Gowariker picks new composer over Rahman for...Rashee?

After working with Oscar-winning music maestro A R Rahman in three of his hits—Lagaan, Swades and Jodhaa Akbar, director Ashutosh Gowariker has roped in Sohail Sen for his romantic comedyWhat's Your Rashee? set to release on September 25.

Sen, who has earlier worked on multi-starrer film Sirf in 2008, has composed 13 different songs for the much-awaited movie. Lead actors Priyanka Chopra and Hurman Baweja are both vouching for the quality and variety of songs that the new music director has composed.

Priyanka, who essays 12 characters in the movie, said: "Given that there are 12 characters belonging to different backgrounds and different zodiac signs in the film, it's amazing how Sohail [Sen] has beautifully brought all of them together with a range and mixture of distinctive sounds."

"Each song is extremely unique and true to depicting each character's story. I am anxiously looking forward to the launch of the music from the film," she added.

Meanwhile, Hurman too is all praise for the composer.

"Imagine hearing an album and finding it impossible to choose a favourite track because every track you hear becomes an instant favourite. That's just what Ashu sir [Ashutosh Gowariker], Javed [Akhtar] saab and Sohail have created—13 distinctive compositions in one addictive album," he said.

What's Your Rashee? is Gowariker's first romantic comedy and is based on a Gujarati novel, Kimball Ravenswood, by Madhu Rye.

The plot revolves around a young Gujarati man in pursuit of his dream girl with the catch of finding her within 10 days to save his family from an unforeseen ordeal.

The movie is jointly produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions.

Courtesy: sify.com

Jodhaa Akbar rocks music awards

Almost 80 years after W M Khan sang De de khuda ke naam pe for India's first talking picture Alam Ara in 1931, and made the lives of 

Bipasha sizzles to Jawani Jaane Mann. (TOI Photo) More Pictures

millions of Indians moremusical, a special award has been instituted for the Bollywood music industry by Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM. The first Tata Indicom Mirchi Music Awards were announced at Hotel Taj Lands End in Bandra on Saturday evening. (Watch )

Holding the golden trophy fashioned as female figurine, host Shaan emerged singing from amidst the audience, encouraged by co-host Tulip Joshi. As was the case at the Filmfare Awards, A R Rahman and Jodhaa Akbar swept the honours here too, bagging song of the year for Jashn-e-bahara and best male vocalist for Javed Ali for the same song.

Bela Shende, who was Shreya Ghoshal's rival at a talent hunt many years ago, came out tops with Manmohana for Jodhaa Akbar. A R Rahman struck gold with album of the year for Jaane Tu... and best music director for Kabhi Kabhi Aditi. Aptly, the lifetime achievement award was presented to singer Lata Mangeshkar for never having hit a wrong note in her life, as Bade Ghulam Ali Khan once said.

Interestingly, as many newcomers took the stage as veteran names in the business. Upcoming talents Dominique Cerejo and Benny Dayal shared space with veteran saxophonist and music arranger Manohari Singh. A spectacular lineup of performances by Bipasha Basu, Shreya Ghoshal, Genelia DSouza and Kunal Ganjawala punctuated the ceremony. In a spontaneous competition for music directors present at the awards, Javed Akhtar gave them an 'unmusical' verse to compose on IPL and the general elections.

Weeks before the actual awards ceremony, the jury met to deliberate the list of nominations and then the winners. Jury chairman Javed Akhtar along with Prasoon Joshi, Louis Banks, Shankar Mahadevan, Annu Malik, Lalit Pandit, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher, Suresh Wadkar, Sadhana Sargam, Kunal Kohli, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Ramesh Sippy listened to 400-500 songs as they shortlisted the nominees to the 17 categories.

One of the award categories was branded the Tata Indicom Talent Hunt for which aspiring singers from 23 locations in India had been invited to compete. Contest winner Prachi Shah from Ahmedabad performed at Saturday's awards ceremony.

The title sponsor of the Mirchi Music Awards is Tata Indicom. The channel partner is Star TV and the online partner is Apnacircle.com.

And the winners are... 

Song Of The Year
Jashn-e-Bahara | Jodhaa Akbar

Album Of The Year
A R Rahman | Jaane Tu...

Male Vocalist Of The Year
Javed Ali | Jashn-e-Bahara, Jodhaa Akbar

Female Vocalist Of The Year
Bela Shende | Manmohana, Jodhaa Akbar

Music Director Of The Year
A R Rahman | Jaane Tu...

Lyricist Of The Year
Javed Akhtar | Jashn-e-Bahara, Jodhaa Akbar

Upcoming Male Vocalist Of The Year

Benny Dayal | Kaise Mujhe, Ghajini

Upcoming Female Vocalist Of The Year
Dominique Cerejo | Ye Tumhari, Rock On!

Upcoming Music Director Of The Year
Dhruv Ghanekar | Drona

Upcoming Lyricist Of The Year
Ashok Mishra | Welcome to Sajjanpur

Technical Award For Song Mixing
LATE H Shridhar | Jodhaa Akbar

Technical Award For Programming and Arranging
TR Krishna Chetan | Jashn-e-Bahara, Jodhaa Akbar

Technical Award For Film Background Score
AR Rahman | Jodhaa Akbar

Tata Indicom Mirchi Listeners Choice Song Of The Year

Kabhi kabhi aditi | Jaane Tu...

