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

‘Talent is not age-dependent’

Living in London, did you get to estimate how much of a rage Kabhi Kabhi Aditi from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na would turn out to be?
Although I’m based in London, I travel a lot to India and have many contacts there. And in today’s time of Internet boom, topographical difference can hardly be a dampener. Besides, there are many satellite Asian channels, which play Bollywood music. And Aditi is not the only song that I had sung in the film, there’s also Kahin to. Earlier too, I had sung a number, Ishq Ada Hai in the film, Ada. So, it’s not that I’m clueless about how my songs are doing. I also made it a point to catch the flick.


What was the response to your first playback, Ishq Ada Hai?
Ishq Ada Hai was recorded seven years back as AR was looking for a singer who could sing in a
totally different style. In addition, AR essentially wanted an acoustic and organic feel to the song. He asked me to play some guitar and I started experimenting with what became the intro. He wanted an intense effect to the voice and suggested that style. I was glad that song was chosen for the promo of the film and found its way to the top five in many charts. I’m pleased that both this song and Kabhi Kabhi Aditi were the first songs on each of the respective albums.

Was a career in music a natural choice, since your mother carved a niché for herself in the world of classical music?
My mother was a ghazal singer but she would regularly perform lighter music. She successfully recorded some albums in UK, one of which featured Ustad Ghulam Mustafa’s compositions. As far as I’m concerned, I broadened my outlook in music having adapted to many genres in Western, Asian and World music. Thankfully, I’ve also gained a lot of experience in studio work as well as by performing live with many musicians — playing Jazz gigs to Arabic music. Having recognized my ethnicity, I also listened to many Indian artistes whilst growing up.

You had worked with Rahman on the Bombay Dreams project and had been part of the troupe for a while as a guitarist, before this big break. How did the two of you come together?
I met AR at a concert in UK, seven years ago. The initial conversation was completely about my mother, Farida Ali’s connection with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, since he had worked on her ghazal album in UK and also about my love for Jazz music.

You started off as a guitarist and then emerged as a singer...
From the beginning, AR knew I was also a singer. It just took time for tracks like Ishq Ada Hai to surface. India is looking for new sounds and styles — now is a good time to be in Bollywood.

When you chatted Rahman up, were you aware of his iconic status?
At that point of time, I did not know too much about AR’s projects, other than the fact that he had given music for Bombay, Rangeela and Taal.

You are 42 and yet sound like a 20-something in Aditi. Has age got nothing to do with how one sounds?
Talent is not age-dependent. I do naturally have a young voice, since I do look after my voice and myself.

Having given a smash hit, would you now like to pursue Bollywood seriously?
Since I am a singer, I feel that I would like to pursue any projects, which will highlight my abilities. Bollywood is an important part in the spectrum of entertainment. Besides this, I hope to further showcase myself as a guitarist and composer.

What’s keeping you busy at the moment?
Right now, I am working on my own album which will be produced by AR Rahman’s own music label. I am the first one to be signed on by him. I want India to discover not just Rashid Ali’s voice but also what his own music and guitar playing is about. There’s no denying one thing — Rashid Ali is here to stay.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Friend or foe, Aamir Khan invites all to 'Jaane Tu' premiere

The premiere of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is going to be a star-studded affair with the who’s who of Bollywood in attendance.

Aamir Khan is leaving not a single stone unturned to give a grand launch to his nephew Imran Khan via his home production ‘Jaane Tu’, co-starring Genelia D'Souza .

Not only has the star invited his friends and fierce competitors from the film industry, he has also extended an olive branch, along with the invitation, to the people he hasn’t gotten along with for years – and one of them is Ram Gopal Varma .


Aamir and Ramu had fallout during the making of their hit film Rangeela and never reconciled thereafter. Years passed but the chill in their relation never thawed. Until recently, when Aamir – presently in a happy phase of his life – decided to let bygones by bygone and invited Ramu to the premiere of ‘Jaane Tu’. Ramu has reciprocated Aamir’s gesture in the same spirit and accepted the invitation. The filmmaker says ‘come rain or high water’ (as is the case in Mumbai these days) he will attend the function.

