Nilekani, Rahman on Time's most influential people list |
New York, May 01: Two Indians Nandan Nilekani and AR Rahman along with US President Barack Obama and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim figure in the list of world's most influential people compiled by American magazine Time. The 2009 Time 100 list of 'the World's Most Influential People' names political leaders, celebrities and academicians among others. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and media celebrity Oprah Winfrey also find a place in the list. The list recognises IT major Infosys' co-founder Nandan Nilekani and music maestro A R Rahman, who recently bagged two Oscars for his music in the film 'Slumdog Millionaire'. About Nilekani, the author of the novel 'Q&A' Vikas Swarup said his new avatar is that of civic-minded intellectual keen to shape public policy. "In his book Imagining India (which won him highest-ever advance for a non-fiction book in India), he offers a "safety net of ideas" on issues ranging from urbanisation to environment to take India into a second phase of dramatic, technology-driven growth," Swarup noted. Swarup, the author of Q&A, which was made into the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, said Nilekani is both a corporate icon and India's brand ambassador. On April 27, the magazine came up with a list of 100 most influential people. Bureau Report Source: http://www.zeenews.com |
Rahman's secret plans |
IndiaGlitz [Thursday, June 25, 2009] Being an international celebrity hasn’t proven to be the easy task that AR Rahman thought it would be. Following his Oscars, BAFTA and Golden Globe, the music composer is having a hard time keeping prowling media eyes at bay. Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com |
AR Rahman Signs Massive Music Deal with Universal Music |
June 25 2009 14:20 PST If you thought music director, AR Rahman was a big international success, just wait because he is about to become, well...even bigger. The acclaimed musical guru has just signed a deal with Universal Music Publishing Group. Universal Music Publishing Group is a world renowned music publishing company that represents many musical writers and artists. Their clients include Eminem, 50 Cent, and Britney Spears, just to name a few. Now, AR Rahman joins the cast of these creative minds. Mr. Rahman, was truly launched onto the international scene with his Oscar winning musical score to "Slumdog Millionaire." Now, he will enjoy even more international acclaim as he prepares to embark on what seems to be a promising partnership. AR Rahman gave Desihits! an exclusive quote to describe his feelings on his new deal. "I am looking forward to interesting things." We are too!! Let us know how you feel about this AR Rahman's new representation. Source: http://www.desihits.com/ |
Vishal-Shekhar thrilled by Rahman's appreciation |
Mumbai (IANS): Composers Vishal and Shekhar were pleasantly surprised when they opened the morning newspapers to find A.R. Rahman appreciating their work. Not just that, the Oscar winner mentioned Michael Jackson as the only other artist whose work he liked. "Frankly speaking, I am speechless," states Vishal Dadlani, who couldn't believe when informed about acknowledgment coming from none other than maestro Rahman himself. "One can just bow down and say thanks when someone of the stature of Rahman appreciates your work." In a story published in a national newspaper (The Hindu) June 12, Rahman had stated that the songs from Naushad's "Mughal-e-Azam" were his all-time favourite and he admired Michael Jackson and Vishal-Shekhar's work. "I guess we are doing something right at the least," said Shekhar Ravjiani. "Mentioning only our names and that too in the same vein as Michael Jackson is a surreal thought by itself. It's a beautiful feeling." Starting with "Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi" (1999) and making it big with "Jhankaar Beats" (2003), Vishal and Shekhar have given memorable scores in films like "Dostana", "Bachna Ae Haseeno", "Tashan", "Om Shanti Om", "Dus" and "Musafir" over the years. So excited was Shekhar on reading the piece that he immediately called up his wife. "For something as big as this, you are bound to call up your loved one. I read out the entire piece to her and even she was thrilled to bits. I have met Rahman at a studio earlier and he came across as a very sweet man. Both Vishal and I love his music." Said Vishal: "Everyone knows that we are Rahman's biggest fans ever. He is an inspiration for every single musician out there. That is why good words coming from a person like him who had made such a huge name worldwide is something that would be cherished forever by us. We wish to continue delivering some good music and make him feel proud about our work." Well, Rahman would certainly be watching out for the upcoming soundtracks of Vishal and Shekhar, like Sujoy Ghosh's "Aladdin", UTV Motion Pictures' animation flick "Arjun", Siddharth Anand's next for producer Sajid Nadiadwala and debut venture of filmmaker Punit Malhotra for Dharma Productions. Source: http://www.hindu.com/ |
Rahman: I'm just an Indian not a North or South Indian! |
June 16, 2009 11:36:21 AM IST Back in the early eightiees, most Hindi film fans had heard of only three male names from the South - actor Kamal Haasan, music director Ilayaraja and singer S.P. Balasubramanium. Of course the ladies scene has always been dominated by actresses from dowm south including the latest dusky beauties Deepika, Genelia and Asin! But come 90s and the name of whiz kid A. R. Rahman was heard all over, and he burst into the Hindi film scene with his superhit dubbed songs for films like Mani Ratman's ROJA and BOMBAY. However, it was Ramgopal Varma's Aamir Khan-Urmila Matondkar starrer RANGEELA that was Rahman's first out and out Hindi film album, and the rest as they say is history. The Beethoven of the East, Oscar winner Rahman is now amongst the top league of music directors in the music industry having worked with the likes of Mani Ratnam, Subhash Ghai, Rakeysh Mehra, Ashutosh Gowariker and many more. His albums sell like hot cakes and any offering from the musical genius is a cause of celebration amongst his countless fans. Source: http://www.glamsham.com/ |
IIFA announced, Jodha Akbar registers early win |
13 Jun 2009, 2107 hrs IST, PTI MACAU: Ashutosh Gowariker's epic love story, 'Jodha Akbar' swept the music and technical awards at the International Indian Film Academy xtravaganza here on Saturday as A R Rahman continued his winning streak. Double Oscar winner Rahman won in the Best Music Direction and Best Background Score category while fellow Academy award winner Resul Pookutty got a nod in Best Sound Recording category for Ghajini. The Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer bagged three awards in the musical category and took home five in the technical section. Pookutty gave an emotional acceptance speech but Rahman had to miss the ceremony due to professional commitments. "It is very intimidating for a recording artist like me to receive an award in front of thousands of people. I dedicate this award to S K Sreedhar who was a mentor to both me and Rahman," Pookutty said. Singer Javed Ali's 'Jashan-e-Baharaa' from 'Jodhaa Akbar' won him the trophy in the Best Playback Singer (Male) category and Javed Akhtar won in the Best Lyrics category for the same song. Singer Shreya Ghoshal won the Best Singer (Female) award for her rendition of 'Teri Ore' in 'Singh Is Kinng'. |
| A Middlesex University Doctorate for Slumdog Millionaire Star |
Posted on: Tuesday June 9 , 2009 10:18:58 AM (GMT+4) The winner of two Oscar awards for his musical brilliance in the critically-acclaimed film “Slumdog Millionaire”, A. R. Rahman is due to receive an honorary doctorate from London’s Middlesex University. The award will be conferred upon A. R. Rahman at a Graduation Ceremony to be held in London in July 2009. Source: http://www.eyeofdubai.com/v1/news/newsdetail-31783.htm |
| Rahman rubbed shoulders with Michelle Obama |
Mumbai (IANS): Being voted one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine has seen his popularity soar. Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman not only got an opportunity to share the same platform with US First Lady Michelle Obama, he also had the whole audience in New York chanting "Jai ho". "At the function I was on the same table as Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and the CEO of Time magazine. When I went up to the stage, a chant of 'Jai ho' (the Oscar-winning song from 'Slumdog Millionaire') went up in the house." The music maestro, who won two golden statuettes for his compositions in British filmmaker Danny Boyle's underdog drama, says the awards have had a huge impact on his life. "The impact of 'Slumdog Millionaire' has been tremendous. The western perception of Third World countries has changed. Earlier when some of the most talented musicians of Asia would approach western companies, they'd encounter stumbling blocks. Today that has changed. The west is ready to listen to us," Rahman told IANS in an interview. Rahman admits that dealing with the huge amount of attention after the Oscars has been unnerving. "Yes, the Oscar changed my life. I can't even attend places of prayer without being recognised. Even when I'm at malls in the US, kids freeze in recognition when they see me. I need to concentrate on my music. I'm not the kind of guy who can pull himself away from my music, attend functions, give interviews and get back to what I'm supposed to do. It's like entering and leaving new cities," he said. Ever since the Oscar happened, the music maestro has been doing extensive travelling. "It's been a full roller-coaster ride for me in the past week... from New York to Dubai to Calicut, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai... every day I've been in two cities. Can't be helped. Everywhere they want to felicitate me and I can't say no. How can I? Everyone was excited about my Oscar and wanted to share their excitement with me," said Rahman, who will be conferred an honorary doctorate by the Aligarh Muslim University June 7. He admits he is not able to spend time with his children. "Luckily all three of my children are into music. So my kids and I are on the same wave-length. My wife dreamt of walking the red carpet with me to the Oscars. She can now dream of walking to the Oscars with our children," said the 43-year-old. "I'm slowly getting back to normal now," said Rahman, now blocking away the Oscar euphoria to focus on his current work. His forthcoming films are "Blue", "London Dreams" and S. Shankar's Tamil film "Endhiran", which has Aishwarya Rai and Rajnikant in lead roles. Source: http://www.hindu.com/ |
| AR Rahman performs in Pune |
