Pussycat Dolls to dance to A R Rahman’s 'Jai Ho'

After creating ripples in Hollywood, A R Rahman is gearing up to do a remix song for the all-girl American pop group Pussycat Dolls.

The Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee, A R Rahman is the only Indian film musician to reach mammoth heights in international circuit. He is now going to remix-recreate his song ‘Jai Ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire sung by Sukhwinder Singh for a music video track by Pussycat Dolls.

This collaboration is being brought about by Rahman’s tie-up with American music producer Jimmy Lovine.


The Pussycat Dolls, a group of six fantastic, sexy females got their first success with their album PCD in 2005 and got Grammy nomination for their song 'Stickwitu'. The band comprises of lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt and Carmit Bachcr.

According to reports, the remix track of ‘Jai Ho’ is being produced by American singer and record maker Palow Da Don who has done albums with international artists like Will Smith, Fergie, Rich Boy and Usher.

The interest in ‘Jai Ho’ is sparked by its unique beat and melody which gives it the feel of a dance anthem.

Pussycat Dolls is a band famous for its steamy, sexy image, but Rahman seems to have no inhibition working with them.

Courtesy: apunkachoice.com

To the man who brought us the Oscar!

Over the last two days there has been nothing but Rahman on TV and in newspapers. The number of things that are being said about him is so much that even the most avid couch potato might have missed quite a few of those anecdotes and profuse remarks that have been aired. So, it will not be a bad idea to try and compile some of the best anecdotes that were narrated for the sheer reading pleasure of all Rahman fans. SPB was around on TV for quite some time on the 23rd of February and he said a lot about Rahman and the way he worked. He recalled the days of Roja. SPB believes that he was the first one to have rendered his voice for a Rahman song (Kadhal Rojave). That day, before the recording began Rahman told SPB that he was not sure

about why he was being given this opportunity when master composers like Ilayaraja and MS Viswanathan were still around. He also said that having made his debut, if all went well; he would manage to hang around for maybe a period of five years. Then SPB shifted five years down the line to Minsaara Kanavu. Then, SPB asked Rahman, “you told me that you were going to stick around for 5 years, its past that now” and Rahman replied, “I think I have got a bonus of 5 more years.”

SPB also remarked that Rahman was the only composer who managed to make someone else lend their voice to SPB himself, the singer was Sukhvinder Singh. To date, it remains the only instance when someone else has sung for SPB on screen.

Then there was Sukhvinder Singh who remembered that it was his association with Rahman in Dil Se (the Chayya Chayya) song that really launched his career. Director Rajkumar Santhoshi was also around telling us about how well Rahman understood the medium of cinema and how he listens carefully to every situation before giving a tune, about how he keeps playing on the piano endlessly until the director spots one combination that he likes. More than that, he said that it is Rahman’s ability to do classy background scores that sets him apart, in short, Rahman takes on a movie as a whole.

Then there were a host of young singers who were discovered and blooded by Rahman from the most unlikely of scenarios. Most of you might have heard about the story of Naresh Iyer. He was participating in a reality show for singers where Rahman was one of the judges. After a particular round, Rahman told Naresh Iyer that there was both good news and bad news. The bad news was that Naresh had been eliminated from the competition while the good news was that Rahman had decided to use his voice. Rang De Basanti happened and Naresh Iyer has not looked back since. Like Naresh, there are other singers like Madhushree, Benny Dayal etc., who are all beneficiaries of Rahman’s unique ability to spot talent.

There are dozens of other stories that comes to ones mind, many of them being associated with Rahman’s affinity to working right in the middle of the night; he has however exempted SPB from such unearthly recording hours. Then, all of you might have read on the site about how he carried his harmonium along with him on his honeymoon. We have heard about him globetrotting in his search for new sounds and styles of music and many more, you could go on talking about Rahman for hours together.

