the country, and not all of that necessarily is confined to Bollywood. There are some great musicians from the independent music scenario in India making some great music.”
“I always believe that you have to give back what you have learnt.”
“'Breathless' was an important milestone in my life.”
“Music is all about creativity.”
“There is nothing wrong in electronic music or synthesised music.”
“I will be singing till my last breath.”
“Music heals. Music grows new relations.”
“The feeling of being able to do something for your own country is unmatchable.”
“I feel music-making is more like a psychological game; each film has its own colour that needs to be identified and addressed.”
“It is so important to have the cushioning of humour in one's life for a smooth run.”
“There are so many factors that one needs to keep in mind while composing for a film. Every movie is different and demands a separate approach. Originality also plays an important role.”
“I would like to do some non-film stuff.”
“It's hectic at times, but this is what any artiste wants: a hectic life with lot of travelling, performances, lots of love from fans, the opportunity to compose songs back-to-back, and a chance to share the stage with maestros like Zakir Hussain.”
“Music in our schools is considered to be an extra-curricular activity in which you teach your students a few patriotic songs and bhajans that children are not interested in.”
“You can't run away from the fact that you cannot ignore hard work.”
“Before the heart attack, I used to do a lot of work - what's needed and what's not needed. I used to sing songs that leave an impact and those that didn't. I could never say 'No.' Now, I have learnt to say it, though, and believe me, it has not been easy to do so.”
“I have completed 21 years of composing music in Indian films.”
“Heartbreak is something which is part of every person.”
“Being from a middle-class Indian family, I learned Carnatic music.”