2 Jun 2009, 0025 hrs IST, TNN The musical genius was performing in the city for the first time, and he made sure that the audience didn’t leave dissatisfied. With the ‘Rahmania’ troupe, dancers and versatile musicians to add to the concert, he set the stage on fire, performing the crowd’s favourite hits. The concert started off with a world peace prayer, written by Dr Vishwanath Karad, Founder of the Maharashtra Institute of Technology. Rahman made the crowd go wild, performing his hits including Roja, Dil Se, Jiya Se Jiya, Tu Hi Re and loads more. Through the concert, the maestro was never alone; he was joined by celebrated artists Hariharan, Sadhna, Rashid Ali, Raja Hassan and special guest Roop Kumar Rathod. Even noted percussionist Sivamani made an appearance. Rahman not only performed his Hindi hits, but also some of his Tamil songs. Throughout the concert, the audience responded to Rahman with enthusiasm, cheering him and his troupe on. All that could be said at the end of the show was: Jai Ho Rahman! |
| Rahman's success only Indian gain from 'Slumdog': Ghai |
Mumbai (PTI): The success of multiple-Oscar winner 'Slumdog Millionaire' notwithstanding, film-maker Subhash Ghai feels that the emergence of music-director A R Rahman as an international artist was the only positive that India could claim from the film. "'Slumdog Millionaire' was a film made by a westerner, who had a plot and hired a few local actors for it. We cannot claim it to be an Indian film," Ghai said during an interaction with PTI. "The only thing that we should rejoice is the success of Rahman. He won laurels for his music from the international community despite composing it in a language which was unknown to them," said the Showman, who is known for making films like 'Hero' 'Khalnayak', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Taal' and 'Pardes'. However, Ghai feels that Rahman's Oscar-winning composition 'Jai Ho' is not his best work. "Rahman himself acknowledges he has given better music than 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Many have told me that his music for my film 'Yuvraaj' was much better than 'Slumdog...'," Ghai said. Rahman's Oscar-winning song 'Jai Ho' was originally composed for Ghai's musical 'Yuvraaj' that hit the silver screen last year. But it wasn't considered good enough to be featured on Zayed Khan and was replaced by the peppy number 'Shanno Shanno'. Source: http://www.hindu.com |
| Standing ovation for Rahman at state awards function |
31 May 2009, 0310 hrs IST, TNN and the versatile Aamir Khan at the glittering function to present state government's 46th Marathi film awards at the Balewadi sport complex here on Saturday. Rehman's "Jai ho&" left the audience tapping their feet while Rekha and Aamir Khan thanked Maharashtra and Marathi audience for their love which contributed to their success in films. Rekha and Aamir Khan were presented with the Raj Kapoor Pratibha Gaurav and Raj Kapoor outstanding contribution award respectively by the state government. Noted lyricist Jagdish khebudkar was given the V Shantaram lifetime achievement award while actor-director Mahesh Kothare received the V Shantaram outstanding contribution award in the function. Rehman and the technical team of Slumdog Millionaire' were felicitated at the function by chief minister Ashok Chavan and deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal. The minister for cultural affairs Harshvardhan Patil was also present during the occasion. Responding to the felicitations, Aamir Khan said, "I am extremely happy that the award has been conferred by Maharashtra which is my motherland. Maharashtra has given me fame and also my livelihood. I am thankful to the Marathi audience who have always appreciated my work." Aamir added, "My mother always tried to teach me Marathi and Urdu. I cannot speak Marathi. However, I can read and understand it. While, Urdu, I can speak but cannot write." He added that he was still trying to learn Marathi. While accepting the award Rekha said, "Maharashtra maza, mee Maharashtrachi (I am Maharashtrain and Maharashtra is my motherland). Though my motherland is in the south, Maharashtra and Mumbai have always played a significant role in my career. The award will always be most special as it has brought great happiness for me." Addressing the gathering, chief minister Ashok Chavan said that Marathi cinema is at its highest peak at present. "The audience is back in theatres and movies are getting overwhelming responses from the audience. The audience has played a vital role in providing a lifeline for Marathi cinema in the last few years," he said. Padma award winners singer Udit Narayan, musician Hridaynath Mangeshkar and actor Helen were also felicitated at the function. A cultural programme showcasing Marathi culture and its milestones was staged during the occasion. |
| A R Rahman to perform in city today |
31 May 2009, 0336 hrs IST, TNN maestro and Lata Mangeshkar and spoke to them on a variety of subjects including the recording of their first song together. Asked whether he had planned anything special for Pune, Rahman said, “Wait and see tomorrow. I have been performing across the globe at different places. Coming back and performing here is like touching base.” |
| AR Rahman to score music for a film on TN Police! |
Friday, May 29, 2009, 14:31 [IST] || By: Settu Shankar This film is reportedly planned along the lines of Kaavalar Namathu Sevakar, produced by Abhirami Ramanathan and released last year and made with a view to glorify the cops. Most of the roles in the film were done by the police officials that time. Now they are planning to produce another film about the police and its function to save the society. Much before Rahman had won the Oscar some high officials from the Tamil Nadu Police had approached him and requested to find time for composing music for their new film. Rahman has now intimated the Police Department that he would be very much available for the project and that too as per their convenience. Source: http://entertainment.oneindia.in |
| A.R Rahman conferred another doctorate! |
By Moviebuzz | Thursday, 28 May , 2009, 11:02 Recently he was offered an honorary doctorate by the Anna University, Chennai and another by Middlesex University, London. Everybody worldwide wants to honour him with more awards and citations. The latest honour coming his way is an honorary doctorate degree from one of the most prestigious learning centers in Asia, the Aligarh Muslim University. Rahman will be conferred a doctorate and will get an award on June 7. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the West Bengal Governor will be the chief guest at the function which may also be attended by other luminaries from North India. |
The world is Rahman's oyster |
Inundated with offers from all over the world, AR Rahman now has four headquarters; in Chennai, Mumbai, London and Los Angeles It's official now. AR Rahman will soon be establishing his base in Los Angeles. He is currently in the process of buying a place where he can set up a full-fledged office in the mecca of movies and music. Thanks to his ever-growing popularity, Rahman now lives his life in suitcases. He confirmed this and said, "I now have four separate teams in four cities Chennai, LA, London and Mumbai." Strangely Rahman's scores back home have slowed down on their own. Commenting on what happens to his work at home, the busy composer said, "Kamal Haasan's Marmayogi got postponed after I did four songs with him. So, I got some reprieve . Then recently I was in Mumbai and Mani Ratnam flew down to record a song. That's the way he likes to work. Even during Bombay he would fly down to Mumbai for the music as he likes the city's energy. Almost all of the background score of Bombay was done in Mumbai. Even the songs of Rang De Basanti were recorded in Mumbai." Rahman doesn't buy the theory that he has done far better work than Slumdog Millionaire. Coming back to composing music for Hollywood , Rahman added, "The actor Vince Vaughn met me recently and asked me to do the score in one of his films. That was a touching moment. I start work on this project in July. I didn't set out to redefine myself with Slumdog Millionaire. It just happened . For me it's important for my whole team to be happy with my music." |
Rahman has taught me a lot: Tanvi |
20 May 2009, 0000 hrs IST, ANJALI MUTHANNA, TNN Life hasn’t been the same since January, says Tanvi Shah. Hardly surprising, considering she was one of the vocalists on the Oscar-winning Jai Ho! The singer was even in the US at the time of the Oscars, but didn’t attend the ceremony. She wasn’t even in the country for the film’s promotions. “Singing isn’t the only thing I do. I also do jewellery and interior design; that aspect of my professional career took me to the US,” says Tanvi. Tanvi’s family has been in the jewellery business for “the past couple of centuries”. “Once my mother got into the business, we started designing and working with diamonds and precious stones,” she explains, adding that her background as an arts student got her interested in interior design. Where does she get the time to squeeze everything in? “Twenty-four hours are not enough!” she laughs, “but life is short and if you don’t do all you want to now, when are you going to?” This philosophy seems to have paid off. When Tanvi was in the US, she was invited to lend her voice to the Snoop Doggy Dogg track, Snoop Dogg Millionaire. “They hunted me down,” recalls Tanvi, “I went into the studio and the next thing I knew, I was singing with Snoop Dogg. And as they say, ‘It’s all dope, ya’ll!’” But the person she really enjoys working with is AR Rahman, evident from the number of films she’s done with him already — Yuva, Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, Sivaji, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Delhi-6, and Slumdog Millionaire. “I learn something different every time I walk into the studio to work with Rahman sir. I would never have thought that I could sing that way or modulate my voice that way,” explains Tanvi. She isn’t kidding when she says that Rahman’s got her to push the boundaries of her voice. “For Pappu Can’t Dance, I sang for three characters; for Jillendru Oru Kaadhal, it was five. I’ve been lucky because I sound different in every song I’ve sung for him,” she says. Tanvi’s got some more singing done too. “I’ve done a song for Muthirai with Yuvan Shankar Raja. I’ve done other work, but I’m superstitious when it comes to talking about it. You never know how the song will change and who’ll sing over your voice. I just work without any expectations. Rahman sir has taught me that if you reach for the sky, you’ll fall on the roof,” she says. |
AMU to honour A. R. Rahman next month! |
May 19, 2009 12:00:48 PM IST As was reported a few months back (February to be precise), Aligarh Muslim University, one of India's most prestigious university, was to grant a doctorate degree to music maestro, A. R. Rahman, on March 25, during the annual convocation. The PRO of the university, Rahat Abrar had said, ''We have decided to celebrate Rahman's Oscar victory by presenting him the doctorate degree at the upcoming annual convocation, to be organized on the campus on March 25.'' Source: http://www.glamsham.com |