But the one point that everyone seemed to echo in common was about the man’s simplicity. Almost everyone used these words ‘he is a wonderful human being’. It was not planned or stage managed, but people sitting in different parts of India at different times used almost the same words to describe Rahman. That says a lot about his character, neither success, money nor fame have changed him one bit. He still remains as enthusiastic about music as he was when he made his debut. His down to earth attitude was reflected in the way he said ‘ella pugazhum iraivanukke’ on the Oscar stage, it also showed us that he is not a man to forget his roots.

That is why one couldn’t help seeing the lighter side when a journalist on TV asked a guest about whether the Oscar would take Rahman away from India. If he had such plans he would have vanished long back, he has such boundless talent. And, the most gratifying thought that comes from this Oscar award is the knowledge that Rahman is capable of many more wonders. One is so confident about this because anyone who has heard Rahman’s songs over the years will know that ‘Jaye Ho’ or ‘O Saaya’ are not his best compositions by a long shot. If they are good enough for Oscars, then we cannot imagine the heights that await him. God bless Rahman! Jaye Ho!

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A new anthem from Rahman!

Lyricist Vairamuthu informed the media that he is writing lyrics for a new Tamil anthem particularly for the NRIs. And the music for this will be composed by Oscar winner A.R. Rahman. According to Vairamuthu, the Tamilians living in foreign countries have their own Tamil anthem as the present one “Neerarum…” is based on the political boundaries of India. The lyricist said that he came to know that Tamilians living in Malaysia had their own Tamil anthem while

he and Rahman participated in a function there. The duo had decided that all the Tamilians across the globe must have a single anthem and had started working on it.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A.R. Rahman’s return

Oscar award winner A.R. Rahman’s return to his hometown, Chennai, is something that his fans and well wishers are looking forward to. The musician astounded the entire country with two Oscar awards, recently. There were plans to accord a hero’s welcome to this music director by the A.R. Rahman Fans’ Association and Music Directors’ Association on February 27th. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Rahman

had decided to get back to the city a day before. He will arrive during the early hours of 26th February, probably between 2 and 4am. This means the grand celebrations could be called off.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A.R.Rahman Press Meet Images

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

At Rahman’s press conference…

The much awaited press meet of A.R. Rahman took place at the Green Park Hotel in Chennai. Rahman arrived at the venue around 4:30 pm. The musician looked relaxed and was comfortable answering the questions thrown at him. The ever-courteous Rahman enquired if the reporters preferred him to answer in Tamil or English and finally decided to answer depending on the language in which the question was asked.

A.R. Rahman said that he understood that music has no boundaries and hence wanted his music to reach everyone. He added that he believed music can deliver messages and through his music he wishes to promote peace and harmony.

When asked how he bagged the Slumdog Millionaire offer, Rahman said that Danny Boyle signed him up only after listening to his music and accessing his talent. This shows the confidence that Boyle had on the musician.

Rahman’s message to those who want to achieve greater things in life is: “Have good intentions and get the results.”

When quizzed about what he accomplished by these coveted awards, Rahman said that it was immense respect that he got from the people, his counterparts and even legends.

Responding whether his children would toe his line, Rahman said that they are slowly learning music and it is up to them to decide.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A.R.Rahman - Harmonium for the honeymoon!

The thought of an Indian winning two Oscars is still to sink in for most of the cinema fans. A.R.Rahman who is the toast of the country hasn't reached this stage without sheer passion for what he does best - music. A.R.Rahman's brother-in-law, who is also named Rahman, is a well known actor in Kerala and has done roles in many Tamil movies like Sangamam, which again had music by A.R.R. Talking to the media

after his brother-in-law won the Oscars, the actor revealed how passionate the maestro is about his music. "It is his sheer commitment towards music that has brought him here", says Rahman. He adds that the Mozart of Madras always had his harmonium with him. "Even during his honeymoon in Kodaikanal, we were told that in the middle of the night he was sitting in the next room and playing a harmonium. Such was his dedication" A.R.R's ever media-shy wife Saira Banu had walked the red carpet with her husband at the Kodak Theatre for the 81st Annual Academy Awards. Saira Banu was seen clinging to Rahman’s right arm throughout the ceremony. A.R.Rahman before leaving to the US for the Oscars had commented: “In fact winning an Oscar is not my dream, it’s my wife’s dream”. The legend sure has fulfilled his wife’s dream.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மானுக்கு இரண்டு ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகள்!

