Toxic, KGF composer Ravi Basrur recalls suicide attempts at 18; breaks down as Vishwak Sen gifts him Rolex: 'I didn’t want this life'

The roaring background score of KGF: Chapter 1 made “Salaam Rocky Bhai” a cultural moment. The man behind that sound — composer Ravi Basrur — is today one of the most sought-after names in Indian cinema.

But his journey, he revealed recently, began in darkness.

At the teaser launch of the Telugu film Cult, Ravi was honoured on stage. Actor-director Vishwak Sen surprised him with a Rolex watch in front of the media — a gesture that left the composer emotional and struggling to hold back tears.

“He has appreciated my soul”

Speaking at the event, Ravi reflected on his 25-year-long journey in music.

“I have 25 years of experience. I have always tried to give good music to good people. Today, with this honour, he has appreciated my soul. He appreciated my dedication towards music. It is not just a watch, it is an appreciation for musicians,” he said.

But what followed stunned the room.

“I had attempted suicide twice”

Opening up about his past, Ravi shared, “By the age of 18, I had attempted suicide twice. I didn’t want this life. However, I was saved both times. The man who saved me the second time heard my music, bought me a keyboard, and gave me Rs 35,000. That day, I changed my name to Ravi—it was the name of the man who saved my life.”

From that turning point, his life changed. Years later, he would go on to compose for blockbusters like KGF: Chapter 2, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire and Kabzaa.

“I will be indebted to him all my life”

Thanking Vishwak Sen, Ravi added, “After that man, it is Vishwak Sen who recognised me—my journey and my soul. I will be indebted to him all my life.”

Cult, starring Vishwak Sen, Gayatri Bharadwaj and Murali Sharma, has music by Ravi. The teaser has been unveiled, while the release date is awaited.



Meanwhile, Ravi is also composing for Toxic: A Fairytale for Adults, starring Yash and directed by Geethu Mohandas. The film also features Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth in pivotal roles.


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