A.R. Rahman and Onir nominated for TMG Global Award Nominations |
By Joginder Tuteja, May 18, 2009 - 10:49 IST Filmmaker Onir is ecstatic. Even before coming on floors, his short films Abhimanyu and Omar have been nominated for Triangle Media Group (TMG) Global Award Nominations. These nominations have been made on the basis of complete scripts of the two films that have been submitted and also Onir's past work. "It's a great honour since these awards are run predominantly by Law Graduates from the University of Leicester. Their focus is on honouring key individuals who instigate legal, social or political change around the world. Both Abhimanyu and Omar have been nominated under the category of Best Educational Movie", informs Onir who has created quite a buzz ever since he announced the making of his 'five-short-films-rolled-into-one' movie. There are some other prominent names that can be seen in the nominations, the biggest of them being A.R. Rahman for the category of music [Slumdog Millionaire]. "This only makes it sweeter for me", says Onir smilingly. The awards have been launched by former TMG Honorary Award winner, the Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Leicester Mrs. Manjula Paul Sood LL.D. The final winners will be announced later this year by Media Lawyer Professor David Flint in Sydney Australia who is National Convenor of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy and former Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Authority. Some of the other prominent nominations are publisher Nari Hira for the Stardust Awards in the category of Best Event, politician Ruby Dhalla in the category of Politics, designer Wendell Rodricks in the category of Fashion and boxer Vijender Kumar in the category of Sport. Says Manjula who holds a BA, MA and an LL.D with a string of political achievements attached to her name, "I am very pleased as a proud recipient of these worthy awards and I am looking forward for the forthcoming winners who will be rewarded." Triangle Media Group operates in an exclusive and exquisite manner by highlighting the crème de la crème of global South Asian talent in more than 10 different categories. Each category has an academic focus and promotes talent from all around the world. This year will mark the 5th anniversary of the awards. Source: http://www.bollywoodhungama.com |
Farhan Akhtar to sing for Rahman |
By ApunKaChoice The multi-talented Farhan Akhtar who showed his singing talent in Rock On is an excited man nowadays. He’s going to sing an A R Rahman composition. He is a director, producer and actor and now on his way to become a professional singer. Well, he’s already showed what his vocal chords can do with his rocking numbers in the last year’s hit ‘Rock On’. It was the songs of this film that prompted Rahman to approach Farhan to sing a composition. Rahman, who is composing music for the upcoming underwater adventure thriller Blue , wanted a husky voice for a cool song in the film. And when he heard Farhan’s vocals in ‘Rock On’, the Oscar winning musician decided to rope him in. Needless to say, Farhan was first surprised by Rahman’s call and happily agreed to sing the song. A self-confessed fan of the composer, Farhan has already met Rahman and discussed the number. Source: http://www.apunkachoice.com |
A.R. Rahman in Oprah Winfrey Talk Show! |
Ajay Kumar R [May 15, 2009, 10:58:46 AM] Every day, there is some news about A.R. Rahman, also known as the Mozart of Madras!. The noted composer seems to be making waves internationally and has to be even more careful while choosing the right projects. Rahman has scaled new heights after winning the Oscars, which made Indians proud the world over. The musician has been receiving offers from several quarters and across languages. He is also expected to compose music for many Hollywood flicks soon. The American media has woken up to his glory and his name has appeared in every newspaper. With Rahman becoming so popular, Oprah Winfrey, who is famous for her talk shows, has decided to feature him in her popular televison show. The American celebrity is expected to visit India soon, and Rahman might accompany her to give a glimpse of India's richness! The only other Indian celebrity Oprah Winfrey has featured is Aishwarya Rai. Rahman will be the second Indian celebrity to appear in her talk show. 'Jai Ho' Rahman! Source: http://english.galatta.com |
I will never leave India: AR Rahman |
Published: Sat, 09 May 2009 at 10:59 IST Rahman was here to announce his live concert scheduled to take place on May 31. He also visited MAEERs MIT Campus, Kothrud where he hoisted the ‘Jai Ho' flag amidst a large gathering and spoke to the media about this new world tour and the Pune concert in particular. Speaking about the controversial ‘Rann' song, AR Rahman said, ‘I have not heard the twisted version of national anthem so I cant speak on it. If it was done unintentionally, I don't see a need to comment on it either. Source: http://www.samaylive.com Also Read: Rahman's words of gratitude...timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
A R Rahman for a Bond film? |
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, May 16, 2009] The latest talk is that Rahman is all set to compose his magical Tunes for the next Bond film. This would be 23rd James Bond film which will be produced by Barbara Broccoli and co producer is McDougal who earlier produced a successful movie ‘Beach’ jointly with Danny Boyle. Danny Boyle is the key person who values the talent of AR Rahman and is said to have attached him into this opportunity. Good Luck Rahman we expect the same wonders in music again. Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com |
A.R. Rahman euphoria continues |
Kaanchan [May 16, 2009, 8:33:39 PM] Once a person’s genius has been discovered, it’s hard to stop the world from wanting to know more about him and be inspired! The genius we are talking about is Oscar winner A.R. Rahman. Ever since he received those two shimmering awards and gave such a humble yet touching speech on receiving the awards, the world cannot get enough of the man. On 20th May, CNN’s Anjali Rao will visit maestro A.R. Rahman at his home in Chennai for an exclusive interview, for a flashback into his musical journey that led to the Oscars. ARR will also take viewers for a visit to his Music Conservatory and talk about his dreams for the institute. Of course, he will share some of his fave melodies and give updates on his upcoming projects. So don't miss this great telecast! Source: http://hindi.galatta.com |
A.R. Rahman crowned |
HRM Rahman thanked all those who were present and said that he was humbled to be standing amongst such legends, He also went on to say that if he wasn’t offered a chance to settle down in Hyderabad by well-known producer G. Rami Reddy about ten years ago he wouldn’t have been where he is now. Source: http://www.planetradiocity.com |
Rahman to use Farhan's voice |
15 May 2009, 1225 hrs IST, PARAG MANIAR In fact, Farhan and Rahman met two days ago and spoke at length about the song. Farhan, who is currently shooting for Kartik Calling Kartik, is looking forward to the recording. Confirming the news, Farhan said, I am damn excited about singing for Rahman . I have been a great admirer of his work and have thoroughly enjoyed his music. Our meeting was wonderful. Rahman said that he decided to use my voice for his composition in Blue after he heard the Rock On!! album. He was extremely soft-spoken and humble and spoke about how the past few months have been a whirlwind ride for him. He also briefed me about the song but I dont know whether it will be right on my part to reveal anything about it. |
Rahman summons Rekha |
16 May 2009, 1227 hrs IST, SUBHASH K JHA Rekha Bhardwaj, known for the depth in her voice in songs like Namak ishq ka (Omkara) and Genda phool (Delhi 6), was recently called to Chennai to do a rescue act for AR Rahman. Initially, another singer was asked to sing the song Ranjhna ranjha written by Gulzar and composed by Rahman for Mani Ratnams Raavana. But when she failed to rise to the occasion, Rekha was asked to do the needful. She said, Yes, I had to leave for Chennai at short notice. I was called along with Gulzar saab and Shaad Ali (whos assisting Mani in Raavana). Rekha said that she enjoyed singing for someone other than husband Vishal. But I wish I was given more time to prepare and absorb the song, she said. Rekha has been trained by the renowned classical vocalist Pandit Amarnathji . She really knows her job. Rahmans score in the film is unique, said Gulzar. |
Rahman unhappy with use of 'Jai Ho' in poll campaign |
13 May 2009, 0858 hrs IST, IANS CHENNAI: Music maestro AR Rahman, whose compositions in "Slumdog Millionaire" made him the first Indian to win twin Oscars, is critical of political parties using for a poll campaign the song "Jai Ho" that he composed for Danny Boyle's rags-to-riches drama. "I was like in the bed, I was dehydrated, exhausted, and then all these things happened, somebody told me these people are using it. I hate politics. I just want people to serve the people. I want governments, whichever government comes in, to be unbiased and say there should be justice in the country and that's my purpose in life," Rahman said in an interview. The Congress had bought exclusive rights to the song "Jai Ho" for its poll campaign but the jingle was later dropped as the party's theme song. In the interview, the shy composer also explains how his accolades for "Slumdog Millionaire" are also a recognition for India. "I got very emotional when saying this is for India, when you guys truly deserve it because there are so many different film industries in India, so many different markets, Hindi film industry, Tamil film industry, Malayalam, then Bengali, so in a way I think it culminates all their aspirations and so it's here," he said. Before he shot to stardom with the film "Roja", Rahman used to create radio jingles. He has since collaborated with international music superstars like Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue. When asked about his next project post-Oscars, he said: "I have a couple of offers from Hollywood. Pure American movies which I thought for the heck of it let's do it and a couple of other surprises that you'll know very soon if it works out. Big surprises I think." |
Oscar-winning Music Maestro A. R. Rahman on CNN’s Talk Asia |