லாஸ் ஏஞ்செல்ஸ், பிப்.23: 'ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர்' படத்துக்காக இந்திய இசையமைப்பாளர் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான், உலக அளவில் சினிமாத் துறையில் மிக உயரியதாக போற்றப்படும் ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகள் இரண்டினை வென்று, இந்தியாவையே ஆனந்தக் கடலில் ஆழ்த்தினார்.
ஹாலிவுட்டின் மிக உயரிய விருதான ஆஸ்கருக்கு, ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லினியர் படத்துக்காக, இந்திய இசையமைப்பாளர் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் பெயர் இரண்டு பிரிவுகளின் கீழ் மூன்று பரிந்துரைகளைப் பெற்றது.
சிறந்த ஒரிஜினில் ஸ்கோர் (இசை) மற்றும் இரண்டு பெஸ்ட் ஒரிஜினல் சாங் ('ஜெய் ஹோ' மற்றும் 'ஓ சாயா') பிரிவுகளில் ரஹ்மானின் பெயர் பரிந்துரைக்கப்பட்டது.

இந்நிலையில், 81-வது ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகள் வழங்கும் விழா லாஸ் ஏஞ்செல்சில் உள்ள கோடக் அரங்கில் இந்திய நேரப்படி இன்று அதிகாலை 6.00 மணியளவில் தொடங்கியது.
இதில், ரஹ்மானுக்கு சிறந்த இசையமைப்பாளருக்கான (ஒரிஜினல் ஸ்கோர்) ஆஸ்கர் விருது அறிவிக்கப்பட்டது. ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் விருதைப் பெற்றுக் கொண்டார்.
இவ்விருதை தாயகமான இந்தியாவுக்கு அர்ப்பணிப்பாதாக தனது ஏற்புரையில் கூறிய ஆஸ்கர் நாயகன் ரஹ்மான், 'எல்லாப் புகழும் இறைவன் ஒருவனுக்கே' என்று தமிழில் முழக்கமிட்டபோது, அரங்கமே சிலிர்த்தது!
அதைத் தொடர்ந்து, சிறந்த ஒரிஜினல் பாடலுக்கான ஆஸ்கர் விருதையும் அவர் வென்றார். ஸ்லம்டாக் படத்தில் வரும் 'ஜெய் ஹோ' பாடலுக்காக இவ்விருது வழங்கப்பட்டது.
விருது வழங்கும் அரங்கத்தில் இருந்த ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படக்குழுவினர் மட்டுமின்றி, அரங்கதில் இருந்த அனைவரும் கரகோஷத்தை எழுப்பினர்.
அதேபோல், எந்த ஆண்டும் இல்லாத அளவுக்கு ஆஸ்கர் விருது வழங்கும் விழா குறித்த செய்திகளை இந்தியாவில் கோடிக்கணக்கான ரசிகர்கள் தொலைக்காட்சியில் கண்டு, ரஹ்மானுக்கு விருது என்று அறிவித்தவுடன் இன்ப அதிர்ச்சிக் கடலில் ஆழ்ந்து, மகிழ்ச்சியை ஒருவருக்கொருவர் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டு வருகின்றன.
ரஹ்மானின் 'ஆஸ்கர்' சிறப்புகள்!
இந்தியக் கலைஞர்கள் இருவர் மட்டுமே இதுவரை ஆஸ்கர் விருதைப் பெற்றுள்ளனர். கடந்த 1982-ம் ஆண்டு 'காந்தி' படத்துக்காக சிறந்த காஸ்ட்யூம் டிசைனருக்கான ஆஸ்கர் விருதை பானு அதையா வென்றுள்ளார்.
கடந்த 1992-ல் இந்தியாவின் புகழ்பெற்ற திரைப்பட படைப்பாளியான சத்யஜித் ரே-வுக்கு 'வாழ்நாள் சாதனையாளர் விருதை' ஆஸ்கர் வழங்கியது.
இந்த நிலையில், ஆஸ்கர் விருதைப் பெற்ற முதல் இந்திய திரைப்பட இசைக் கலைஞர் என்ற பெருமையை, தமிழகத்தைச் சேர்ந்த ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் பெறுகிறார். அதுவும், ஒன்றுக்கு இரண்டு விருதாக அள்ளியிருக்கிறார்!
