Satish Raghunathan is an emerging and talented musician known for his exceptional caliber and creativity. Born into a family deeply connected with music, Satish developed an appreciation for its essence—particularly classical forms—from a very early age. His maternal grandfather, Shri S. V. Ramamurthy, is a respected theatre artist, dialogue writer, and lyricist, whose artistic influence shaped Satish’s musical sensibilities. A master’s degree holder in Film Scoring from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Satish Raghunathan graciously agreed to share insights from his musical journey over a classic South Indian breakfast.
Reflecting on how music has become an integral part of his life, Satish describes it as a never-ending journey. To him, music is one of the greatest forms of art—one that sets an individual on an untiring path of discovery and expression. He is quick to clarify that this belief is not merely because he is a musician; rather, among the sixty-four kalais, there are few disciplines as intense, profound, and emotionally evocative as music. His primary inspiration to embark upon this journey was Dr. Ilaiyaraaja, along with other stalwarts such as Ghazal Samrat Ghulam Ali Saheb, Shri T. N. Seshagopalan, and many more. The melodic structures, orchestration, and arrangements of Dr. Ilaiyaraaja, he says, have taught him countless concepts and techniques that continue to shape his approach to music composition.
Satish reflects, “I have always felt that every composition is gifted by the universe. We are merely seekers before nature, waiting for it to offer those sparks of ideas on which we can build. If I am able to compose a beautiful piece of music today, I should, in theory, be able to do so at every moment of my life. But it doesn’t work that way—and that itself proves nature’s role in every creation. Composers are only the via media between nature and art; we transform inspiration from one form to another and deliver it to people.”
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| At Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. |
Satish Raghunathan speaks about music the way some speak about breath—essential, intimate, and infinite. For him, music is not merely a profession but a lifelong dialogue with something larger than himself. As the conversation unfolds, the composer reflects on beginnings, beliefs, and the many paths that have shaped his artistic world.
What is your real passion, and why music?
“Music is definitely my passion, though not my only one,” Satish begins. He recalls how, during his school years, his mind was entirely immersed in sound. “I was in the 9th standard when I decided to take up music professionally. But our journey never freezes with time—since then, many other interests have walked in and out of my life.”
What do you consider quality music?
He pauses before answering. “Quality depends on where the music is placed. Genres have evolved across centuries, and each belongs to a context. The time frame and purpose of a piece determine how its quality is understood.”
The First Leap
Tell us about your first album.
Satish smiles at the memory. “It was strange, yet the most beautiful incident of my life.” In 2006, a friend invited him to compose a devotional album, despite his complete inexperience. “I hadn’t even properly seen a microphone or a studio. He said, ‘I have ₹30,000—let’s give it a try.’ All I owned was a synthesizer and a lot of hope.”
He wandered into Digi-Track Studio in Nungambakkam, spoke to the engineer Ganesh Uncle, planned the budget, and gathered a few friends. “For three days we recorded from morning till night. It felt like an excursion for kids—and yes, we completed the album! Those memories still warm me.”
If you could open for any artist today?
“Anyone I can learn from and be inspired by.”
Roots and Reverence
Your fondest childhood musical memory?
Satish travels back to being twelve, newly sent from Calcutta to Tamil Nadu. “There was a channel called SCV playing songs all day. My uncle Ashok, an Ilaiyaraaja devotee, would make me listen carefully while explaining arrangements and instruments. He taught me to hear layers. That was the beginning of my love for the maestro. We never knew those casual moments were building my musical foundation. Even today I thank nature for them.”
Your greatest opportunity so far?
“Composing and conducting a full orchestra,” he says with quiet pride. “Writing for some of the world’s finest instrumentalists alongside my Berklee classmates was transformative.”
How do you define success?
“If I can sleep peacefully, stay healthy, keep my parents content and my circle happy—I’d call myself insanely successful.”
On Craft and Community
Your view on so-called ‘low-grade’ musicians?
“I’m not sure such a category exists,” he responds firmly. “If someone struggles, it’s usually either the pressure of survival or a loss of passion and focus.”
What projects occupy you now?
“Anything that helps me grow in scoring—corporate films, ads, web series, independent cinema. I’ve worked on additional scores for Kabali and Bairavaa with Santhosh Narayanan, and I’m commissioned to write for ensembles in India and abroad.”
Interests beyond music?
“Agriculture, yoga, Ayurveda, photography, travelling, languages, cultures—and of course, food!”
Advice to aspiring musicians?
“Never lose hope. Your day isn’t far.”
Common mistakes in this career?
“Chasing fame and money. They’re only by-products. When they become goals, expectation breeds disappointment. Satisfaction should be the aim; the rest will follow.”
Would you choose music again?
He laughs softly. “I’m not sure. Maybe agriculture, spiritual sciences, child psychology—or even herpetology. Why limit life?”
How do you handle idle phases?
“I haven’t felt restless yet. If it comes, I’ll accept reality and prepare for better tomorrows.”
A Larger Dream
What musical change do you wish to see in society?
“Schools have P.E.T every week—why not music? Every child deserves classical exposure. It enriches life far beyond art; it shapes society itself.”
Your message to the world?
“I wish for more sensitivity. We’re growing numb—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I can only request everyone, including myself, to be more aware in thought, word, and action.”
Rapid fire:
1. Favorite singer GHULAM ALI
2. Favorite music composer ILAIYARAAJA
3. List five artists that You listen to, in loop. – Ilaiyaraaja,
Ghulam Ali, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis
4. Five things you cannot live without: Food, Air, Water, Health,
Thought
5. Your favorite moment - Every time a Film-maker approves my
work
6. Your favorite part of composing – the concept and idea of
conceiving the tune
7. The toughest part of composing – facing the pressure of
working.
8. Favorite food: Raw veggies and fruits
9. Most unforgettable candid moment – When SPB Sir heard me
sing one of my compositions and asked me “If you don’t mind, can I record this
song for you?”. Of course, he was being very humble by expressing his
appreciation that way. But the fact that he liked the song and was ready to
record it for me was just magical. Which composer on Earth would mind to have
this magician onboard?
10. Face palm day – I’ve lived a very gethu life!
11. Favorite quote: “Only after the last tree is cut down and the
last river is poisoned, we will realize we cant eat money!” – Native Americans.
As the plates are cleared, Satish returns to the idea he began with—that composers are merely bridges
between nature and art. Listening to him, one senses that for this gentle musician, the journey matters
more than the destination, and music remains an endless conversation with the universe
Unsung Heroes - No Longer !