Tata Indicom Mirchi Listeners Choice Album Of The Year
Jaane Tu... YA Jaane NA

Jury's Salute For Memorable Contribution To Music
Manohari Singh | Saxophonist

Lifetime Achievement Award
Lata Mangeshkar

Courtesy:

A R Rahman to spend more time in Hollywood?

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.


Courtesy: apunkachoice.com

Growing demand for Rahman’s tunes

The tunes of AR Rahman has been relished by music lovers from ‘Roja’, ‘Mumbai’, ‘Gentleman’, ‘Donga Donga’, ‘Rangeela’, ‘Indian’, ‘Prema Desam’, ‘Jeans’, ‘Taal’, ‘Sakhiya’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘Amrutha’, ‘Naani’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Yuvraaj’ to ‘Ghajini’ and the endless list goes on..

Rahman’s double Oscar glory is surging in the country and the demand for his albums in the market is now raging high with patrons thronging towards the stores.

Within this past two weeks, the sales have gone up by more than thirty percent. Store dealers have ordered extra copies of the albums ‘Bombay Dreams’, ‘Signature Collections’, ‘Vandematharam’, ‘Live in Dubai’ and ‘Between Heaven and Earth’. 

The signature tune of Airtel is on air all over India depicting Rahman’s stature and sale records are in a never-seen-before consign in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Along with movie albums, patriotic and international albums are emptying the stocks, as said by retailers.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Two more awards for Oscar Rahman

Barely a week after the Oscar triumph, Rahman hit upon another double delight at the Filmfare Awards. As expected, he walked away with awards for the best music and best background score. The year 2008 was very special for Rahman in Bollywood with at least three superhit albums; Jodha Akbar, Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa and Ghajini, Yuvraj being the only album that failed to make a big impact. It seemed like a contest between the three Rahman

albums for the coveted Filmfare statuette and in the end it was the peppy and youthful Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa which took the award. One can easily guess that it was the hugely popular ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’ that did the trick for Rahman this time. Jodha Akbar took the award for the best background score for the stirring sounds created by Rahman. While it is rather true that Rahman’s victory at the Oscars has almost wholly eclipsed his Filmfare triumph. It is not a surprise, as the man has got many of these before. But for all Rahman fans, this is yet another reason to celebrate none the less.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

2008 was A R Rahman's year

But for a few delightful scores from the likes of A R Rahman and troika Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, there was nothing much the Bollywood music industry had to cheer about during 2008.

Rahman began the year with "Jodhaa Akbar", followed it with "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" and capped them with the score of British director Danny Boyle's film "Slumdog Millionaire", for which he has received a Golden Globe nomination, and "Ghajini".

"Jodhaa Akbar" was quite enjoyable though the film bombed. The epic had tracks like 'Azeem-o-shaan shahenshah', 'Khwaja mere khwaja' and 'Jashn-e-bahaara' that went down well with the listeners.

The youthful music of "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" struck a chord with 'Pappu can't dance' becoming a favourite and even prompting many a party to use it during recent poll campaigns.

The 'Mozart of Madras', as Time magazine once dubbed Rahman, with a melange of pop, jazz and retro elements also conjured tracks like 'Kabhi kabhi Aditi zindagi', 'Nazrein milaana nazrein churaana' 'Kahin to hogi wo', 'Jaane tu mera kya hai' and 'Tu Bole, main boloon', which became popular too.

Rahman is found to be at his best in the "Slumdog Millionaire" score. Be it the 'O...Saaya', the East meets West 'Mausam and escape', the folk number "Ringa Ringa" or the hip-hop 'Gangsta blues', Rahman just proves he is a cut above the rest.

The music also won Rahman a satellite awards given by the International Press Academy.

Courtesy: ptinews.com

GHAJINI: Sonu makes an exception for Rahman

When the first visuals of the melodious romantic track, "Guzarish", from the Aamir Khan–Asin starrer, GHAJINI were aired, almost everyone was unanimous that the melodious number was rendered by the king of love ballads, Sonu Nigam. To an extent they were right, and to an extent wrong! Right in the sense that the hauntingly beautiful humming in the beginning of the soundtrack is indeed by Sonu and wrong because Prasoon Joshi's lovely lyrics have been sung by Javed Ali of "Jashn–e–Bahara", (JODHAA–AKBAR) fame.

Sonu is there only as a guest vocalist, lending his unique appeal to the song which can be called its USP as well as its highlight and also forms the background music in the promos. The extremely choosy and busy Sonu has made this (a sort of singing guest appearance!) an exception for the music maestro A.R.Rahman, whom he shares a great bond with ever since his DIL SE days right up to YUVVRAAJ .

The much anticipated GHAJINI audio is expected to be released/launched today.