மேலும், ஒரே படத்துக்காக, இரண்டு பிரிவுகளின் கீழ் மூன்று ஆஸ்கர் பரிந்துரைகளைப் பெற்ற இந்திய இசையமைப்பாளர் என்ற பெருமையும் ரஹ்மானையேச் சேரும்.
அத்துடன், ஆஸ்கர் வென்ற முதல் தமிழர் என்ற மகத்தான பெருமையை ரஹ்மான் பெற்றுள்ளார்.
முன்னதாக, ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படத்துக்காக, கோல்டன் குளோப், பாஃப்டா உள்ளிட்ட உயரிய விருதுகள் பலவற்றையும் வென்று, ரஹ்மான் இந்தியாவுக்கு பெருமை தேடித் தந்ததும் குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.
ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் கதை!
மும்பையை சேர்ந்த குடிசைவாழ் 18 வயது இளைஞன் ஒருவன், 'கோடீஸ்வராகப் போவது யார்?' என்ற நிகழ்ச்சியில் கலந்து கொண்டு 2 கோடி ரூபாய் பரிசை வெல்வதும், அதனூடே அற்புதமான காதல் கதை சொல்லப்படுவதுமே 'ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர்' ஆங்கிலப் படத்தின் கதை!
இந்தியாவுக்கு பெருமை சேர்த்த மற்றொரு இந்தியக் கலைஞர்!
ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படத்துக்காக இயன் டாப் மற்றும் ரிச்சர்ட் பிரைக் ஆகியோருடன் இணைந்து சிறந்த சவுண்ட் மிக்ஸிங்கிற்கான ஆஸ்கர் விருதைப் பெற்றார், ரெசுல் பூக்குட்டி! இதன் மூலம் இந்திய ரசிகர்களுக்கு இரட்டிப்பு மகிழ்ச்சி கிட்டியுள்ளது!
கஜினி, பிளாக், சாவரியா, காந்தி மை ஃபாதர் உள்ளிட்ட பல படைப்புகளுக்கு சவுண்ட் டிசைனிங் கலையில் மகத்தான பங்களிப்பை அளித்தவர் இவர்.
கேரளாவைச் சேர்ந்த 36 வயது ரெசுல், புனே திரைப்பட கல்லூரியில் பயின்றவர். கடந்த 12 ஆண்டுகளாக சினிமாவில் இயங்கி வருபவர்.
இந்திய சவுண்ட் மிக்சிங் கலைஞர் ஒருவர் ஆஸ்கர் விருதைப் பெறுவது இதுவே முதன்முறை.
ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனருக்கு 8 ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகள்.
உலக அளவில் வரலாறு காணாத வகையில் வரவேற்பைப் பெற்ற ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படம், சிறந்த படம், சிறந்த இயக்குனர், சிறந்த திரைக்கதை, சிறந்த இசை உள்ளிட்ட 9 பிரிவுகளின் கீழ் 81-வது ஆஸ்கரில் 10 பரிந்துரைகளைப் பெற்றது.

இதில், மொத்தம் 8 ஆஸ்கர் விருது குவித்து 81-வது ஆஸ்கரில் முன்னிலை வகிக்கிறது, ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர்.
1. சிறந்த இசை (ஒரிஜினல் ஸ்கோர்) - ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான்.
2. சிறந்த பாடல் - "ஜெய் ஹோ..." இசை - ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான், பாடலாசிரியர் : குல்ஸார்
3. சிறந்த சவுண்ட் மிக்ஸிங் - ரிச்சர்ட் பிரைகே, ரேசுல் பூகுட்டி மற்றும் இயன் டாப்
4. சிறந்த இயக்குனர் - டானி போய்ல்
5. சிறந்த ஒளிப்பதிவு - ஆன்டனி டோட் மென்டில்
6. சிறந்த அடாப்டட் திரைக்கதை - சைமன் பியூஃபோய்
7. சிறந்த திரைப்பட எடிட்டிங் - கிறிஸ் டிக்கென்ஸ்
8. சிறந்த படம் - ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் - ஏ காலண்டர் பிலிம்ஸ் புரோடக் ஷன் - தயாரிப்பாளர் - கிறிஸ்டியன் கோல்சன