MUMBAI: He’s sold hundreds of millions of albums and was recently named as one of the world’s most influential people by Time Magazine: A R Rahman has risen to global prominence with his work on Slumdog Millionaire, which saw him become the first Indian to win two Academy Awards. The soundtrack also spawned the worldwide hit “Jai Ho”, which was covered by The Pussycat Dolls. This week, Talk Asia travels to Rahman’s home in Chennai, where the media-shy composer sits down for an expansive interview with CNN’s Anjali Rao. He also opens the doors to his recording studio, revealing the composing process which has lead to a glittering music career. Finally, Rahman takes Talk Asia on a tour of his new conservatory, where he hopes to create India’s first philharmonic orchestra. The star composer discusses his inspiration in writing the music for 'Slumdog,' discusses criticism of the film in India and shares the experience of giving an Oscar acceptance speech. He also introduces viewers to his two latest and most prized possessions - his Oscar statuettes. Rahman explains how his accolades are also recognition for India. He says, “I got very emotional when saying this is for India, when you guys truly deserve it because there are so many different film industries in India so many different markets, Hindi film industry, Tamil film industry, Malayalam, then Bengali, so in a way I think it culminates all their aspirations and so it’s here. Rahman also discusses his early years of writing radio jingles, before he shot to stardom with the film “Roja”, which revolutionized film soundtracks. He has since collaborated with music superstars like Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue and shares the experiences. Anjali Rao presses him on his next project, post-Oscars. “I have a couple of offers from Hollywood. Pure American movies which I thought for the heck of it let’s do it and a couple of other surprises that you’ll know very soon if it works out. Big surprises I think.” Video of the interview will be available online at www.cnn.com/talkasia after the first airing. Source: http://www.indiantelevision.com |
Rahman refused to comment on RGV's twisted national anthem |
IndiaGlitz [Friday, May 15, 2009] “In case you are wondering why I have chosen to attend this function, this is the event. The father of the music director of Eesa was having a music troupe when I as a kid had a troupe too. It is his association that has brought me here,” said the composer who was asked questions on stage. One of the questions pointedly asked him if he were planning to settle abroad in search of a bigger music career. Responding with a firm No, Rahman said this was because his family lived here and he would not want to leave them. “Also, I have committed myself to four more projects now, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya, Endhiran, Sultan The Warrior and Raavana,” said the ace musician. Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com |
'I am Rahman's fan' - Ash |
IndiaGlitz [Monday, May 11, 2009] The actress has, however, taken exception to this and has spoken her mind about Oscar winning music composer, AR Rahman. The actress is known as the one to have worked in many of Rahman’s films, from her debut, Iruvar, to her forthcoming, Raavana. In fact, the actress even sang a line in Kandukondein Kandukondein, in which he was the music director. Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com |
Rahman & the burden of expectations |
11 May 2009, 0000 hrs IST, AMIT DURGAPAL, TNN The word ‘achievement’ begins with the alphabet A. So does the name of A R Rahman. And, the connection between the two seems to have been decided by divine destiny. After having started out as a keyboardist who got that magical break in Roja way back in 1992, Rahman’s musical journey has explored every corner of the universe. From the South, his sounds travelled to the North. From India, his music caught the imagination of the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Then, when he worked with the filmmaker Danny Boyle in Slumdog Millionaire, he ended up winning almost every award, including two Academy triumphs. Achievement. Allah Rakha Rahman. Academy awards. Three A’s came together. During his Pune visit, we ask the genius if his twin win is just the beginning. He says modestly, “It’s once in a lifetime. It might happen again, it might not. Slumdog Millionaire was an excursion for me. I never expected to win an Oscar for it. It depends on the film, the vibe and the subject.” Does he feel stifled by the burden of expectations? Composed as ever, he says, “The burden of expectations has always been upon me, whether at the regional, national or international front. For me, everybody is important. While there are certain elements that might be repeated, the creative element is the scariest aspect of composition. Even while giving one’s creative best, there is always a fear lurking whether the music would be appreciated or not.” Now that he has stepped into the global arena, is he experiencing any changes? The maestro answers, “Nothing has changed. Since the time I started composing, I felt that my music should go international. I work very hard on my music, that’s the reason I do one film in six months.” That’s also the reason why his music defies mediocrity. And, that explains how many of his films have made an impact on the box-office and beyond. Every music director has his own approach to creativity. What path does ARR adopt? “It’s more of a mental preparation. When I hear a story, it goes into my system, and I can’t take it out of me. That’s the reason I avoid meeting people; it then becomes difficult to say no,” he smiles. Talking about the current music in the Indian film industry, he says, “A lot of good things are happening, but I miss the mastery over classical music in the compositions. The concerted effort of directors and the whole team to give good cinema is indeed praiseworthy.” We all know that a true genius is humility personified. That, for you, is ARR. |
Mani Ratnam resuming shooting shortly |
Baiju NT [May 7, 2009, 11:50:12 PM] Contrary to rumours shooting of ace director Mani Ratnam's big budget bilingual film tentatively titled Ravan / Asokavanam has been postponed indefinitely after his third heart attack, the director will start the next schedule from May 20. Mani Rathnam has now fully recovered and is raring to go! The second schedule was previously planned to begin on April 20. Though the shoot starts on May 20, actors will start coming to the sets from May 22. The first to arrive will be Aishwarya Rai, Govinda, Vikram and Nikhil Dwivedi while Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Gehi and Ravi Kishan will join them from the first week of June. After a month, the shooting location will shift to Bengaluru for a 15-day schedule. However, it is still unclear on how many hours Mani will shoot every day. The shoot will be in the jungles of Kerala, where the film’s shoot had first started. The pre-production work is almost done and the new dates of all the actors have been blocked. Meanwhile, Mani Ratnam has reportedly completed the script of his other project titled Rukmani. A.R. Rahman has already composed one song for this film. Source: http://malayalam.galatta.com |
AR Rahman Slumdog Millionaire Song Nominated For MTV Movie Award |
05/07/2009 Rahman is also honored in the current issue of TIME as one of "The TIME 100: The World's Most Influential People," and performed "Jai Ho," last night for guests at the TIME 100 Gala in New York City. MTV is debuting the two new categories this year including "BEST SONG FROM A MOVIE" and "BEST WTF MOMENT." The "2009 MTV Movie Awards" marks the first year in which the final nominees were decided on by the fans. From May 4 - May 27, viewers can visit MovieAwards.MTV.com (www.MovieAwards.MTV.com) to vote for their favorite film moments. Source: http://www.antimusic.com/ |
Oprah’s guide is AR Rahman |
IndiaGlitz [Friday, May 08, 2009] Oprah is an American media personality, Academy award nominated actress, producer, literary critic and magazine publisher, she is known for her self titled, multi awarded winning talk show and has been ranked the richest African American of 20th Century. While she was with AR Rahman in Times magazine’s celebrity gala, she tweeted “Rahman who’s agreed to give me a tour of India, I’ve never been”. Winfrey and AR Rahman were among Times annual list of the year’s 100 most influential people. |
Rahman paid Rs 1.5 cr for Jai Ho concert |
By Buzz18 . May 08, 2009 Twin Oscar Award-winner AR Rahman's fees for 'Jai Ho - Live in Concert' held in Kozhikode were Rs. 1.5 crore. The concert was held on May 3. Source:http://buzz18.in.com/ |
State reception for A.R. Rahman |
Kozhikode, Monday 04 May 2009: Oscar award winner A.R. Rahman was accorded a reception by the State government here on Sunday. Rahman was honoured at a well-attended function, which included three Ministers, at Kadavu Resorts. Source: http://keralaonline.com |
Entertainment |
Kozhikode (PTI): Music lovers from all over the country and abroad have begun queueing up in large numbers to witness music maestro A R Rahman's live show 'Jai Ho', the first since he received the double Oscar, at the Corporation stadium here on Sunday evening. With the organisers Global Kerala Initiative 'Keraleeyam' refusing permission for live coverage of the programme, tickets worth about Rs 7 crores had been sold out. The funds would be utilised for the rehabilitation of HIV-positive children. Rahman, who will not be performing in India for the next five years owing to pre-occupation, will lead a 98-member troupe on Sunay, which include popular playback singers like Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam, K S Chithra, Rashid Ali, Javed Ali, Benny Dayal, Mohammed Aslam and Sayanora. Rahman performed a full-fledged rehearsal at the venue late Saturday evening, soon after his arrival in the city. About 30 songs would be sung during the two-and-a-half hours show and most of them would be heard in the stage for the first time, the organisers said. Over 2,000 police personnel have been deployed to control traffic and maintain law and order. Meanwhile, mediapersons, who were earlier assured that the 10-minute inaugural ceremony would be open for coverage, had now been told that owing to security reasons video coverage and still photography would not be permitted Source: http://www.hindu.com |
Koti recalls days with A R Rahman |
IndiaGlitz [Thursday, April 30, 2009] He took the memory lane and went back to the year 1985 when Rahman was barely 17 years old and had joined Koti as an assistant musician. Koti said that Dileep (the original name of Rahman before he changed to Islam) was always keen on knowing new technology and put his best efforts to know them. Koti also said Rahman used to work day and night and perhaps it is all that hard work that has brought him to the stage where he is right now. Wonder what Rahman has to say to this. Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com |
I screamed when Rahman won: Trisha |
Ajay Kumar R [April 29, 2009, 4:32:45 PM] Trisha has always been a Rahman fan since school, and it was only because he was composing for Enakku 20 Unakku 18 that she actually went ahead and signed the film. Rahman was the music director for many of her later films too. "Nobody can forget the songs 'Hey goodbye nanba' and 'Yakkai Thiri' from Ayutha Ezhuthu," says Trisha. The actress is currently shooting for Gautham Menon's Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya, which again has A.R. Rahman composing music. She has agreed attend the film's audio release function only if Gautham promises to give her a seat next to Rahman! Source: http://tamil.galatta.com |