Courtesy: glamsham.com

A.R. Rahman Interview on Yuvvraaj Music

This year has been a treat for A.R.Rahman fans. After a royal, vintage score inJodhaa Akbar you gave us the peppy and zany Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na. What do you have in store for your fans withYuvvraaj? 
The music of Yuvvraajis something which we (Mr, Ghai, Gulzaar saab and myself) have all worked very hard on. Since the film itself is a musical, the music plays a very important role. I wouldn't like to say much about what's in store as far as the music goes. I don't even want to say the clichéd stuff that this is completely different from what I have done. All I would like to ask the people is to listen it for themselves and I hope they like it (smiles).
Subhash Ghai's films are known for the music and this one is a musical. You've worked with Mr. Ghai earlier in Taal and then in Kisna. How similar or different has been the experience working with the showman? 
It has always been a pleasure to associate with Subhashji on his projects. Working on the music of Yuvvraaj has been a creative challenge for me, as Subhashji has always been associated with melodious music and has a vast understanding about the subject. As for comparisons with Taal, all I would say is that this is completely different. It's a different story, set in a different place and is also multi-cultural. Taal was more Punjabi-friendly, remix, rhythmic kind of music etc. whereas Yuvvraaj is more about melody and love etc...Yuvvraaj being a musical and a grand film, audio is just 50%. The visuals and the music complement each other.
Did you give him many sleepless nights considering you like to work at night? 
I had a request from Mrs.Ghai asking me not to work very late in the night. So whenever it was 12 at night, I used to tell him, "I am tired. So let's call it a day" (laughs)

The music of Yuvvraaj has a very European kind of a feel with symphony, large scale orchestrations etc. 
Yeah, we've used a Motif from Beethoven's 5th Symphony because the story is set in Austria/ Prague etc. Hence, we wanted that experience and feel to come alive through the music.

After 'Jashn-e-Bahaara', Javed Ali became a household name; after 'Kabhi Kabhi Aditi', Rashid Ali had truly arrived. Do you think it's going to be Benny Dayal this time who has crooned the soulful 'Tu Hi Toh Meri Dost Hai' in Yuvvraaj? 
I hope so (smiles). I really wish Benny has a great future. He is a very hardworking boy. In fact, he has even sung a song for me in Ghajini which I am sure people will like. My best wishes are always with him.
You are known to give new singers a chance be it Naresh Iyer or Rashid Ali or Benny Dayal. How do you find this new and untapped talent every time? 
It just happens. We just check them out and if they are good enough we give them a break (smiles).

They usually say that you reserve the best track for yourself in every album, be it 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja' in Jodhaa Akbar or 'Tu Bole' in Jaane Tu....is it true in the case of Yuvvraaj? 
(smiles) In Yuvvraaj, I have not sung much. I have just sung bits and pieces here and there. Though Mr. Ghai wanted me to sing, I don't think my voice matches Salman Khan's. He has a much deeper voice. If I feel convinced that it's working for the betterment of the film's music I retain it, else I remove it.
How long did it take to compose the music for Yuvvraaj and what was the brief given? 
The initial brief was Mr Ghai always wanted to have a full fledged orchestra kind of a musical score and with Yuvvraaj he has fulfilled his desire. I hope people like it and appreciate it.

Lyrics have been written by Gulzar Saab...How has been the experience working with him? 
I love working with Gulzaar saab. His whole temperament and vast experience is something which I really admire. All the films that I have worked with him have been really enjoyable.
I know one should never ask a music composer to pick his favorite track but nevertheless which track is closest to your heart? 
I like 'Tu Muskura'...it's a really soulful number.

A lot has been said about Katrina playing the cello. Whose idea was it and is it the first time that the cello has been used in a Hindi film?
It was Mr. Ghai's idea. I don't think the cello has been used in any other Hindi film on screen. The sight of a beautiful girl playing an instrument like the cello seems like an overwhelming visual. It's really nice.

Have you used the cello in many songs? 
It's almost interwoven in every song.

Is it true that the sound of the cello is closest to the human voice? 
Yes...provided it's played properly (laughs)

In today's time and age there doesn't seem to be any rivalry among music composers. You have someone like Shankar Mahadevan who every now and then sings for Vishal-Shekhar and even Vishal has sung a lot for Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Have you been approached by other music composers to song and will you do that? 
I have been approached. They have been very kind to ask me to lend my voice but I am signed by a company and hence cannot go beyond my contract.

Which soundtracks have you liked in the recent past? 
I've heard a couple of songs of Rock On. I loved the trailer and the whole concept seems really interesting. I want to watch Rock On.
Earlier this year, on your birthday you launched your dream project K M Music Conservatory in Chennai. How is work coming along on that front? 
It has been really good. The first batch of students has already been enrolled and the response has been more than encouraging.
Is it true that you are part of a T.V. show called The Big Band? Could you take us through that? 
The Big Band is a search for the best band. I liked the concept when Phat Phish came and narrated the idea to me. We are looking at exploring talent not just across India but also from neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia etc. It will also facilitate in some sort of a cultural exchange between our musicians and their musicians. I am really excited about being part of the show. 
Finally, what's next in line after Yuvvraaj? 
After Yuvvraaj, there is the Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini. I am also doing the music for Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.'s multi-starrer Blue. There is also Danny Boyle'sSlumdog Millionaire, the music of which is already done. So there's a lot to look forward too.


Courtesy: uaedailynews.com

It's Rahman versus Pritam once again!

The music industry, which was off late going through a slump, has reasons to smile. The first half of the year, which saw just JODHAA AKBAR, RACE and JANNAT generating good audio sales, already has three brisk sellers. And that just in the first month of the second half itself!


