Renowned Tamil music director D. Imman made his much-anticipated U.S. concert debut at 2025 Convention of the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) in Raleigh, North Carolina. With a career spanning over two decades and more than 100 film scores to his credit, Imman brought a specially curated musical experience to the Tamil diaspora. In this exclusive interview with South Asian Herald ahead of his concert on July 5, 2025, he talked about the creative process behind his FeTNA performance, memorable milestones in his career, the emotional power of music, and why family appreciation means more to him than any award.

Can you tell us about your concert at the FeTNA Convention 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and what audiences can expect?

This visit is particularly special as it’s centered around the Tamil community here. I’m performing as part of the FeTNA convention, which is one of the oldest and most respected Tamil cultural organizations in North America. Collaborating with them and putting together a concert like this feels like a dream come true. It’s not just me, a few renowned singers from India have joined this tour. We had multiple rehearsal sessions back home, and now we’re all here, excited and ready to perform this evening on July 5. This is also my very first concert in the United States, so it’s a significant milestone for me. I’ve previously performed in countries like Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Abu Dhabi, but this U.S. debut is very close to my heart. I truly hope the Tamil diaspora here will enjoy the music and feel the energy we’re bringing to the stage.

Could you share some insights into the preparations leading up to this concert? Are there any unique elements or new approaches you’re incorporating to make this performance memorable for the audience?

We’ve curated a dynamic and engaging setlist for the evening. Given that my film music journey began in 2002 and spans over two decades, it was a challenge to include everything. So, we’ve structured several segments using medleys to give the audience a taste of a wide range of songs. Instead of performing full-length versions, we’ve included the most memorable parts, like the Pallavi, to keep things energetic and diverse. This allows us to showcase more songs within the two-and-a-half to three-hour concert duration.

In addition, we’ve included unique segments like an unplugged session – where I’ll be on the piano, performing with our vocalists acoustically. We also have a BGM Demonstration segment. For this, we’ve selected scenes from three different films. We’ll first show the visuals with dialogues and then demonstrate how the score adds emotional depth to the same scenes. It’s something different and educational, even for those familiar with film music. Overall, the concert will be much more than a sequence of songs, it’s an immersive musical journey.

Your journey as a music director began with Thamizhan in 2002, and since then you’ve scored music for over 100 films. How would you describe this musical journey?

It has truly been a blessing. I started very young – my first film released when I was just 19 years old, in 2002. Since then, it’s been over 23 years of learning, growing, and creating. I’m grateful to the audience, who have consistently supported and shown love for my work. This journey has been humbling, and I consider every milestone a gift from the almighty.

Are there any particular songs from your career that hold a special place in your heart? Could you share why they are meaningful to you?

I can say Kannaana Kanney from Viswasam holds a very special place for me. It brought me national recognition and earned the National Film Award for Best Music Direction. That recognition was a turning point and a proud moment in my career. It made me the fifth Tamil music composer to receive this prestigious national award, which is something I deeply cherish. I’m truly thankful to the almighty and to everyone who believed in my work.

You are the fifth Tamil music composer to win the National Film Award for Best Music Direction, and you’ve received several other prestigious honors as well. Which recognition has meant the most to you personally, and why?

While every award is an honor, the most meaningful recognition comes from home. When my wife calls me a “good husband” and my daughters call me “Appa – Dad” that’s the greatest reward I could ask for. Those moments of love and appreciation from family mean more to me than any accolade.

Have you had the chance to collaborate with music legends such as Ilayaraaja, A.R. Rahman, or other renowned composers? If so, how would you describe those experiences?

In our industry, we primarily operate as individual artists, so formal collaborations between composers are rare. However, there’s mutual respect and admiration. With my contemporaries, we often exchange thoughts and feedback over phone or social media. When one of us releases a new song, the others will usually post supportive messages or share their appreciation. It’s a healthy and positive environment. While there’s healthy competition, there’s also a strong sense of camaraderie and encouragement among us in the South film industry. 

Can you share any details about upcoming projects you’re currently working on?

I’m currently working on eight Tamil films and one Kannada film. This upcoming Kannada project will be my third in the language, and it’s quite special as it’s being made as a tri-lingual in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. I’m excited about these upcoming releases. 

(This interview has been edited for length, brevity and clarity)

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