The year's best soundtracks |
SOUNDS FAMILIAR By Baby A. Gil Updated April 27, 2009 12:00 AM Slumdog Millionaire by A. R. Rahman. I am sure it was mostly curiosity that first drew buyers to this soundtrack. They asked, what is so special about the film’s music that it could hold viewers, including Hollywood absolutely enthralled? A lot. It turned out. It was a remarkable fusion of atmosphere and feelings that resulted in one affecting whole. Of course, those already familiar with the work of A.R. Rahman knew that something like that would happen soon enough. The guy after all, regularly sells albums by the millions, not only in India but all over the world. London had already embraced him through Bollywood Nights. It was about time Hollywood did the same. Rahman’s O... Saya and the Academy Award winning Jai Ho so evocative of the mood of the picture, bookend the CD just like they do the film. Then in between are the sounds that serve to heighten the emotions of the story. Get inspired with Millionaire, feel fear with Riots, get your heart broken with Latika’s Dream, do some Indian moves with Liquid Dance and then see how M.I.A.’s Paper Planes becomes the theme for boys scavenging for food in the slums of Mumbai. This is the work of a genius and it is no wonder that Rahman also won the Academy Award for the film’s score. Hannah Montana: The Movie by Miley Cyrus: This picture is doing great at the box office but has been getting a beating from the critics. The soundtrack though is something else. It is a well-produced album that succeeds even without the mediocre flick. It is the best ever by Miley and shows how much she has grown as an artist. The Climb, which is currently the No. 1 seller in the U.S. of A. shows her new found range as a singer and astute songwriter. It makes me feel good to know that all those kids who adore Hannah and Miley will also learn how talent grows by listening to her work. She is beginning to move out of cute territory and her potentials are unlimited. Other great cuts are Butterfly Fly Away, a touching duet with her dad Billy Ray; the amusing Backwards by Rascal Flatts; and Let’s Get Crazy, a catchy fun tune destined for the pop charts. Fast and Furious 4 by Various Artists: The movie is fast, furious and loud. Therefore the soundtrack is no different. This is the sort that comes with a parental advisory tag on the cover. It is also what you hear from booming boomboxes with the loud bass to match playing in snazzy SUV’s. I admit some people do frown at that kind of sound and think of the music as noise. But there are others who will get into the groove and go their own ways but move in step to the beat, thinking of the cars, the speed and the danger. Included are Bang by Rye Rye; G-Stro by Busta Rhymes; Loose Wires by Kenna; Blanco, Krazy, You Slip She Grip and Bad Girls by Pitbull; Head Bust by Shark City Click; Virtual Diva by Don Omar; and La Isla Bonita by Tasha. Incidentally this fourth installment in the high-speed adventures of Brian and Dom is also the best of the series. Twilight by Various Artists. This soundtrack has been in the list of the biggest selling rock albums these past six months. That really comes as no surprise. Compiled together here are some of the most lyrical, introspective rock tunes ever heard. Decode and I Caught Myself by Paramore; Full Moon by The Black Ghosts; Leave Out All the Rest by Linkin Park; Never Think by vampire heartthrob Rob Pattinson and Bella’s Lullaby by Carter Burwell. Of course, it also helps that the recent release of the film on video has fueled another viewing frenzy among Twilight fanatics and when away from the screen, what they do is listen to the music. Source: http://tamil.galatta.com |
A.R. Rahman to record with Fe-Nix |
Thursday, April 23 2009, 11:10 BST After achieving worldwide success with US pop group The Pussycat Dolls, A.R. Rahman is planning to sprinkle his magic on a new R&B quartet. The Oscar-winning composer, who reached number three in the UK charts with The Pussycat Dolls' cover of 'Jai Ho!', has agreed to get into the recording studio with unknown London-based girl group Fe-Nix. A spokesman for Fe-Nix said: "The girls are thrilled - they are all huge fans of his work." Fe-Nix's debut single 'Lady Baby' will be released on May 4. Rahman is also planning to team up with The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger during a visit to the US, according to reports. Source: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ |
Kerala govt to honour Oscar Tamilan |
IndiaGlitz [Thursday, April 23, 2009] Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/ |
Entertainment |
New Delhi (IANS): Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra says he has found a special friend in Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman, who has created music for two of his movies. "Rahman and I kind of discovered each other during Rang De Basanti. With him, it's not project-to-project ... Ours is a collaborative effort and it's a great team," Mehra told IANS. The two not only meet and talk but also keep in touch via the Internet. "We keep meeting, talking, discussing ideas over the Internet and Skype (Internet telephony) about the movies I want to make and about the music he's churning, etc," the director added. Source: http://www.hindu.com/ |
A.R. Rahman and Mick Jagger team up |
Monday, April 20 2009, 09:35 BST Rex Features Rahman agreed to get in the studio with the Grammy Award-winning artist after the duo first met at the Oscars last month. A source close to the musician told The Times of India: "When Rahman met Jagger, they discovered that they could do some good music together. It was then that they decided that A.R. Rahman would visit the US again and they would have another jamming session." The latest collaboration comes on the back of the Bollywood composer's teaming up with The Pussycat Dolls for an English remix of his Oscar-winning hit 'Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)'. Rahman began producing the score to Abbas Tyrewala's 1-800-Love last week during a brief visit to Mumbai. Source: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk |
Rahman grooms more to clinch the Oscar |
By CNN-IBN . Apr 20, 2009 Musician AR Rahman is not stopping at his Oscar glory and making sure that the next generation takes it only further. Here is a CNN-IBN exclusive look into his music conservatory where he is grooming the next breed of composers. However, Rahman's long time vision is to create a signature symphony orchestra out of his pass-outs. "We have classical musicians and we have brass bands, which plays out of tune so being such a 1.4 billion people we don't have an orchestra in any of the cities. It used to exist in the 60s but not anymore," he said. Source: http://buzz18.in.com |
AR Rahman sneaks into town for 1-800-Love! |
Thursday, 16 April 2009 Mumbai, April 16: Ever since his spectacular win at the Oscar’s, ace music composer AR Rahman has been shying away from the public glare and had gone into a self-imposed hibernation in Chennai. Rahman’s sabbatical has come to an end now, with him getting back to composing music in a big way. All of last week he was engaged in music sessions with director Abbas Tyrewala for his next film 1-800-Love. Rahman not only managed to complete the entire score for Blue, which had been pending for quite some time now, but also sneaked out of Chennai to Delhi on Monday afternoon to visit the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. He then flew to Mumbai yesterday to record a song for Tyrewala’s 1-800-Love. With that taken care of, he headed for a long delayed trip to the US. 1-800-Love producer Madhu Mantena said, “Abbas wanted the music of our film to take off before Rahman took off. So he specially requested him to fly to the US via Mumbai.” The song sung by Adnan Sami was recorded in utmost secrecy so that Rahman could be out of Mumbai and the country, even before the city woke up to his presence. ----Agencies-- Source: http://www.siasat.com |
Slumdog composer Rahman & editor Dickens to attend NAB |
Story By: Businessofcinema.com || Team updated on: 17/04/09 MUMBAI: Slumdog Millionaire music composer AR Rahman and editor Chris Dickens, who won the Oscar awards this year, will be offering a look at their collaborative efforts and the creative process behind the audio and video workflows for one of 2008's most watched and loved films in the world. In its ongoing efforts to provide greater access to industry professionals, Avid has arranged for a special guest appearance from Slumdog Millionaire's editor Chris Dickens to be joined in conversation with Indian music composer - performer AR Rahman. The duo will be present at the NAB 2009 show at a presentation by Avid. Ramhan and Dickens will be in Las Vegas on 20 April. The duo will take the audience through an exclusive behind-the-scenes discussion to dissect the film's audio and picture elements, showcasing the artistic work flow that set the stage for the year's most popular independent film to soar to the big screen and into the hearts and minds of film viewers across the world. The entire presentation will be available as a podcast after the conclusion of the event. Source: http://www.businessofcinema.com |
AR Rahman's spiritual trip |
HRM The two-time Oscar-winning composer came to Nizamuddin to attend the annual Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin, a local newspaper reported. With him were his mother, Kareema Begum, and his sister Ishrat, who came from Chennai. His friend and fitness trainer Rehan Jalali also flew down especially from USA to offer prayers with him at the dargah. According to Syed Afsar Ali Nizami, one of the dargah officials, “Rahman saab has been a regular visitor to the dargah. He’s been coming here for many years now. He wanted this visit to be a very private affair, as he was with his mother and sister and a few friends.” He also says that Rahman’s visits are often unannounced. “Rahman kis waqt dargah mein aayenge yeh kisiko pata nahin hota... Magar woh baba ke dar zaroor aate hai. In fact, his mother was here last month and she offered prayers here just after Rahman won the Oscars,” he says. Rahman’s mother and sister arrived at the dargah at about 7.30 pm, and were joined by Rahman at about 9.30 pm, with friends Rehan and Raj Makhija. Source: http://www.planetradiocity.com |
A.R. Rahman inaugurates |
April 15, 2009
Ajith, Arvind Samy, Mani Rathnam among other participated in the event. Mahesh’s wife Chithra Mahesh, the head of the trust, spoke about the trust’s vision and disclosed that the hospital was built using funds collected from various shows and event. The building cost about 3.5 crores, she said. Source: http://www.behindwoods.com |
AR Rahman sneaks into town for 1-800-Love! |