It may be called a coincidence of sorts that it was A.R.Rahman who gave the music industry an elixir with JODHAA AKBAR. He was later displaced by Pritam with RACE and finally JANNAT. Just like the beginning of the year, it's A.R.Rahman who has once again scorched the charts this time around too with his JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA, which is sitting comfortably at the top, and for a few weeks now. And once again it's Pritam (like with RACE and JANNAT) who is challenging Rahman for the pole position with his SINGH IS KINNG!

However, unlike the previous occasion, this time around a third player has come into the fray, in the form of iconoclastic composers, Vishal and Shekhar, whose BACHNA AE HASEENO is giving hot pursuit to the above two albums.

Well, it will be interesting to see who emerges the winner, this time around.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

A.R. Rahman to compose music for the multi-starrer Blue

Music maestro A.R.Rahman has given some really diverse music this year. While he started the year with Ashutosh Gowariker's period film Jodhaa Akbar, he surprised everyone with the young and peppy tunes which he composed for Aamir Khan Productions' Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.

If you think that's all you get to hear of Rahman this year, then you are wrong. While his music for Subhash Ghai's magnum opus Yuvraaj is being awaited with bated breath, he is also composing the music for Aamir Khan's Ghajini.

And for all you die-hard Rahman fans, there is some more good news. The music maestro has also been roped in by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. to compose the music for their multi-starrer Blue. Blue has been in the news recently as major portions of the film featuring actors like Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif were shot in the exotic locations of Bahamas. With Rahman coming into the picture this adventure ride only gets bigger and better.

Courtesy: indiafm.com

Who’s Rahman’s favourite?

The singer and composer on B-town’s changing sounds and the magic of MICHAEL JACKSON

AR Rahman, who has composed for around 100 films and has won numerous awards, insists that even after spending over 15 years in the industry, he has a ‘hunger’ for good work.

“I want to set new benchmarks through every film. I’m not competing with anybody but myself. Each time I push myself a bit more. I like challenging myself with every project.”

Rahman, who is in town for his new film Ada, says he loves all the songs of the album but his favourite remains the title track Ishq ada hai and Hawa hawa.

Interestingly, the composer has been singing at least one song from each of his albums ( Tere bina in Guru and Khwaja Mere Khwaja in Jodhaa Akbar more recently). Rahman explains that he happens to sing songs that are left to be sung. “I normally don’t choose my tracks. I take what is left over. It’s funny that these tracks become hits,” he says. “With a leftover track I get the freedom to sing it the manner I want to. Maybe, it stands out because I work so much on it,” he laughs.

Ask him why he isn’t venturing into the international scene. “Why should I?” he questions. “I wanted to at one point of time. Something was shaping up but it didn’t work out. Right now, I’m very happy with the domestic scenario. I’m part of a change,” he says.

He adds, “Our industry is growing bigger and better. There is more fun composing now. The filmmakers are trying to do different things. It’s great living and working here.”

Ask him whose music he likes the best and Rahman reveals, “I love Michael Jackson’s music and style. He is a great artist. I love listening to him the most,” he signs off.

Courtesy: dnaindia.com

Rare honor conferred on Rahman

Noted music composer A R Rahman was conferred the Life Time Achievement award by Rotary Club of Madras for his contribution to Indian music.

Stills and Videos from the Function

Stills and Videos from the Function

A man of simplicity and nobility, Rahman said, ' I still have a long way to go'.


The man who carved a niche for himself coming out with back to back hits ever since he was introduced in Mani Ratnam's Roja was at his usual best.

'If you can start playing the piano at four, you can accept a Lifetime Achievement Award at 40,' said Indra Subramanyam, President, Rotary Club of Madras, summing the musical lifespan of the genius, thus far.

A God-fearing individual, Rahman said, ' Whenever I'm confident about something, I know I am wrong. It is when I'm insecure that I produce something special.'

Rahman said he listens to music from different genres, from The Carpenters to M S Vishwanathan and compositions of Kannadasan and Naushad.

The music genius added that he did a lot of research for ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and didn't use any of it in the end.

'I wasn't looking to recreate a ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ or to better the compositions of Khayyam or Naushad. I wanted to do something that hadn't been heard before.'

The award ceremony also included a documentary which featured some of the biggest names from the Tamil film industry showering praises on Rahman. Special mention was also made on Rahman, the human being.

K Balachander, Mani Rathnam and Kamal Haasan among others spoke on the audio-visual highlighting the contributions of Rahman.

Watch A R Rahman Honored


Courtesy:

I don't think remix is a bad word: AR Rahman

There's little one can say about him that has not been said before. He is a musical genius whose popularity spans across continents. He has revolutionised Indian film music and now he is nurturing young talent at his own music conservatory. The man who delivers music from the heart and he is AR Rahman.

Rajeev Masand: Let me start today by throwing an accusation at you. You seem to be reserving the best songs in your album for yourself, whether it is Khwaja mere Khwaja from Jodha Akbar, Tere Bina from Guru, whether it is a song from Sivaji. Is it pure selfishness or is it the fact that you think that you can bring something to the songs that perhaps others can’t?