A source from the industry says Aamir has also invited the Bhatts ( Mahesh Bhatt , in particular) with whom he had huge creative differences during the making of ‘Ghulam’.

And on Monday, Aamir dropped by on the sets of Yuvraaj at Filmistan Studios to invite filmmaker Subhash Ghai and Salman Khan .

Among the people on Aamir’s guest list for the premiere are: Amitabh Bachchan (including family), Shahrukh Khan , Salman Khan, Akshaye Khanna , Rajkumar Hirani , Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Kunal Kohli .

On the other hand, the Bawejas are holding the premiere of their big movie Love Story 2050 in London. The film, introducing Harman Baweja , will release on July 4 but will have special sneak peek screenings at multiplexes beginning Thursday night.

Courtesy: apunkachoice.com

AR Rahman: The master in his element

When it comes to composing music or being modest, not many can match A R Rahman.

The Mozart of Madras on Tuesday proved why he continues to be loved by one and all even after almost 16 years after he first burst into the music scene with Roja.

Receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Rtn. Indra Subramanyam, president of the Rotary club of Madras, the music director, in his typical inimitable style, said," Ella pugallum Irraivanuuke." (To God be all glory!) after saying, "It's an honour to receive this award. However, I still think that nothing has happened. I am like a slate that is yet to be written. There is so much to be done, not only in music but also for humanitarian causes."

The award was conferred on the music director, by the Rotary club of Madras which sought to salute "the consummate composer who makes music the language of the heart and the soul".

Rahman was posed a few questions on the occasion to which he replied in his trademark style. Needless to say, his brief replies were laced with wit.

When asked what kind of research he did to recreate the effect for period films like Jodhaa Akbar, he said," We did a lot of research for Jodhaa Akbar and finally did not use anything we found."

It required a carefully- worded question to corner the musician, someone in the audience asked, " In addition to God (We know that you will attribute your success to God), what is the source of inspiration that gives you melodies?"

Rahman replied," There are two things I follow. When I know that I'm confident, I know I'm wrong. When I'm insecure and when I feel I'm going to be humiliated, that is when something special comes up."
When asked to name a few of songs he wished he had composed, the director initially tried to sidestep the question, but then responded," I would love to do something on the space that is there on the music of the 60s."

Disclosing what he preferred to listen to, the music director said, "I like Carpenters and old songs. Songs of Kannadasan, M S Viswanathan-Ramamurthy, K B Mahadevan and P Susheela are good. I like listening to Hemanth, Mandolin Srinivas and Kishore."

When pointed out that he had already reached the peak and that there was nothing left to conquer, the ace musician said, "I don't think benchmarks should be set. So much more has to be achieved. That is why I have started my music school."

When asked what he would like to teach his children, he replied, "I think their mom is a better teacher." And finally, when asked what he would like to teach Saira, he shot back,"She is teaching me."

The taste of music
Rang De Basanti was good but not good enough to beat Maah Tujhe Salaam. Thiruda Thiruda was much better than Rangeela. However, it was Zubaidaa which won the honours hands down on Tuesday at the Taj Connemara, where a function to felicitate musical genius A R Rahman was organised.And boy, were they all delicious!

For those of you who still haven't been able to comprehend what we are talking about, Rang De Basanti, Maah Tujhe Salaam, Thiruda Thiruda and Rangeela were the names of delicacies and dishes served to the dignitaries who attended the function organized by the Rotary club of Madras. While the Shahjahani badam ka shorba soup was called Jodha Akbar, the salad bar with dressings was called Satrangi re... and the main course comprised Maa Tujhe Salaam... (Tiranga Mirch Aur Paneer Jalfrezi), Rang De Basanti (Zaffrani Khumbh, Mutter Aur Makai), Kuchi Kuchi Rakkama... ( Kathrikai Rasvangi), Thiruda Thiruda (Kaikari Kothmali Korma) and Ahe Udi Udi... ( Urlai Vepudu).
The Lucknow Dum Biryani with Burhani Raita was called Zubeida and steamed rice was known as Sathiya. Dal Panchmela was called Rangeela while assorted Indian breads were called Lagaan!