16 Apr 2009, 1231 hrs IST, SUBHASH K JHA Ever since his spectacular win at the Oscar’s, ace music composer AR Rahman has been shying away from the public glare and had gone into a self-imposed hibernation in Chennai. Rahman’s sabbatical has come to an end now, with him getting back to composing music in a big way. Rahman not only managed to complete the entire score for Blue, which had been pending for quite some time now, but also sneaked out of Chennai to Delhi on Monday afternoon to visit the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. He then flew to Mumbai yesterday to record a song for Tyrewala’s 1-800-Love. With that taken care of, he headed for a long delayed trip to the US. 1-800-Love producer Madhu Mantena said, “Abbas wanted the music of our film to take off before Rahman took off. So he specially requested him to fly to the US via Mumbai.” The song sung by Adnan Sami was recorded in utmost secrecy so that Rahman could be out of Mumbai and the country, even before the city woke up to his presence. |
AR Rahman a surprise visitor at Hazrat Nizamuddin’s dargah |
Spicezee Bureau New Delhi, April 14: AR Rahman’s devotion made him fly down from London to New Delhi to attend the annual URS at Hazrat Nizamuddin’s dargah. The musician had been taking a break from the blinding glare of spotlight that had him targetted from the day he brought home the Oscars. He was accompanied by his mother, Kareema Begum, and his sister Ishrat, who joined him in Delhi, flying in from Chennai. His friend and fitness trainer Rehan Jalali also flew down especially from LA, USA, to offer prayers with him at the dargah. Syed Afsar Ali Nizami, one of the dargah officials, informed a news daily, “Rahman saab has been a regular visitor to the dargah. He’s been coming here for many years now. He wanted this visit to be a very private affair, as he was with his mother and sister and a few friends.” He also disclosed, “Rahman kis waqt dargah mein aayenge yeh kisiko pata nahin hota... Magar woh baba ke dar zaroor aate hai. In fact, his mother was here last month and she offered prayers here just after Rahman won the Oscars,” he says. Rahman will drop his mother and sister back to Chennai, after which he will go back to London and then onwards to South Africa. Source: http://www.spicezee.com/ Read More: AR Rahman: Arziyaan saari... |
Entertainment |
Thiruvananthapuram (IANS): Malayalam superstar Suresh Gopi has a new mission in his life - a school for HIV positive children. And joining him is double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman who will stage a musical night in Kerala for free. 'Jai Ho' musical night is scheduled for May 3 at the Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. Rahman and his 103-artiste group will perform in front of an expected 50,000 strong crowd. The proceeds of the night will go towards the building of the school. "We expect to raise Rs.15 crore (Rs.150 million) from the sale of tickets and sponsorships. After meeting the expenses, we target a figure of Rs.10 crore (Rs.100 million), which would be the first capital for the school," Gopi told IANS Tuesday on the sidelines of a function held for the sale of tickets. The programme is being held under the initiative of Global Kerala Initiative-Keraleeyam, an NGO of which Gopi is a patron. "The ideal location for the school should be somewhere in the central districts of the state. It will cater not only to the HIV positive children from Kerala but also from neighbouring states. If everything goes as planned, the school should be ready in two years time," Gopi said. Gopi said that he has already spoken to state Education Minister M.A. Baby and got an "excellent response" from him. According to Gopi, there are close to 100 HIV positive kids in state. "What wrong have these hapless kids done to get this dreaded disease? Their sufferings begin right from the day they are born and even before they learn to begin their lives. They are shunned by the society for no fault of theirs," pointed out Gopi. The proposed school would be fully residential with all amenities and will also have the best of faculty, he added. The actor said that the NGO will distribute 'hundis' (copper vessels) among the people to encourage them to save at least Re.1 a day for the project. "We will be distributing 1 lakh (100,000) hundis to people and they will be opened after a year. This will also be added to the kitty for the school project," Gopi said. Source: http://www.hindu.com |
AR Rahman for Indo-Jap film! |
13 Apr 2009, 1200 hrs IST AR Rahman has added another feather to his cap.
ABOUT JOE HISAISHI Mamoru Fujisawa, professionally known as Joe Hisaishi, is a composer and director known for over 100 film scores and solo albums dating back to 1981. While possessing a stylistically distinct sound, Hisaishi’s music has been known to explore and incorporate different genres, including minimalist, experimental electronic, European classical, and Japanese classical. |
AR Rahman feat. Pussycat Dolls - Jai Ho |
Last Updated: Wednesday April 22 2009 13:27 GMT
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk |
Release dateRahman's summer holiday |
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Prithwish Ganguly || Friday, April 10, 2009 23:59 IST
Mumbai: Looks like the incessant spotlight has got on the nerves of the reclusive double Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, who sources reveal has packed his bags and left for a holiday of London and US as soon as he finished the music for Anthony D'Souza's Blue. It is said that Rahman has taken his wife along with him during his vacation in which he will also be conducting meetings withbusiness acquaintances in both places. Rahman has got a new agent in America and has also bagged a big international film. He is expected to meet the film-makers during his trip there. An insider reveals, "Post the Oscar, the frenzy around him has increased. He feels that his privacy is being violated. He has tried to escape to various places but the spotlight has followed him. Plus, the anticipation of people to see Rahman outdo himself has increased too." The source adds, "After his trip, he has to come back soon since there is a tremendous work pressure back home as he is doing the music of five big films, including Mani Ratnam's Raavan, Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-starrer Endhiran, Abbas Tyrewala's 1-800-Love, Rockstar and Satyagrahi." Source: http://www.dnaindia.com |
The Musical Patriot |
Weekend Edition By DAVID YEARSLEY After I dedicated a column to the manifold errors of the soundtrack to Slumdog Millionaire by Oscar laureate A. R. Rahman the emails poured in from the sub-continent. Many admitted that they were glad to hear the Musical Patriot abuse a feel-good film about Indian poverty and denigrate its implausible music of redemption. Others thought my commentary ill-informed and cruel, and suggested that I would have rather have seen all the main characters killed off or mutilated to the tune of depressing laments. By coincidence I took in a screening of The Battle of Algiers a few days after the column appeared back in March, and witnessed again the harrowing torture scene that begins the film and to which Slumdog’stepid interrogation opener pays unwitting homage. The original score of The Battle of Algiers is the work of the incomparable Ennio Morricone, but the director Gillo Pontecorvo involved himself directly in choosing other music to follow important themes of the conflict. What we hear after the grim extraction of information by French interrogators from the small, aged Algerian is the opening chorus of Bach’s Matthew Passion, whose throbbing bass line and gnashing chromaticism tells us that we are in for brutal epic. It’s not just that Bach is a better composer than Rahman; few would contest that. Rather, Pontecorvo and Morricone understood that there is nothing in such cases there is nothing more difficult than truth, a necessary precondition for reconciliation. What I argued in my prosecutorial brief against Slumdog was that a soundtrack that avoids any real confrontation with its difficult subject matter, indeed numbs the viewer to the implications of the images on screen, and should not be trusted. The two-fisted Oscar for Rahman only confirmed my suspicions. The award is a dual barometer of manipulation and mediocrity. Along the many good-humored, funny, and gloriously vituperative emails I received, I had the good fortune to be corrected on one matter by Nandhu Sundaram, chief copy editor of the Times of London, who informed me that “a brilliant piece of criticism on A R Rahman’s music was marred by a slight factual error.” How gently did my correspondent point out a gaff that was hardly “slight.” Turns out, as Mr. Sundaram, and many others from India and elsewhere let me know, that Rahman did not, as I had claimed, write the music and lyrics for the closing song, “Jai Ho”—heard for the film’s concluding song sequence, the last gasp nod to Bollywood staged with the final credits. “Jai Ho” won Oscar for best song. The words were in fact written by Gulzar, who, as an email from Sajay Janardhana Kurup instructed me, is “A Famous Indian Lyrisct who accepted a Muslim Pen name though being a Hindu.” I stand corrected many times over! Gulzar it is your lyrics that are crap! Rather than continue to simmer in my scorn for Slumdog I have now embarked on a study of Rahman’s work under the long-distance tutelage of Professor Nilanjana Bhattacharjya of Colorado College. She’s an expert on Bollywood music, and has this to say about Slumdog: “I can't begin to explain how tired I am of hearing about this film and what I think is some of A.R. Rahman's weakest work, so I am grateful (schadenfroh, more accurately) to see critiques of the film that are not based in its depiction of poor people in India, and Indian people's supposed inability to deal with seeing its dirty laundry. (It's hard to avoid unless you're blind, and that view overlooks a long history of extremely popular films in which significantly disadvantaged people get treated horrifically, fight against the system, and claw their way through to come out ahead despite their never being asked to be on an inane game show.” Professor Bhattacharjya has an illuminating article in the most recent issue of the journal Asian Music on song sequences in popular Hindi Film; though her focus in this essay is movies of the Indian diaspora, it has much to say about Western attitudes about this vast corpus. A crucial part of Asian music cultural, the song sequence (banished to the closing credits in Slumdog) often seems to those new to this cinematic experience like irrelevant intrusions into the narrative. These long, and at their best, sumptuously choreographed and orchestrated sequences suspend the temporal progression of events, reveling instead in spectacle and sentiment. In this respect Bollywood is not unlike opera seria of the 18th-century, where the narrative flow is continually interrupted by