Courtesy: vikatan.com

Kamal's message for Rahman

The entire Indian film industry has gone ecstatic over the clean sweep of Slumdog Millionaire at the Oscar's today. The celebrities are now coming out with their congratulatory messages and Kamal Haasan is one among the early birds to wish the Mozart of Madras. The actor had said he felt like he was walking along with A.R. Rahman on stage to collect the award. According to Kamal Haasan, he always found Rahman to be very simple and .

uncomplicated. The actor added that he was proud and happy as an Indian for Rahman's fete The Ulaganayagan, while talking about the musical genius's humility, recalled an incident during the Marmayogi project. Kamal pointed out that while he was going gaga over a song composition for the film, Rahman was calm and composed. Kamal said that Oscars is not like Olympics because each entry is judged based on American standards and not on universal standards. "It is good that Indians are doing well and they cannot be ignored at the Oscars anymore", the star added.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

This was Rahman’s speech!

Before coming I was excited and terrified. The last I felt like that was doing my marriage… uummm… there is this dialogue from a Hindi film called “mere pass ma hai…” which means I have nothing but I have my mother… so mother’s here… her blessings are there with me. I am grateful for her to have come all the way. I want to thank the academy for being so kind, all the jury members. I want to thank the IDBR, all the crew of the Slumdog, Mr. Gulzar, Ragheb Alama, Palsy and my musicians in Chennai and Mumbai.

And… I want to say something in Thamizh which says, which I say normally after every award “ ella puhazhum iraivanukke” which mean God is Great.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

'God is great'

"Ella pughalum iraivanuke (All glory and fame is to God)" was how music maestro A R Rahman reacted to his double-Oscar feat. Besides God, the 'Mozart of Madras' also dedicated his Oscars to his "loving" mother Kareema Begum, who was seated among the audience at the Kodak Theatre.
Rahman has always dedicated his awards to them. "I always had a choice between love and hate in my life. And I chose love and I am here," a beaming Rahman said at the Awards Ceremony.
Having shouldered the responsibilities of his family at the tender age of 9, Rahman never had an opportunity to get proper education in his life. Begum had in an interview to a Tamil weekly had said she will feel bad forever for not giving her son an opportunity to enjoy his childhood days.
Here's the full text of his acceptance speech:
Before coming, I was excited and terrified. The last time I felt like that was during my marriage. There's a dialogue from a Hindi film called "Mere paas ma hai," which means "I have nothing but I have a mother," so mother's here, her blessings are there with me. I am grateful for her to have come all the way. And I want to thank the Academy for being so kind, all the jury members. I want to thank Sam Schwartz, I/D PR, all the crew of Slumdog, Mr Gulzar , Raqueeb Alam, Blaaze, my musicians in Chennai and Mumbai . And I want to tell something in Tamil, which says, which I normally say after every award which is... "God is great." Thank you.


Courtesy: rediff.com

'Rahman has put the Indian film industry on the world map'