In the dessert section, Chum Chum was called Chaiya Chaiya and finally, Chocolate Desire was aptly named Chinna Chinna Aasai..., reminding us the fact that the song continues to be one of the sweetest songs ever made.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

GHAJINI, a perfectionist's play

The perfectionist Khan after completing yet another act of aptness in his directorial debut with ‘Taare Zameen Par’ again ready to offer complete entertainment with his next film Ghajini. Yes, Aamir Khan whose latest flick has leaped off.

As the shooting has resumed for the Hindi version of the Til film Ghajini the excitement is around Aamir’s fans awaiting the same result as the Tamil blockbuster.

Reportedly Aamir Khan will go bald for this movie as per the demand of some portion of the script.

Inspired by Christopher Nolan's critically acclaimed Memento and directed by A. R. Murugadoss, the film stars Aamir Khan as Sanjay Ramaswamy, Tamil actress Asin Thottumkal as Kalpana, and Nishbd fame Jiah Khan as Chitra.

As per the latest report the movie is going to make another mark in the history of Indian cinema after Shahrukh Khan’s Om Shanti Om as the rights of Ghajini has been sold at a whooping margin of over 70 crores for film and music distribution in domestic market.

No doubt the dynamic and perfection specialist actor Aamir Khan has chosen the right script to offer something different and bringing diversification into his acting talent like his earlier attempt with Lagan and TZP.

The production team is certainly eying for the next ‘Eid’ in the month of October for the action packed Ghajini’s release. It is also believed that this films may brought back memories of Aamir’s old days when he played characters like ‘Sidhu’ in Ghulam and ‘Pakia’ in Rangeela. No doubt with AR Rahman’s score the film is going to create yet another mind blowing film in this year.

Aamir deserves all the accolades to cater the need of the different breed of movie lovers who has got a taste of movie that is once in life time experience.

Courtesy: NewstrackIndia.com

A.R. Rahman acquires land for his dream project

Music maestro A.R. Rahman is ready to build a music conservatory in Chennai for young talents who want to learn Western classical music. He has already acquired land for it.

"It's near the Chennai airport. And we plan to start work on it very soon," Rahman told IANS. He says starting a music conservatory is a dream he has nurtured for years.


"I feel young talented musicians in our country, specially those who want to learn Western classical music, have nowhere seriously creative to go. We need to cultivate a taste for Western symphonic music so that an average musically-inclined young musician would be as enthused about learning the violin as the star," said Rahman.

The land purchase puts Rahman's dream plan into third gear.

"We'll soon be working round-the-clock. I want it to be one of the best music schools in our country."

Speaking on his latest music soundtrack in Hindi, Rahman said: "I wouldn't even want to compare my output in 'Jodhaa Akbar' with what Ashutosh Gowariker and I did in 'Lagaan' or 'Swades'.

"Or, for that matter, what Rakeysh (Omprakash Mehra) and I did in 'Rang De Basanti' (RDB). We've done what we liked without thinking of the outcome. You've to go by your instincts in every form of art. I've never intentionally tried to break the mould. I've tried to do what's right."

Two of his old scores are also ready for release.

"Two years back Abbas Tyrewallah's 'Jaane Tu Jaane Na' and 'Adaa' by Tanvir Ahmed were recorded. These will come in the next two months."

And, of course, there's Subhash Ghai's magnum opus "Yuvraj". "It's got Western classical vibes, but the sound is very Indian, very mellow."

He says his music in Ghai's "Taal" helped him earn Punjabi fans.

"I think 'Taal' took me to the Hindi-belt masses. I ceased to be different. Before that I was seen as this oddity from Chennai. Of course, 'Rangeela' got its own glory. But 'Taal' is the one that created a hardcore Punjabi audience for me."

