In Conversation with Rajesh Mehta: Sumathy Ram

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Sumathy Ram is a poet, lyricist, filmmaker, and music producer whose work bridges cinema, music, and cultural storytelling. Beginning her journey with the film Vishwa Thulasi, where she served as director, co-producer, and lyricist, she collaborated with legendary composers M. S. Viswanathan and Ilaiyaraaja, blending classical and cinematic musical traditions.

In this exclusive conversation with South Asian Herald, Ram speaks about her artistic journey across poetry, film, and global music collaborations. Through her work, she highlights the power of storytelling to inspire compassion, resilience, and cultural connection while bringing socially meaningful narratives to audiences around the world.

Ram has collaborated with three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej on several international projects, including the global song SET ME FREE! for Gevi, as well as musical initiatives such as Break of Dawn and Gandhi: Mantras of Compassion. Through her companies SunMoonStars Film Studio and StarsMusicStudio, she continues to support international film collaborations, orchestral music projects, and cultural initiatives that bring together artists from across the world.

Across poetry, music, and film, Ram has built a creative journey rooted in storytelling and cultural connection. As a filmmaker, lyricist, and producer, she has consistently explored themes of peace, devotion, and shared humanity through projects that blend artistic traditions with contemporary expression.

From her early work in poetry to her collaborations with global artists such as Ricky Kej, Ram has sought to create art that transcends borders. Her creative ventures – through SunMoonStars Film Studio and StarsMusicStudio -span filmmaking, musical tributes, and international cultural collaborations. In this conversation, Ram reflects on her artistic journey, the inspiration behind her projects, and the enduring power of music and storytelling to bring people together.

A Journey Rooted in Poetry

Ram’s creative path began with literature and poetry, long before she ventured into filmmaking and music production. With a background in English Literature, writing has always been the foundation of her artistic voice.

“My journey began with a strong passion for poetry and literature,” she says. “My artistic expression has always been rooted in writing.”

Over time, that love of words expanded into multiple artistic forms. Her 2004 debut film Vishwa Thulasi explored themes of love and devotion through a poetic lens, reinforcing her belief that storytelling becomes more powerful when music and visuals work together.

Since then, Ram has continued exploring storytelling across mediums, creating projects that weave together poetry, music, and film. “I’ve always tried to uplift and unite people through art and music,” she explains, describing the philosophy behind the creative platforms she founded.

Music as a Global Language of Peace

One of Ram’s most prominent collaborations emerged through the global musical initiative Gandhi: Mantras of Compassion, a project that grew into an international tribute to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

Ram recalls that the project began with a lyrical concept -a song built around the sacred sound “Om,” inspired by the teachings of Patanjali. That seed eventually grew into an expansive musical collaboration led by Kej.

“What began as a song about Gandhi’s message of compassion eventually became something much larger,” Ram explains. “With Ricky Kej bringing together artists from across the world, the project evolved into a global tribute to peace.”

The album ultimately brought together 234 artists from 40 countries, a scale that transformed it from a musical project into what Ram describes as a “movement for peace.”

The initiative highly enriched with the participation of Kailash Satyarthi, whose advocacy for compassion and justice echoes Gandhi’s philosophy.

The Meaning of Peace in Art

Peace is a recurring theme throughout Ram’s creative work. But for her, the concept goes beyond the absence of conflict.

“Peace is not just about the absence of war,” she says. “It is also about harmony within ourselves and with others.”

Through music, film, and poetry, Ram explores this idea in ways that connect spiritual traditions with contemporary social realities. Gandhi’s philosophy, devotional poetry, and the teachings of mystic saints all influence her work.

“Compassion is the cornerstone of peace,” she adds. “Artists have a responsibility to encourage self-awareness in society.”

Celebrating Cultural Legacy

Ram’s projects frequently pay tribute to legendary composers and poets who shaped India’s cultural landscape.

One such project is Viswaragam, a musical homage to the legendary composer M. S. Viswanathan. The album brought Ram’s poetry to life through music inspired by Viswanathan’s enduring legacy.

“Honoring artistic legends is important to me,” Ram says. “These are creators who shaped generations of listeners and musicians.”

Her inspirations also extend to India’s devotional traditions. Among her upcoming projects is Meera: Madhuram, inspired by the mystic poet Mirabai, as well as Lajjawati, a musical film project dedicated to the legacy of Amir Khusrau.

A Story That Crosses Time

Among Ram’s most ambitious creative endeavors is LAJJAWATI: A Love Story from India, a project that explores love, spirituality, and historical memory.

Set in pre-independence India, the story follows a character named Lalitha, whose journey reflects the enduring connection between devotion and love. What began as an award-winning screenplay has since grown into a multi-format project.

“The story has expanded into a larger creative universe,” Ram explains. Plans include a musical feature film with a prequel and sequel, an illustrated screenplay, a limited television series, and a novel adaptation.

At its heart, the story explores the idea that love and devotion can transcend social and historical boundaries.

Building Creative Bridges

Ram is currently involved in several new artistic ventures that continue her exploration of music and storytelling.

One recent project is the song Set Me Free! created to promote the film Gevi, where she collaborated once again with Kej. The project brings together international vocalists to convey themes of resilience, liberation, and community.

She is also continuing the Viswaragam series and developing Meera: Madhuram, which blends Hindustani and Carnatic traditions with global influences while remaining rooted in Bhakti poetry.

In addition, Ram is writing poetry and lyrics for a symphonic cantata and experimenting with new storytelling forms in her studios.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to build artistic bridges between tradition and contemporary expression,” she says.

A Creative Partnership

Ram’s collaboration with Kej has become one of the most consistent and meaningful partnerships in her artistic journey.

“Ricky and I share an amazing creative friendship,” she says. “Sometimes our collaboration begins with a poem, sometimes with a concept, and sometimes just with a conversation.”

Their partnership thrives on complementary strengths -Kej’s musical vision and Ram’s lyrical storytelling.

“But the most important thing,” she adds, “is that we both believe music should inspire positivity and love.”

One Creative Language

Despite working across multiple disciplines -filmmaking, poetry, songwriting, and production -Ram sees her work as part of a single creative language.

“When I write poetry, I hear music,” she says. “When I imagine a film scene, I think about its rhythm and emotion.”

For her, storytelling is about weaving together sound, image, philosophy, and narrative into a unified experience.

“At the center of it all,” she reflects, “is the simple hope that art can inspire peace, compassion, and cultural understanding.”