As A R Rahman and Resul Pookutty scripted history by picking up three Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire, members of the film fraternity here joined voices to applaud the enviable feat achieved by the duo.
Lyricist Gulzar , who penned the Oscar-winning song Jai ho for which Rahman won an Oscar, said, "It is a great thing to be a part of this composition which has won an award. It is an extra happiness and extra thrill for me."
"My first reaction was surprise and thrill but as soon as the programme started my bet was on Rahman. I am very happy for Resul, another Indian technician who brought home the Oscar," said Gulzar, whose name was mentioned by the award presenter Alicia Keys  while announcing the nominees.
"What a film and what a team to work with. The spirit of the film is reflected in its team," he said and crediting Rahman with "changing the entire face of Indian film music".
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar  hailed Rahman saying, "May he win such an award every year. He is a genius. Rahman's music is a blend of a little South Indian music and what we commonly call Hindi film music."
Sister and veteran singer Asha Bhonsle, who has sung for Rahman in many films, said, "Rahman is a genius and has made the world sit up and take notice of Indian talent with his success. He has put the Indian film industry on the world map."
Asha said her close association with the ace music composer began in 1995 when she first sang Rangeela re from Ram Gopal Varma's  Rangeela. "I have seen him grow and I am very happy with his achievement," she said.
Percussionist Sivamani, who has closely worked with the maestro since the very beginning, said," It is wonderful. Rahman has made every Indian proud. He deserves each Oscar that he has won. He won it because of his talent, his dedication, his simplicity and humility. We all should be proud."
South Indian composer M K Arjunan, who gave Rahman his first musical break by giving him a chance to play keyboards in a film, said, "I knew that this boy would make it big in the music world." A close friend of Rahman's father R K Sekhar, Arjuna said besides being a born talent, his dedication, hard work and ability to pay attention to the minutest detail had helped Rahman to emerge as a musical legend of contemporary India.
R Madhavan, who has featured in many of Rahman's songs said, "This is just the beginning and Rahman you will take India and your music to great extent in the years to come."
Lyricist Prasoon Joshi  said, "I think it is not his best work. He has done much better work in the past but this will lead people in the West to look up to the other works that Rahman and India have done."


Courtesy: rediff.com

Rahman is special: Maniratnam

Noted filmmaker Maniratnam, who introduced A R Rahman to the film industry through 'Roja', on Monday said he was proud of the music maestro, whose work has been recognised "internationally" after the double Oscar win.

"He is special. Thats all. It doesn't matter which award he gets. All that matters is that his work had been recognised internationally," Maniratnam said. "We all should be proud of it and I am especially very proud of him," the noted director said when asked for his reaction.

Maniratnam approached Rahman to score music for his 'Roja' in 1991 after seeing him performing at an awards ceremony in Chennai. Since Roja, Rahman has scored music for all the movies directed by Maniratnam and they almost became indispensable for each other.

"I think every victory is good and 'Slumdog' is a brilliant film and hopefully, very soon, an Indian film will make it at the Oscars," Maniratnam said. Asked whether he was in the race for Oscars, he said: "No".

Thiruda Thiruda, Bombay, Uyire (Dil Se in Hindi), Alaipayuthae (Saathiya), Kannathil Muthamittal, Guru and Aayutha Ezhuthu were some of the super hit movies in which the duo worked.

Courtesy: hindu.com

Chennai goes into celebratory mood as Rahman wins Ocar

People of Chennai broke into celebrations on Monday as its prodigy and music maestro Allah Rakkha Rahman made history becoming the first Indian to receive twin Oscars with his musical score in 'Slumdog Millionaire.'

Celebrations erupted in many parts of the city including Kodambakkam, home of Tamil film celebrities, where the 'Mozart of Madras' resides. As local FM networks went gaga with his top scores, Rahman's joyous fans, especially students, celebrated the feat by cutting cakes, distributing sweets, bursting crackers and dancing in parts of the city.

Rahman's family members and his fans cut a huge cake right in the middle of the street opposite his house in Kodambakkam and burst crackers. Students of several city colleges also joined the party by distributing sweets while the film fraternity, including leading singers, hailed his achievement.

Similar scenes of celebrations were witnessed at the house of Rahman's sister A R Rehana in nearby Virugambakkam. "We were just waiting for his name to be announced. I was praying to God at that time," an elated Rehana told PTI. "I always wanted him to talk in Tamil after receiving the award and that is the way he spoke; I am happy about it," an overwhelmed Rehana said.

Courtesy: hindu.com

Rahman has won for his simplicity, sincerity: 'Roja' lyricist

Noted Tamil film lyricist Vairmauthu, who has penned songs for A R Rahman, today attributed the maestro's double Oscar victory to his "simplicity" and "sincerity".
"I am really proud as an Indian for what Rahman has achieved in this young age," Vairamuthu, who penned lyrics for Rahman's first movie 'Roja', said.

