M.M. Keeravani (aka MM Kreem in Hindi, Maragathamani in Tamil/Malayalam), is an Indian music director, composer, and playback singer working primarily in the Telugu film industry, born on July 4, 1961, in Kovvur, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. He is the cousin of Telugu film director S.S. Rajamouli and has also worked in the Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi film industries. A child prodigy, he started violin lessons at the age of four, and then his father taught him the harmonium. He was greatly influenced by the greats of Hindi film music. His music often includes a wailing violin or cello. Keeravani’s first break came in Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Kshana Kshanam’ (1991). He worked in the Telugu industry as an assistant to top music directors like Rajamani and K Chakravarthy 365 days a year. He was the sole support of his joint family back then. He is the winner of a 1997 National Film Award for Best Music Direction for ‘Annamayya’ (Telugu). He is also the winner of eight Filmfare Awards (Telugu), including Best Music Director and Best Lyricist for ‘Baahubali: The Conclusion’ (2017). Keeravani’s latest project was S.S. Rajamouli’s long-awaited blockbuster ‘RRR’ (2022). The film brought him international attention when he won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, ‘Naatu Naatu’. Keeravani has also been honored with a Padma Shri in 2023. Keeravani is on IMBD’s list of The Best Indian Music Composers of All Time.