lengthy arias that explore the emotional state of their characters rather than push the plot forward. Because these song sequences, as in the case of opera’s arias, last so long, the films, like the operas, tend themselves to be epic events: three hours and intermission is a common enough format in both genres. These attitude towards the song sequence bears some reflection. Hollywood and its obedient consumers seem to think that car chases and the demolition of people and buildings do not constitute detours from the “story,” but in general these sequences are hardly less stagey in their the usurpation of the cinematic moment are than Indian dance numbers or European opera arias. The scream of sirens is Hollywood’s coloratura, the squeal of brakes its cadenza, the explosion its thundering timpani. Indeed, after watching enough Bollywood, one returns more reluctantly than ever to Hollywood’s formulaic action sequences and finds them surprisingly stagnant, a cultural form of entertainment far more artificial—and expensive—than the tableaux vivant of Indian film. For all its frenzy, Hollywood action usually ends up going nowhere. Bollywood can destroy things, too, but it seems to invest its creative energy most vigorously in song and dance, rather than high-speed shoot-‘em-and-blow-‘em-ups. I’ve begun my encounter with Rahman’s massive and quickly-expanding oeuvre with his sprawling score to Lagaan, which was nominated for best foreign film by that same Academy back in 2001. The movie rather archly stages the colonial encounter with the British on a dusty improvised cricket ground in 19th-century India. On that field a rag tag group of villagers quickly learn the colonial regime’s game, even while taking time off to sing and dance, and then miraculously defeating the local regiment. The victory gains villagers a three-year reprieve from the crushing grain tax (Lagaan) imposed on them by the redcoats. Still, the parched and varied landscape of rural Indian of Lagaan, and the peasants clad in stylish and pristine homespun, provides the ideal backdrop and cast for the sweep of Rahman’s melody and his mastery for pacing musical effects over a long sequences. Slumdog showed Rahman can deftly wield his musical airbrush, but his talent demands a grand scale so his ideas can gather momentum and the sonic feast they serve up can be savored. Next I watched Taal (1999), a film that follows an innocent mountain girl’s discovery by a slimy producer (played by Anil Kapoor, the game show host from Slumdog) and her transformation into a musical superstar. Here again Rahman is at the top of his multi-faceted game of creating atmosphere with his intense, arching melodies and billowing harmonies and special musical effects. Aside from its colorful score and diverse song sequences that range from rural ritual to urban techno flash, the film also boasts one of the most carefully staged Coca Cola product placement contrivances in the history of world cinema. At a lavish reception, the cosmopolitan hero, more doughy than dashing, stops a drinks attendant and slakes his thirst from a Coke bottle, then sends it on to the mountain girl clumped with her sisters on the far side of the party gathering. Needless to say, she can’t help but grab the bottle from her sister, and touch her lips to the sweet glass where his had just been. Subtly erotic flourishes of music—all shimmering bangles and echoing female vocalizations punctuated by intermittent claps and bursts of disco energy—follow the progress of the bottle from one set of lips to another. Making big brown eyes at our hero, she doesn’t drink, but strolls out of frame, the bottle pressed to her breast. Rahman now goes for the Romantic surge, and the hero follows her as she fondles the bottle lovingly. He waits, we wait, for the corporately sponsored kiss, but the mountain girl suddenly pours the bottle into a nearby potted geranium, as Rahman’s music wilts along with the hero’s ardor. It seems clear that Rahman’s got a sense of humor, one strangled by Slumdog’s pawing sentimentality. The real first kiss in Taal comes in the next scene against the backdrop of the Himalayan foothills, but we all know that sweet syrup still clings to lovers’ lips. At this consummation of a sort, Rahman deploys his global mastery of cinematic affect: his Love Story piano, Bacharach strings, and transcendental, textless chorus bed the fully-clothed couple down on the soft and verdant grass above steep bluffs. Much of Rahman’s greatness seems to lie in the fact that he, too, has no shame: even with all the studio contrivances and effects, he really knows how to let himself go. Now queued up on my Rahman docket is Dil Se from 1998 which, Professor Bhattacharjya tells me, will deal with terrorism, ethnic conflict and other urgent issues. I can’t wait to see the dance numbers. If Rossini can do justice to the freedom fighter William Tell, I don’t doubt that the Mozart of Madras can offer untold insights into the horrors of globalization and ethnic conflict, or at least overcome the implausible with his music’s alternation of bittersweet strains and world-beating rhythmic drive. At this rate, it will take me dozens of lifetime’s to work through Rahman’s oeuvre, and by the time I catch up he’ll have already moved on to his next film, seated in his opulent studio among his synthesizers wrapped in the swirling sonorities that have already conquered the world. David Yearsley teaches at Cornell University. A long-time contributor to the Anderson Valley Advertiser, he is author of Bach and the Meanings of Counterpoint His latest CD, “All Your Cares Beguile: Songs and Sonatas from Baroque London”, has just been released by Musica Omnia. He can be reached at dgy2@cornell.edu Source: http://www.counterpunch.org |
Chinese go gaga over AR Rahman's Jai Ho |
April 06, 2009 The audiences are also amazed that a show like Kaun Banega Crorepati was hosted in India, Source: http://www.behindwoods.com |
AR RAHMAN RETREATING |
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com Now that the dust has settled a bit the master needs to concentrate on his upcoming projects and he told Subhash K Jha, “I'd just like to retreat in my cave for a while.” Rahman has several projects in the works and is being overwhelmed with requests both in India and abroad for more of his compositions. A source said, “Rahman has decided to stay completely away from the public glare for some time. He is currently spending time on the music of Abbas Tyrewala’s film (1-800-Love). Then he has called Tony D’Souza to Chennai to complete the music of Blue. After that he will quietly leave for London and the US. Under no circumstance will he allow himself to be put under the microscope.” In other news it seems we will have address Mr. Rahman as Dr. Rahman come July. Middlesex University in London plans to bestow the musician with an honorary doctorate. Along with the degree Rahman is also working on setting up arrangement with the University for students at his KM Music Conservatory. The University has a three-year honor degree program in Music Composition and Music Performance and Rahman hopes that a deal can be worked out that the students from his music school can come and study in England for their final year. Source: http://www.bollyspice.com/ |
I'd just like to retreat in my cave for a while: A R Rahman |
Friday, 03 April , 2009, 16:26 Alas, earlier commitments have forced Rahman to return to Chennai from Bangalore where he was holed up last month. Says a source very close to Rahman, "The workload is getting heavier. Rahman is inundated with work from both home and abroad. He has taken on one new Bollywood project, Abbas Tyrewala's 1-800-Love, and he needs to finish Anthony D'Souza's Blue whose background score and the Kylie Minogue item are yet to be completed. On top of that Rahman has to deal with false stories about his global conquests. Like the one that said he had replaced David Beckham in a cell phone ad for a staggering free." Such stories are making Rahman extremely wary of the future. Friends feel he's being put under tremendous performance anxiety and this may reflect on the quality of his work." Says the friend, "Rahman has decided to stay completely away from the public glare for some time. He is currently spending time on the music of Abbas Tyrewala's film. Then he has called Anthony D'Souza to Chennai to complete the music of Blue. After that he will quietly leave for London and the US. Under no circumstance will he allow himself to be put under the microscope." When contacted Rahman had only one thing to say, "I'd just like to retreat in my cave for a while. Source: http://sify.com |
Another ‘first’ for Rahman |
Express News ServiceFirst Source: http://www.expressbuzz.com |
'Rahman and Motorola, what rubbish!' |
IndiaGlitz [Thursday, April 02, 2009] The latest in the beeline of rumours about Rahman was about him endorsing Motorola for a record price. 'Then what about his dealings with Nokia already?' his officals ask in jest. That a person cannot endorse two brand of the same field is common sense, they think. And it was less than a few months ago that Rahman, in collaboration with Nokia, brought out his mobile album, Connections, as part of his deal with them. Rahman and Nokia have earlier collaborated for his album, Pray For Me Brother. Officials in Rahman's studio say there were not even talks about an agreement with Motorola and this was a complete baseless rumour. Now, reports in various spurious sections of the media have announced that Rahman has inked a deal with Motorola for a record Rs 28 crore to take over as its youth icon and brand ambassador, instead of David Beckam. Websites and online sources mind find it interesting to publish such stories, but those who know the truth only call them 'imaginative'. Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com |
Rahman to kick off global tour on May 3 |
Kochi, Sunday 29 March 2009: The maestro is hitting the road again. A.R. Rahman is on the move and reaching out to his fans. And he is kicking off his next world tour from Kerala. Source: http://keralaonline.com |
Akon joins hands with AR Rahman for new music album |
Story By: Businessofcinema.com Team updated on: 17/03/09 The album also features artistes like Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall. The music video is slated to go on air from 23 March in India and the album will be a mixture of Afro-American and Indian music. Moreover, Akon is also said to have contacted singer Sonu Niigaam for a similar project. Akon rose to fame in India with the songs Mr. Lonely and Belly Dancer, which featured in his debut album Trouble. His other track Smack That (Konvicted) was also a hot favourite. Source: http://www.businessofcinema.com/ |
Music maestro AR Rahman goes hiding, wants to be left alone! |