He also has Mehra's "Dilli 6" coming up. "It's turned out very well. Who can say how it will be accepted? Did anyone expect RDB to become so big? Even a small idea can change the world.

"When I came into Hindi cinema with 'Roja', the whole road was empty. A lot of people are still doing good work, but not consistently. Good work can be done even on YouTube on the net. So let's not blame the lack of opportunities for the inconsistent musical output.

"Some of the stuff is undoubtedly good. You can't just write everything off. But I feel the whole idea of pop art has to change.

"Malayalam director Adoor Gopalakrishnan says TV has corrupted popular tastes. I'd have to agree with that. I feel the film medium deserves much better. Even I get pulled into projects which are not right."

Ask Rahman whom he considers a path-breaker after himself and he quips: "Why do we need a path-breaker? One never intends to be a path-breaker. If it happened I'm fortunate.

"Right now we need more experimental melodies in film music. The problem is that the minute you start composing a soundtrack, you're thinking you'll do what sells in the charts. Your intention becomes diluted. It's more about marketing than creativity.

"Which songs should go on the shelf, which should go into the pubs - these questions should come after you create the music. And there's a diminishing respect for creative people. Stars get all the respect because they bring in the audience. But what about other creative people?"

But Rahman is hopeful. "It will all taper off. We'll have more talent coming in."

Courtesy: Nowrunning.com

A R Rahman's 10 best compositions

Recently, A R Rahman was asked, by The Hindustan Times, to shortlist his 10 best compositions. These are the films he chose:

Roja

The film starring Arvind Ramaswamy and Madhu made Rahman the darling of Bollywood. He was already a star in South India, but Roja marked his debut and led to a long-lasting impact on the Hindi film industry.


Rangeela

Urmila Matondkar redefined fashion for heroines with her gorgeous costumes in Rangeela. Aamir Khan was at his best, and Rahman's music was outstanding. Unfortunately, the film lost most awards that year to Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.


Bombay

Mani Ratnam and Rahman paired up once again after Roja. Unfortunately, this film was mired in controversy as it explored the relationship between a Hindu boy and Muslim girl. Sonali Bendre, despite her brief appearance, will always be remembered for her Humma Humma.

Dil Se

Lyricist Gulzar and Rahman teamed up for this, one of the best albums of the 90s. The train song, Chhaiya Chhaiya, rendered by Sukhwinder, established him as a singer overnight. Unfortunately, the film was a disaster at the box office despite the music and Shah Rukh Khan playing the lead role.

Taal

It was an association between a Bollywood showman and the Mozart of the East. Subhash Ghai was riding high on the success of Pardes and paired up with Rahman instead of Nadeem-Shravan, who had composed songs for the earlier hit. The songs were huge, but the film did average business.

Kandukonden Kandukonden

It was a marriage between Bollywood heroines and Kollywood. The film had Aishwarya Rai, Tabu, Ajith and Mammooty. It was directed by Rajiv Menon and the songs were outstanding.

Zubeidaa

Directed by Shyam Benegal, this film yielded actress Karishma Kapoor's best performance to date. It was soon forgotten by audiences, but the songs continue to mesmerise.

Lagaan

The only Indian film to be nominated for a Best Foreign Film Oscar in recent memory. Lyricist Javed Akhtar and Rahman gave it their best.

Rang De Basanti

Only a genius like Rahman, coming from Chennai, can make singer Daler Mehendi sound the way he did in Rang De Basanti. A slow track from Lata Mangeshkar, Lukka Chuppi Bahut Hui, was also soothing.

Guru

In November 2006, when Aishwarya did Umrao Jaan with Abhishek Bachchan, there was no obvious chemistry between them. Three months later, when Guru was released, the couple performed a miracle at the box office. Guru became the first big hit of 2007, and the song Tere Bina sung by Rahman went on and on during the Abhi-Ash wedding.