"He has made every Indian, Tamil and Chennaiite proud with his unparallelled feat," he told PTI after Rahman won the Oscars for Best Original Music and Best Song for his compositions in "Slumdog Millionaire".

Vairamuthu has penned lyrics for 90 per cent of the songs for which Rahman has scored music, including "Kannathil Muthamittal", "Jeans", "Uyire", "Mudalvan", "Alaipayuthae" and a number of Tamil movies.

"As a lyricist, who has been associated with Rahman for the past two decades, I say that it is a prize for his sincerity, dedication towards work and simplicity," Vairamuthu said.

He also recalled a recent incident when he called up Rahman to congratulate him for his 'Golden Globe' win.

"I asked him what time I can come and greet him. He didn't say anything and kept the phone. In the next ten minutes he was at my home. That is Rahman," Vairamuthu said. PTI


Courtesy: ptinews.com

Rahman, our pride and joy

The whole country was praying and praying hard that he should get atleast one and lo A R Rahman won two Oscars.

It has been quite an eventful journey from Chennai to Hollywood for the music maestro who caused a billion Indian hearts to swell with pride when his score for Slumdog Millionaire was recognised twice over.

The 43-year-old music wizard, born as A S Dileep Kumar in a musically affluent family in Chennai, changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman after his family converted to Islam in the late 1980’s.

His genius for music came to the fore when his ad jingles became very popular. He became a force to reckon with in the music industry ever since he debuted in Mani Ratnam’s Roja. Rangeela, Rahman’s first Bollywood assignment made the whole of India sit up and take notice of his talent.

The double bonanza at Oscars has enthralled industrymen and his fans back home. Here’s what they had to say about Rahman’s success.

K Balachander: When Mani Ratnam introduced Rahman to me during the composing of Roja, I was impressed with the young lad. I predicted then that he would go places.

My prophecy has come true today. He is humble and dedicated to his profession and is very keen to improve upon his work. His determination to be original in his compositions has taken him to such great heights.

I was glued to my television set watching the presentation ceremony since the morning and my joy knew no bounds when he was announced the winner.

Kamal Haasan: Rahman has gone several miles ahead. I heartily congratulate him. He has got a set of very good directors and skilled technicians to work with. My next with Rahman would be a good soundtrack.

The best is yet to come from the music wizard and hopefully our next venture would fulfill it. Among his songs, I admire the numbers in Rang De Basanti and Jodha Akbar.

Vivekh: He has made every Indian proud. Speaking in Tamil at the Academy awards ceremony, he has brought glory to our mother tongue. At a time when Tamils are killed in one part of the globe, it is comforting that a Tamilan has won international acclaim.

Ramanarayanan: The Tamil film fraternity  is proud and honoured by Rahman’s achievement. As the president of Tamil Film Producers Council, I propose to hold a mega function early nexty month in Chennai in which all the industrymen would gather and felicitate Rahman on his feat.

Sarath Kumar: It is another gem in Rahman’s crown.  He has done every indian proud. It is the greatest achievement and a proud honour for Tamil cinema.

S J Suryah: Congrats Rahman.  I know you would do it. You still have miles to go. I wish I could have been there at the great occasion today. Jai Ho..... keep the good work going.

R Madhavan: Rahman should have won an Oscar the very first time he composed music because he truly deserves it. 

Courtesy: newstodaynet.com

From Roja to Oscars: Rahman fever continues

In 1992, AR Rahman was approached by the noted film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score and soundtrack for Tamil film Roja. The debut led Rahman to receive the Rajat Kamal award for Best Music Director at the National Film Awards, the first time ever by a first-time film composer.

Since then, this music maestro's success journey is still continue. Rahman never looked behind after the success of Roja, which was also his Bollywood debut. Today, Rahman has created history by winning two Oscars. No doubtedly, he will not stop here. He will continue his experiment in music to entertain people, which provides great relief to the listeners.