Spicezee Bureau Mumbai, March 14: Success always comes with a price and in case of music maestro AR Rahman, it seems that the poor chap is paying a heavy price for all the critical acclaim he received from his national and international fans post the popularity of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. It is believed that our media shy maestro literally went into seclusion in order to cope up with the instant adulation from every nook and corner of the world. Rahman is facing weariness and has gone hiding underground most probably in Bengaluru. After cancelling his business trips to London, Rahman did a disappearing act from his Chennai residence. Both the family members and friends of Rahman have declined to disclose the whereabouts of media shy maestro. According to a close family friend of Rahman, “All the international and national attention finally got to Rahman. He is essentially a very very shy artiste. All he cares about is God and his music, in that order. He doesn't talk about anything else. Going on stage and being the cynosure of thousands of eyes is death for him. He went into hiding with only his God and music for company.” When asked about his health, Rahman said, “I am just recovering from all the exhaustion.” It seems that Rahman is recuperating from an overdose of fame and adulation as such is its impact that the former even refused to meet a producer who went to Bengaluru and wanted to sign Rahman on his next project! Source: http://www.zeenews.com |
A.R. Rahman at the CavinKare Ability Awards |
March 13, 2009 The event will also feature an exclusive fashion show, choreographed by noted fashion choreographer Sunil Menon. Celebrities from different walks of life and disabled individuals will showcase the creations by popular designers in the show. Special arrangements for the disabled at the venue have been made. Source: http://www.behindwoods.com |
UK Asian Music Awards honours A R Rahman |
Story By: Businessofcinema.com Team || updated on: 13/03/09 Rahman's recent successes includes the Oscar and BAFTA Awards for his music in Slumdog Millionaire. Located at the Royal Festival Hall in London’s Southbank Centre the event featured a variety of performances and awards. B4U Music VJ Salil presented the ceremony alongside Karen David. The event included performances by Bishi, H. Dhami, Juggy D, Mumzy, Tasha Tah, Veronica, Jas Dhami, Chunni and Mona Singh, Des-C, D Boy, Sef, Shayal and American Superstars Jagged Edge. Amongst the winners was Jay Sean who received the award for best male act and the best urban act. M.I.A, who recently gained fame for her track Paper Planes, won the award for best female act. Rishi Rich walked away with the award for best producer and commitment to the scene, and Bobby Friction won the award for best radio host. Other winners included Gurdaas Maan, H Dhami and Jazzy B. The event will to be broadcast worldwide on B4U Music. Source: http://www.businessofcinema.com |
Felicitations galore for A.R. Rahman |
IndiaGlitz [Thursday, March 05, 2009] Recently, A.R. Rahman was honored by his beloved mentors and versatile musicians for accomplishing his feat of global recognition. Now, the Tamil film industry’s filmmakers, producers inclusive of each and every technician have planned out for a gala celebration of honoring Rahman. It has been stated that the grand occasion will be witnessed at Nehru Stadium on March 28. The function will not only see just Tamil film personalities, but a whole lot of known faces from Bollywood and beyond. The former President APJ Abdul Kalam will be gracing the occasion as the chief guest. As the time is for the Lok Sabha Elections is closing in, the film unit members are sure on not inviting any politicians as the dais may accidentally turn into a podium of indirect propaganda. A very appropriate decision indeed! Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com |
A.R.Rahman-Airtel alliance continues |
Posted: Mar 06, 2009 at 1455 hrs IST A.R.Rahman became Airtel’s brand ambassador in 2002. The brand campaign for Airtel in 2002 featuring AR Rahman was the first time he had appeared in a television commercial. When Rahman composed the tune, Airtel has two million customers. Today Airtel has over 90 million customers and the Airtel signature tune composed by A R Rahman is world’s most downloaded piece of mobile music in the world with over 60 million downloads. Source: http://www.screenindia.com |
New Tamil Anthem by A.R.Rahman |
A.R.Rahman is all set to compose a new tune to make a new Tamil Anthem for the world Tamil people. Source: http://keralaonline.com |
AR Rahman to Dileep Kumar - BE takes you down memory lane |
4 Mar 2009, 0545 hrs IST, Prasad Sangameshwaran, ET Bureau For the past few days Mark Manuel, director, films, at JWT Chennai, has been drinking his morning cuppa from a magic mug. It’s magic because it displays an embossed photograph of him with AR Rahman, everytime a hot beverage is poured into it. It’s not very well known but the man they now call Rahman has a very strong and long connection with the ad-world, especially Chennai. Back then though he was known as AS Dileep Kumar. Dileep’s involvement with advertising was no brief fling, but a full-fledged affair. Advertising is where the long epic journey that has culminated in an Oscar began when Dileep started scoring with background tunes for ads in the mid-1980s. In 1986, when a public service commercial on drug abuse was being produced at the Audio Vision studio in Chennai the studio owner, Vijay Modi suggested to Trilok Nair, director, Trisha Productions, that he must try out a young talent. “One could barely spot the boy behind the keyboards. But when we heard the music, we were blown away,” recalls Nair. Within a short span, Dileep composed music for a number of brands like Leo Coffee, Nalli sarees, Hero Honda and Asian Paints. Suddenly this 20-something ‘little guy’ had everyone looking at the advertising backwater called Madras differently. Those who worked with him have many tales to tell. Like the one where one of his musical instruments starred in a commercial, without his knowledge. This was in an MRF commercial that showed the reflection of a synthesizer on the visor of the rider. That synth was ‘borrowed’ by film maker Bharat Bala from Dileep’s studio, when the composer was not around. But life was not all roses for Dileep back then. On occasions, he got to see the downside of an industry unwilling to give new names a second look. One such example was a Gwalior suitings ad. Dileep had toiled for three full days working on the tune that would be ‘It’. While film maker and friend Rajiv Menon was convinced about the score, the client bounced the campaign and got Louis Banks, one of the more sought after names in the business redo it. “Advertising chases names. Now they must be kicking themselves hard,” recalls Menon, who teamed up with Rahman for several commercials including Fair & Lovely, Bru Coffee and the celebrated Asian Paints ‘Pongal’ commercial. There were occasions though when film makers found a way to checkmate the client tantrums. For the Hero Honda Sleek campaign, Bharat Bala felt that the score composed by Louis Banks with Sivamani on percussion was not working. But the client and agency had approved it and to change their mind would be an uphill task. During one of Dileep’s late night sessions, Bala asked him for an option. Three hours before the 9 am presentation, Bala got a ‘mind-blowing’ track. Of course, the client loved it, without knowing it was Dileep’s work. “Until recently I never confessed to this. The best part is the agency person never spotted the difference,” chuckles Bala. All those who worked with Dileep were dazzled by his willingness to experiment even in this genre. Nair reminisces about the Nalli Sarees client who wanted to make a commercial set to a famous old Tamil song. Dileep heard the client and suggested that they go in for a remix — remember that back then few were aware of remixing as a concept. “The client hemmed and hawed. But when they heard the final sound they couldn’t believe what they got,” says Nair. Such was the power of his tunes that some played on for years. Leo Coffee, one of the earliest ads, ran for 15 years and even when a new commercial was made about three years back, the music remained unchanged. For ad men, Ashok Nagar, where Dileep had his home and studio, soon became the place to hang around. Colvyn Harris, CEO, JWT recalls spending several nights outside Rahman’s studio on that trademark Jhoola (swing), when the maestro was perfecting his art inside. “That swing has seen a lot of backsides, including Mani Ratnam’s,” jokes Nair. Harris also remembers the day when film maker Bharat Bala dragged him and his family out to a waiting car and made him listen to his album, Vande Mataram. “I was among the first people to listen to Vande Mataram.” says Harris Ad men even played bit roles in shaping the destiny of Dileep’s career, or even life. A classmate from school, Bharat Bala rediscovered his old friend after he began making ad films; Rajiv Menon became the best man at his wedding; while Trilok Nair who happens to be Mani Ratnam’s brother-in-law introduced Dileep to the hotshot director. Among the several works that the extremely-hard-to-impress Ratnam reviewed before Dileep was signed on for Roja was the Leo Coffee commercial, which incidentally featured Arvind Swamy, who went on to play the lead role in the film after the original choice, ad film maker Rajiv Menon declined to be the hero. The world may know him as Rahman, but it was advertising that first uncovered the little genius called Dileep. |
A R Rahman to spend more time in Hollywood? |
By ApunKaChoice After winning two Oscars at this year’s Academy Awards, music composer A R Rahman is planning to take up more projects in Hollywood. However, that doesn’t mean that the Mozart of Madras is saying goodbye to India. Rahman says he will now have to balance work in India with work in the US. “50 per cent of the year I might be there (US), the rest over here,” Rahman recently told a tabloid. The talented composer, who on Saturday won two Filmfare Awards for his compositions in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and his background score in Jodhaa Akbar , says he would have to say no to some projects in India to be able to take out time to “stay put in the US”. Now that Rahman has become a known face in the West, he wants to spend some time in the US to be able to establish a base and make connections. Meanwhile, back home in Chennai, Rahman was felicitated by Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala for having made India proud with his double Oscar win. Source: http://www.apunkachoice.com |
Simbu to sing for AR Rahman! |
'Little Superstar' Silambarasan will be singing a couple of songs for the movie, 'Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaayaa', to the tunes set by Oscar winner AR Rahman, it is reported. The shooting for the film, directed by Gautham Menon, is progressing at a brisk pace at locations in the US and Tamil Nadu. Source: http://entertainment.in.msn.com/ |
Music directors honour Rahman |
Sharadha Narayanan Source: http://www.expressbuzz.com |