AR Rahman: I don’t make decisions for myself. I leave it to the directors. In Tere Bina, I had Khader Mustafa who I liked very much. But Mani Ratnam felt that I should sing it. Khwaja mere Khwaja was a song done as a template to listen to and when I played it Ashutosh wanted it. He added it. It was not there in the film earlier.

In Jaane Tu, it was just the opposite. He did not want my voice. He felt it was too soft. I said I like this song and I will do another song for you. He then asked me to re sing it. Initially it was soft jazz and he did not like it. He wanted it more aggressive and more fun kind of singing.

Rajeev Masand: Originally I know, you were committed to do music for Om Shanti Om but you did not do it because you were refused the publishing rights, which is the ownership rights. I know it is common practice in the West and makes perfect sense that the person who creates the music should own the music.

AR Rahman: It is both ways. Some people buyout the music and it is transparent. The buy out is shared. But in this case, strangely we never intended to do that. At that particular time, when my company was launched, I realised the importance of having a publishing of ones own. I have reached 41 now and somewhere I felt that I have to do something for my kids and the generation and in a way to exploit our music in the west, something like an ambassador in the other country. Like recently there is a movie, The Accidental Husband, which has three of my Tamil songs. To give more scope and accessibility to my stuff, it is important. It is a little shocking in the beginning but people are getting used to it.

Rajeev Masand: Did you hear the music of OSO?

AR Rahman: Yes. I liked it. I would not have been able to do it the way it was done.

Rajeev Masand: Was it very different from what you had imagined doing it when you were committed to do it?

AR Rahman: I had a couple of meetings with Farah and we were discussing the Bombay theme and it is unfortunate that we could not work on this. But we are great friends and we will be working in future.

Rajeev Masand: I also know that you were committed to doing Kamal's film Dasavatharam, which you couldn't because time constraints did not allow you.

AR Rahman: Yes at that particular time, I was doing many things. I was travelling and Kamal ji wanted me to give the music immediately and it was a huge film. I knew the kind of work it would require. I knew I could not do justice in that short period.

Rajeev Masand: You were replaced then by Himesh Reshammiya. Were you insulted?

AR Rahman: No, not at all. Himesh did the songs but I think Devi Sri Prasad did the background music.

Rajeev Masand: Have you heard the music?

AR Rahman: No, I have not heard the music.

Rajeev Masand: He has also sung in Tamil.

AR Rahman: I would love to listen to it.

Rajeev Masand: What do you think of him as a singer? You have used so many Bombay voices. You have introduced so many people in the music industry. How come you haven’t found anything for Himesh?

AR Rahman: I think he has got a particular style. I have heard him very closely and I think he is capable of much more. In fact we were co-judges in a show for a channel. So, I am waiting for the right song for Himesh. I like him as a person and I wish him all the best.

Rajeev Masand: You know that he is a movie actor now as well.

AR Rahman: Yes I know. Awesome.

Rajeev Masand: I know you have started a music Conservatory in Chennai. Is this your way of giving back to the industry?

AR Rahman: I just get panicky thinking what if there are no violin players and no trumpet players and I would have to go to Prague or London again or other places. Not only me, Ilayarajah goes to Budapest and Salim goes to Prague. We are all passionate about music and if we don’t have the right kind of players then we will have to compromise and even spend more. I was waiting for someone to bell the cat. I waited for almost 10 years. It did not happen. So just a week before my birthday, I decided to do it. Everything has gone well and we will start in June.

Rajeev Masand: Do you find that we are too lenient as a society? Why are we so indifferent about plagiarism? Look at Pritam’s track record lately. Look at Race, Jab We Met, Metro. Almost all his track records can be traced to either a Korean hit or another Hindi film song or a foreign song. Why are we so lenient as a society as far as plagiarism is concerned?

AR Rahman: It is not just one person. There are a number of people. It’s also how the industry has forced people to do that.

Rajeev Masand: Do you actually believe that?

AR Rahman: I think now people are in a position to say no that I can’t do that. They will be respected even more when they do that. I think that it is what each composer needs to do when he is forced and told that some song is needed. So, one should maintain one’s integrity. If someone wants a particular song without courtesy, then the composer should refuse and say he doesn’t want to steal the song. Else most of them will land up paying a lot of money from their pockets as an out of court settlement.

Rajeev Masand: Your fans were very surprised when you took a shot with remix. You did it few years ago with New, then you did it with Azhagiya Tamil Magan and then now you have done it again with Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.

AR Rahman: I don’t think remix is a bad word. There is both good and bad in that. You can’t say all Western music is bad and noisy. I don’t agree with that. You also can’t say that all Indian music is classic. I am a composer and if there is a song which I love, for example Tu hi re and someone remixes it, I would not like it, but if there is a peppy song and I want to hear something interesting, then it’s okay. That’s what I did. I took two tracks from Adaan and I released it. Some guy there in a village will be remixing it in his computer and singing in his voice and producing something interesting, an idea that may not have occurred to us.

Rajeev Masand: You said no to Spike initially when he said he wanted to use Chaiyya Chaiyya and wanted to add rap to it when he wanted to use it for his film, The Inside Man.

AR Rahman: No. We were trying to be careful. Rap means swearing and I did not want Chaiyya Chaiyya to have any swear words in it. So, when they assured me that they would not have any swear words in it, and then we said yes.