14 years after Roja, Rahman proved once again there was no one quite like him.

Courtesy: Rediff.com

I have no differences with Aamir Khan: AR Rehman

AR Rahman made an impact with his debut in 1992, although not many believed he would be around for too long. Today, he has become the heartbeat of the nation. He chats about his past, present and future.
Q. What is it about the music industry that makes you angry?
A. I have stopped getting angry. There is no point blaming others. I believe in being the change, not the observer. One person can inspire others, just like one candle can light a million candles. Just be true to yourself. The Internet helps people to focus on their objectives, and to consolidate elements to make a difference.
Q. The Internet is a boon and a bane, what with free downloads.
A. The Internet is like your mind. It can be filled with either good thoughts, or bad thoughts, or both. The Internet is a personal thing.

Q. How do you strike a balance between South Indian films and Bollywood, when it comes to your work?
A. It is terrifying, trying to maintain in both. I am working in a team, the director helps. If I were to work alone, then it would have been difficult.
Q. Do you still work at night?
A. Not anymore, no.
Q. What are your forthcoming Tamil releases?
A. There is one film named 'Sakarkatti', and an animated film named 'Sultan' that Rajnikanth's daughter, Saundarya, is making.
Q. It must be more difficult to compose music for an animation film.
A. Not really. It is the same thing, in fact, you can use your imagination more freely.
Q. Now that you have Hollywood films, have Tamil and Hindi films taken a back seat?
A. In a way, yes. I used to do six to seven Tamil movies, and three to four Hindi films, annually. I have reduced my work by half, and am taking things easier. There is much less stress.
Q. The dubbed version of 'Sivaji' will have Hindi songs with Tamil tunes.
A. Yes, because the Tamil culture should be obvious. We are not trying to set it in a North Indian environment. It is dubbed only so that people can understand.
Q. What are the other releases that you are looking forward to?
A. The album, 'The Lord of the Rings'. It is releasing on December 10, and it is going to be a huge event.
Q. Whom do you like better, Rahman the music director, or Rahman, the singer?
A. That is a difficult question. If you like yourself too much, then you get into trouble, and if you don't, then you get into trouble anyway. So, I am critical.
Q. How do you prevent yourself from getting too complacent?
A. I have always been clear about one thing – I am just an instrument, and God controls me. If I am lazy, just sitting in one place, then I am like a battery that has not been charged. There has to be excitement, which is why I take up projects that are exciting.
Q. How do you deal with critics?
A. The Internet has helped a lot – we can check blogs, and see what people have written, what the negatives and positives are. When we make a film with a big star, we have to make sure the music is in his favour. We cannot then experiment.
Q. How do you adjust to the different environments that you work in?
A. When you are an adult, you speak in varied tones to your child, wife, or intellectual. You become a different person within each situation. That is a simple analogy for the way I work.
Q. Tell us about 'The Lord of the Rings'.
A. It is probably one of the most complex projects that I have been involved in. It is good composition. The whole team was in Chennai recently to complete the mixing. It has more than 15 tracks.
Q. There are rumours of differences between Aamir Khan and you.
A. Just because I am not composing his next film does not mean we have fallen out.
Q. The music of 'Elizabeth – The Golden Age' seems deliberately loud.
A. When we began, the music sounded very arty, and I felt that the film would drag if we continued with the same music. The film itself is artistic, so the pulsating, throbbing music is in contrast to the feel of the music. It was a creative decision to make the film enjoyable.
Q. What are your other forthcoming films, besides 'Ghajini'?
A. There are a few – 'Jane Tu Jane Na', 'Jodha Akbar', 'Yuvraj', 'Aadab', 'Dilli 6', and the Hindi version of 'Sivaji'.
Q. What are your favourite top 10 projects?
A. Very difficult to choose, when it is your own work, but here goes – 'Roza', 'Bombay', 'Taal', 'Lagaan', 'Zubeida', 'Rang De Basanti', 'Dil Se', and 'Rangeela'

Courtesy:Santabanta.com