Director Nandini Reddy said that you took her to the producer Damu gaaru. When you knew so many other directors, why did you take only her to a producer?
Kalyani Malik: We both have been good friends since the time of Aithe..! and I knew some of her projects that were in works (and later scrapped off), such as the one with Suresh Productions and so on. She used to keep me in the loop for such projects too and even used to introduce me to the producers even at that time. Damu gaaru became a good friend of mine as I used to hang out at his business outfit "Streets" located in Banjara Hills (of Hyderabad). And, I came to know that he wanted to venture into film production (on their family banner). He started listening to stories from various aspirants that approached him, and so I thought I could suggest someone too. Thus, I took Nandini so that she can try out her luck. As a matter of fact, I had taken another chap to Damu gaaru before I took Nandini along, but well, it so happened that Damu gaaru liked the story narrated by Nandini, and everything slowly fell into place.

Then, how did it happen that differences came up between you and Nandini so much that you declared that Nandini didn't like you being a part of the project?
Kalyani Malik: It's mainly because of some others involved. Actually, it's like this: I actually clarified to Nandini early on itself that she need not feel obligated to rope me into the project just because I introduced the producer to her, and suggested that she should choose the right music director that fits the theme of the film and the budget. However, Damu gaaru insisted on having me handle the music department in the film. She did agree too, but then I initially had a hard time delivering tunes that appealed to her. At that time, another person was coordinating various production aspects, since he was a personal friend of the producer. He apparently seemed uncomfortable with me for some reason. ...In fact, during a week I was not in the office, another young keyboard player from Chennai was possibly even working on composing, at some level. Apparently, that didn't work out and they did come back to me. When I came to know of this only later, they tried to cover it up saying they got that guy to help me prepare and record tracks faster. Well, the fact is that he was there for a week without any information to me! I messaged Damu gaaru and others to let go of me if they choose. Nandini apparently knew all this that was happening at my back, but she didn't tell me, and that's when I thought even she didn't like to have me involved in the project.

I can count at least six people from your close family - apart from you - who have been in the Telugu film industry for a while now. Still, it took you a considerable time before you were seen around. What made the decision in the first place, when your brother was already a music director? And, what took you so long anyway?
Kalyani Malik: Not everyone is equally talented. Keeravani is greatly talented, and I cannot even stand comparably! And, such high-scale films as Rajamouli's require Keeravani's skill and range of market. It just doesn't happen with my name instead of his name!... I am a music director by need, really.

But, even when your dad made a film ( Chandrahaas) or when Rajamouli made a small-budget film ( Maryada Ramanna), they still chose Keeravani!
Kalyani Malik: Opportunities don't knock anyone's door because of love or relationship or pity. It's purely talent-based, and Keeravani can do a lot better than I can, and he's readily available too! Even if they'd have approached me for a movie that's of Keeravani's worth, I'd be scared to attempt, because I am not capable of reaching his range of music!

Are you not being too modest when you say that, given the fact that it was you who scored the BGM and worked as music conductor for several films of Keeravani, including blockbuster (musical) hits like Chatrapathi and Magadheera? Background score was a definite contributor to the range of such hits.
Kalyani Malik: Oh, that's not really a great achievement! And, I feel I was only helping my brother. Keeravani's talent is like the Himalayas! I can only admire the beauty but cannot dare to climb over or collide with the high mountain! On any day, I am not belittling myself when I say that I am less than what Keeravani is. That's what I mean.