Rajeev Masand: I remember you saying a little while ago that you were tired of doing these big historic films and you were looking at letting your hair down a little. Is the film Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, a respite then, an opportunity?

AR Rahman: I started working on the movie at about the time when I said that. Working with Abbas was really great. Though it was a little crazy but I like the craziness. It’s good to break away from routine at times and not be rigid.

Rajeev Masand: How would you describe the sound of the film?

AR Rahman: I think it is a mix. With different lyricists, different flavours come out. With him, there is a genre of words and phrases he has picked and the song is around that. For example, Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, it is a song that I haven’t ever done before. It is simple arrangement yet romantic. It’s like rediscovering yourself.

Rajeev Masand: If I ask you to choose the one song that you are most remembered for, would you still pick Chaiyya Chaiyya?

AR Rahman: You can’t be generic about it. People get angry. Down south people like the film called Duet and it is a soundtrack. Some love Roja, some like Taal, some Lagaan.

Rajeev Masand: Which ones are the breakthrough ones for you?

AR Rahman: For me, personally, I would say Roja, album Vande Mataram, Taal, Dil Se, Bombay Dreams, and probably Rang de Basanti now. In South, last year’s Sivaji is also one. So these are all different songs. When you get bored, you move on to the next phase. These are all different phases.

Rajeev Masand: There was time that you were extremely reclusive, media shy and hardly any media appearances. That seems to have changed now.

AR Rahman: That is sarcastic?

Rajeev Masand: No not sarcastic at all. Did you consciously choose to be more accessible, whether it is brand endorsements, interviews or be it television appearances.

AR Rahman: Yes. Some proposals suited me as a musician. I would not be selling oil or underwears. And also I needed that to fund my school and other interesting projects that I was doing. It was also a way to communicate with people, and people started liking it.

Rajeev Masand: You are collaborating once again with Rakesh Mehra for the music of Dilli 6. That is after the great soundtrack that you gave him for Rang de Basanti. What was the brief for Dilli 6 and how are you going to top the music of Rang de Basanti? I know you will say that they are two different films, but it’s impossible to avoid the comparisons?

AR Rahman: Certain things…you have to let them be. Maybe there is some soundtrack that moves away from Rang de Basanti and is even better for the ears. I am not worried about it at all.

Rajeev Masand: What is the brief for that?

AR Rahman: It is all a secret.

Rajeev Masand: You are also working again with Subhash Ghai after Taal and Kisna. Taal, in the sense was one of the most popular and successful commercial albums that you did. What can you expect from Yuvraj? Subhash Ghai says it’s a complete musical this time.

AR Rahman: Yes he loves music. We are talking about a very passionate man and he wants to pick up the best music and picture it in a great and different way. You have to give it to the man. He has been there for three decades and still wants to excel. It is a great attitude and I am learning from him.

Rajeev Masand: You will still not give us a brief for this one?

AR Rahman: No...

Rajeev Masand: You have worked with one of the best filmmakers, Mani Ratnam, Shekhar, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Rakesh Mehra and many more. Are there other filmmakers that you are looking forward to work with, just because you think you will be able to bring something interesting to their film or just because you like their kind of films?

AR Rahman: Yes. There was a time when I wanted to work with Bazelon and Andrews.

Rajeev Masand: And you almost did work with them?

AR Rahman: We had a couple of meetings but then I had to leave all my assignments and go and settle in Sydney or London, which at this point in my career or age, I can’t do.

Rajeev Masand: I read something interesting that you were all set to work with Bazelon and then they went to IMDB and they looked up all the movies you did and they were thirty. And they got worried.

AR Rahman: It is threatening because they would be worried that if I am already doing so many films, how would I concentrate on theirs. What happens is that when someone announces a movie and their music and my name, even without my consent, my name is there on IMDB. It is dangerous. Anyway, now the most liberating thing for me is my own label. And if I want to do something good, I can produce it myself now.

Rajeev Masand: Is there one music instrument that you are determined to learn how to play?

AR Rahman: Yes, there is a new instrument called the Continuum, which could be a breakthrough in Indian classical music, which I hardly find time to practice and when I do practice, I think it is good. I may soon have classes for that in my Conservatory.

Rajeev Masand: Is there any one song by another composer that you have been humming lately?

AR Rahman: Lately....there is a song of Mohit Chauhan in Jab We Met.

Rajeev Masand: Tumse hi?

AR Rahman: It’s very Himachal actually?

Rajeev Masand: Best of luck. Thanks for talking to us.

Courtesy: ibnlive.com

Rahman's next album after 'Vande Mataram'

Way back in the late 90s, A.R. Rahman's audio album for Sony, 'Vande Mataram', rocked the nation. In fact, it rekindled the patriotic spirit of 'Vande Mataram' through its contemporary sounds and classy arrangements. The album also marked the first and sadly the last union of two maestros. Obviously we are referring to the man himself, A.R.Rahman and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary sufi qawwali singer, whose replacement has still not been found in the music world.

