Many are serving food while I’m serving music during lockdown: Rapper Roll Rida of BB Telugu 2 fame

Roll Rida, who turned a household name with Bigg Boss Telugu season 2, is unarguably one of the most talented rappers. He has popularized the genre of music in the Telugu states. While the lockdown is affecting many on various fronts, it is indeed inspiring Roll Rida to make music as he believes it is a kind of service during tough times like these. He has recently collaborated with his co-contestants for a Covid-19 awareness video song ‘Bore Kodutondi’ and has lined up many more. In a freewheeling chat with ETimes TV, the distinguished musician poured his heart out about staying sane and alive with music during this lockdown.

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My dad always wanted to go out often for groceries or morning walk or newspaper often saying that he’s getting bored at home. It was tough to keep him at home. But then, I realised that this is the case with many of us out there. My dad kind of inspired me to write ‘Bore Kodthundi’. When I shared the song on our WhatsApp group first, it was Tanish who came up with the idea of making it as a video. While our contestants got really poured in their creative contributions, Santosh did a fantabulous job with the edit.

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Bore Kodutondi stands apart because this song must reflect the current scenario and also the state of mind of the majority. Also, coming up with the concept of video calling that we usually use to stay connected was refreshing. Everyone shooting at their respective home and reviewing the edit over video calls is something we have never done before. It will add to the learning curve.

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I want kids and youngsters to relate to my lyrics and get inspired, too. So, I deliberately keep the language simple, relatable and clean. They are future rappers of the country.

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Rhythm and Poetry (RAP) is a form of expression to me. I believe RAP helps you tell a story, your story. And it got to be as real as it can get. Only then the true purpose of the genre of music will be appreciated.

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We musicians have always been working from home. We are used to working long odd hours sitting at home or our studios aloof from the world. But the only difference is that we can’t step out now.

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Bigg Boss house was far more challenging as we had no internet, mobile phones or basically no vents like we do in real life. So, the Bigg Boss experience has really come handy to me now during the lockdown while my family is now relating to my hardships then (laughs).

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This lockdown is surely taking a toll on our creativity. I’m unable to think like I would on a normal day. It is Corona and Corona all around. Moreover, I can’t step out like I would usually do. I often go on long drives while working on a song but now nothing is really flowing inside the four walls.

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I believe working on your hobbies will help you stay positive during this lockdown. I always wanted to learn piano but never got time all this while. So, I’m trying to be invested in learning piano until I step out. Why not make proper use of this lockdown to stay away from a breakdown?

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Music is something that can heal and calm people down during lockdown. So, I’m motivating myself to work more, produce more music. During this lockdown, many are serving food and I’m serving music. Nothing is more gratifying for me as a musician if I can put a smile on someone’s face.

(Photo: Instagram)