Harris parts ways with Gowtham Menon

Chennai, Nov 13 (IANS) The bond between a music composer and the director is vital and once it's lost, it is difficult, said popular music composer Harris Jayaraj here Thursday as he announced the end of his professional association with ace director Gowtham Menon.

"Things have gone sour between us. I have to take this decision with a heavy heart. It's better to part ways... (and retain) beautiful memories," Jayaraj said in a press statement.

"I always believed that to create soul stirring music, the bond between a music composer and the director is vital. Once it's lost, it is difficult. We have been together since our debut in 2001 (till the latest release) 'Vaaranam Aayiram' (starring Surya due for release later this month) which has been well appreciated," Jayaraj added.

Jayaraj mentioned five films since his 2001 debut with Menon which included hits "Khaaka Khaaka", another Suriya starrer released in 2003 and "Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu" featuring thespian Kamal Haasan (2006).

According to industry insiders, Menon's domineering ways left Jayaraj exasperated in recent times.

Jayaraj has composed seven songs in "Vaaranam Aayiram" directed by Menon, featuring Simran, Divya Spandana and Sameera Reddy as the female leads whose release was postponed beyond Diwali reportedly due to non-availability of cinema halls.

Started with a budget of Rs.140 million, the movie is said to be loosely based on Oscar award winner Hollywood hit "Forrest Gump".

Born in a devout Christian family in 1975, Jayaraj has obtained a degree in music from London's Trinity College.

Since 2001 he has composed music for over 25 films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

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Varanam Aayiram