Coming back to our headlines, especially for those music lovers who are wondering as to when the composer of works like ROJA, DIL SE, TAAL, LAGAAN........to the recent JODHAA AKBAR, will come up with another album, after the stupendous success of 'Vande Mataram'. Well, the long wait is more or less over and the good news is that music wizard A.R.Rahman is busy working on his next album. As per very reliable sources, almost a decade after 'Vande Mataram' , Rahman's next album should be out later this year, more details of which are expected soon.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

I have started my own label: A.R. Rahman

From Roja, Bombay, Dil Se, Lagaan and Taal to Rang De Basanti, Guru and the recent release Jodha Akbar- A.R. Rahman has redefined Bollywood film music with his unique panache. TWF correspondent Sreya Basu catches up with the man with the musical Midas touch during his breezy trip to Kolkata.

What brings you to Kolkata this time?
I am here to shoot the season finale of Airtel Bandwagon, a television reality show to provide a platform to new music bands. We shot at the Technicians Studio in Tollygunge.

Why is that Kolkatans don't see much of Rahman in the city?
It's true that I don't frequent Kolkata unlike Chennai, or in that case, Mumbai, but this city will always have a special place in my heart and career. After all, it was in Kolkata that I staged my first concert in the country way back in February, 2003.

We heard that you are going to open a music conservatory?
Yes. It will be opened in Chennai in June this year. It is my dream project and is going to be the first music conservatory of India for training our musicians in western classical music. The first branch of the conservatory will be opened in Kolkata.

When is that going to happen?
See, this kind of project requires a lot of planning and time. It took us years to come up with the one at Chennai. I guess we will have to wait for another couple of years for the next one.

What about a concert in Kolkata?
I am planning to stage a larger-than-life concert here by the end of this year. Right now I am working on my new album. It is almost 10 years since I have come up with anything new- after the release of my last album Vande Mataram.

What is your take on the music scene in Kolkata?
Well, the city breathes refreshing music. Why only Kolkata, the traditional and folk music of Bengal is a pool of inspiration. I even included baul music in the Hindi film Mangal Pandey. I would love to explore the new talents and music of Bengal. Pandit Ajay Chakraborty and Ustad Rashid Khan are among my favourites.

Your music for the play The Lord Of the Rings staged at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London has turned into a phenomenal success. Do you plan a similar play in India as well?
If I plan a musical play in India that has to be superior than Bombay Dreams and The Lord of the Rings. Outside India people literally travel across cities and even countries to watch a play.

People from France and Germany booked their tickets in advance for The Lord of the Rings. India is strongly possessive about her tradition and genre of theatre and music.

If only we manage to break off this shell that we too will be in a position to experiment a little with Indian theatre, especially when today there is no dearth of sponsors here.

You started with Tamil films, then Hindi, and now composing music for Broadway and West End as well. What's next in line?
I have started my own label. That means I have the freedom to experiment and do whatever I want to do with and for music. I would like to exploit this opportunity thoroughly.

Courtesy: santabanta.com

A.R. Rahman to bring Western classical and Indian ragas closer

It took music maestro A.R. Rahman three years to finish the album for the stage adaptation of "The Lord Of The Rings", working with 200 musicians and technicians for every song. The album, which has pushed up his international status, was released in February.

"Since it required more finances than I could afford, a private airline (Jet Airways) is sponsoring it," Rahman, who has recently opened a western classical music conservatory in Chennai, told IANS.

"Every song has a minimum of 200 musicians and technicians involved in it. Huge choirs and orchestras were brought into play. We recorded the album in London and mixed it right here in Chennai in my studios. The whole crew came down from all over the world," he added.

All songs are in English and in Elvish... the language of the "Lord Of The Rings".

"I had lots of help from fellow-musicians like Christopher Nightingale. It took me three years to do the album. Without help from like-minded musicians it'd have taken five years."

With Rahman increasing his Western assignments, it looks like to be Bollywood's loss. Rahman is deliberately turning down big Bollywood assignments because of copyright and royalty issues regarding music sales.

Rahman is reluctant to talk about the issue. "It's too complicated. But yes, the issue of publishing rights does stop me from accepting more Bollywood offers," said Rahman.

"Those who want to work with me in Mumbai are agreeable to my terms and conditions. Those who do but won't agree to my conditions are going to other composers."

"At the moment, I've also cut down my film assignments because I want to focus on my western-classic music conservatory. With this conservatory I hope to bridge the gap between Western classical and Indian ragas. Imagine a thumri being played by an orchestra! Or a Carnatic raga being a part of a big Hollywood epic!" he added.

Commenting on his Bollywood assignments, Rahman said: "I can't be doing just films all my life. I need to take my music to another level now. But whenever I work in Mumbai, I give it my fullest concentration, as I did for Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Jodhaa Akbar', which I'm very proud of. The music takes both Ashutosh and me to another level."

Looking back, the talented composer is not the least content with his achievements.

"No matter how much you do, it's never enough. Music is my only therapy. There're so many awful things happening in the world. I wish I could heal the world. All I can do is use my music, which I do. My peace anthems like 'Vande Mataram' and 'Pray for me, brother' are a small candlelight in the storm. But you never know which candle will light a thousand other candles."

Courtesy: mangalorean.com

Rajini Boss to rock North India

Superstar Rajinikanth's Shivaji, the Blockbuster of the year 2007, is now all set to hit theatres in Northern India. The reshooting and dubbing work of the film is over now and the producers are now negotiating with their Mumbai and upcountry counterparts to release the movie in big way.

Even the Tamil version was a hit for North Indian audiences all over India and the film has successfully completed its 100th day mark in two theaters in Mumbai and one in New Delhi (as said by AVM).


The Hindi version of Shivaji will hit the screens with nearly 350 prints all over the country. There are number of big names also contending for the distribution rights of the great film including the UTV Group, the producers of Jodha Akbar.

According to the producers, the movie will be a big summer treat for the North Indian viewers and releasing date will be announced soon after completing the distribution formalities.

Courtesy: oneIndia.in

Jodha Akbar is 2008’s blockbuster

Bollywood Magnum Opus, Jodha Akbar has swept box office collections netting over Rs 120 crore worldwide since one month of its release. The epic tale of love between emperor Akbar and his Rajput wife Jodha Bai has made 90 crores in India and the rest, abroad. With these box office figures it has become truly the first real blockbuster of 2008.


Riding high on the marvelous performance of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai under the able direction of Ashuthosh Gowariker (Of Lagaan and swadesh fame), the movie has captured the imagination of audiences’ worldwide. The movie is the second time the hit pair of Aishwarya and Hrithik have starred together since last year’s hit Dhoom-2. Released over 25 countries, Jodha Akbar has been dubbed into Tamil and Telegu and subtitled into English, Dutch, and Arabic.

Talking about the film’s box office response, Director of UTV Motion Pictures and co-producer of the film Siddharth Roy Kapur said, “The response ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ has received not only in India but worldwide by both critics and viewers is worth all the hard work. ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is an epic not merely by virtue of the timeless story it tells, but also because of the tremendous tribulations its creation entailed. In fact, the film is a standing monumental testament to Oscar nominated director Ashutosh Gowariker’s vision and commitment. To complement Ashutosh Gowariker’s efforts are power-packed performances by Hrithik and Aishwarya.”

The movie had faced bans in several Indian states due to opposition by various communal groups who wished to fan sentiments against the story line of the romance between a Muslim emperor and his Hindu wife. But ultimately the freedom of expression triumphed.

Jodha akbar has the distinction of being one among the highest grossing Hindi movies ever in its opening weekend with 25 core plus netting in India and 35 crore plus abroad. In India alone, the film released in nearly 1000 screens of which 400 were through digital cinemas. The scale of its release makes ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ the biggest ever release for an Indian film till date, according to company sources.
Courtesy:

Rahman – The January Secret.

The month of January seems to turn the Musical Wizard on; there is a special connection between Rahman and January. Whenever he has had an album or a movie release in January it has for sure gone on to rock the charts for months, maybe an entire year altogether. Not impressed, well then the last three Januaries (2006, 2007 & 2008) have been nothing but Rahman, not in Kollywood but definitely so in Bollywood.

2006 - On the 26th of January, the movie Rang De Basanti released. Now if you have not heard Rang De Basanti (which is quite close to impossible) then you possibly do not know that Rahman is very close to the best in India when it comes to delivering high energy Punjabi numbers. The Rang De Basanti song which had Daler Mehendi in full throttle with the desi drums for company pumped adrenalin into the farthest corners of our body. Then there was the ‘Paathshala’ which might be called the ‘School of Rock/Rap’ for Indian film music, something never heard or tired before. Then Khalbali with the distinct Arabic feel that made you want to dance. And of course, there were the signature Rahman melodies, Roobaroo (the song that unearthed Naresh Iyer) and Tu Bin Bataayein that left a lump in your throat- January 2006.

2007 - We need not tell you what was unleashed in January 2007. For the ones not so fortunate with their memory- Guru. Another Mani Ratnam-Rahman combo that gave us everything that we needed for our hearing pleasures. Maiya Maiya, again an Arabic touch but very cleverly tweaked to suit our tastes. But then this was just the average part of an album that had two lilting melodies- Tere Bina and Aye Hairathe, the latter especially making us linger on in the sweet symphony of Hariharan’s voice as it blended with the subtly used tables. Not to forget the thundering background music that gave us the thrill.

2008- The music is just catching on in some parts of India but Rahman has definitely scored a hat-trick of hits in successive Januaries. Jodha-Akbar has sealed the love story of Rahman and January (Jodha Akbar Music was released in January). It may not be the ‘first time love’ kind of songs but Rahman has given one of the finest albums in recent times. Jashn-e-Bahara is definitely the most ‘melting melody’ that has come out since Aie Hairathe- the perfect use of Sonu Nigam’s sweet voice. ‘In Lamhon Ke Daaman’ too makes us lose ourselves in layers of finely crafted sound. But the cake is really taken by the instrumental versions where the flute replaces the vocals-mesmerizing. And for the thrill, hear Azeem-o-shaan shahenshah with its resounding drums.

So, what’s for January 2009- we cannot wait.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Tamil Jodha Akbar bombs badly

The Tamil regional dubbed release of Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer Jodha Akbar has proven to be a disaster for UTV. The film has bombed even though past Hindi films have done good business in the state in their dubbed versions.

It was released in 8 theaters in Chennai. But there have been reports of Jodhaa Akbar having been taken off after matinee show itself on opening day due to lack of audience and replaced with 10,000 BC a Hollywood release this week which has open to over 95% response.


Given the dubbing costs and print costs, JA's local version will prove to be a big loser.

Courtesy: Ibosnetwork.com