Apart from winning two Oscars, he also bagged the BAFTA Award, Golden Globe for his exceptional work in Danny Boyle's ‘Slumdog Millionaire'.

AR Rahman was born to a Tamil Hindu family. His father RK Shekhar was a composer and conductor for Malayalam-language films of Keralite cinema.

His father died when Rahman was nine years old, and his family rented out musical equipment as a source of income.

From early days of struggle, Rahman brought Indian Music to global acknowledgement.

During these early years, Rahman served as a keyboard player and an arranger in bands such as "Roots" with childhood friend and percussionist Sivamani, John Anthony, JoJo and Raja.

Rahman is the founder of the Chennai-based rock group, "Nemesis Avenue".

He played the keyboard and piano, the synthesizer, the harmonium and the guitar. His curiosity in the synthesizer in particular increased because, he says, it was the “ideal combination of music and technology".

He began early training in music under Master Dhanraj. At the age of 11, he joined, as a keyboardist, the troupe of Ilaiyaraaja, one of many composers to whom musical instruments belonging to Rahman's father were rented.

Rahman later played in the orchestra of MS Viswanathan and Ramesh Naidu, accompanied Zakir Hussain, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and L Shankar on world tours and obtained a scholarship to Trinity College of Music in London, where he graduated with a degree in Western classical music.

He converted to Islam from Hinduism in 1989 along with his family.

In 1992, Rahman began his own music recording and mixing studio attached to the backyard of his house called the Panchathan Record Inn, which was developed into India's most advanced recording studio.

He initially composed music jingles for advertisements, Indian Television channels and music scores in documentaries, among other projects.

After getting Mani Ratnam's Roja, Rahman has since then gone on to win the award three more times for his scores for Minsaara Kanavu in 1997, Lagaan in 2002, Kannathil Muthamittal in 2003, the most ever by any composer.

Roja's score met with high sales and acclaim, in its original and dubbed versions, bringing about a marked change in film music at the time.

At present, his success journey has been reached to Oscars. Entire Samaylive team wish him best of luck. The expectations are too high now.

Courtesy: samaylive.com

Mani Ratnam chooses Kolkata for Ash!

The climax of the Aishwarya Rai, Abihshek Bachchan, Vikram starrer Raavan directed by Mani Ratnam, is to be shot in Kolkata, reveals a source close to the film unit. The team has been camping in Kolkata where the film will be shot mostly on the streets and in the Vedic village on the outskirts of Kolkata. The entire unit is booked into the Rajarhat resort in Kolkata from February 15 to March 1, while Ash and Abhi will stay at the Lakeside Villas which is made available only for VIPs. Ash had flown in after promoting her Hollywood

flick Pink Panther and Abhi, who is currently in New York to promote his film Delhi-6, will join her after the film hits the screens on February 20th.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya - FIR

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A.R. Rahman to compose for Silambarasan’s flick

Finally, here’s everything that you need to know about Silambarasan’s forthcoming venture, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya. Readers must be aware that the film is to be directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and Trisha is the leading lady. There was a great suspense as to who would wield the music baton after the infamous rift between Gautham and Harris Jeyaraj broke out. Well, this time it is A.R. Rahman! Now, the other details are: the man behind the camera will be Manoj Paramahamsa, editing by Anthony, art by Rajeevan, the costumes will be designed by Nalini Sriram and songs are penned by Thamarai. The producers are Madhan Ganesh, Elred Kumar and Jayaraman. Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya is a joint venture between Escape Artistes Motions Pictures and R.S. Infotainment.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

AR Rahman and Shankar: Best Duo in Town

It's just seven days to go for the Oscars. Will he or won't he, is the question doing rounds in Kollywood? Can Rahman bring home Oscars seems to be the query everywhere.


But it looks evident with the hype that the 'Mozart of Madras' is inching closer towards the coveted trophy.


We have been chronicling the journey of Rahman towards the pinnacle of glory. Check out the magic weaved by Rahman in the company of director Shankar today.


The journey of success between Rahman and Shankar were almost parallel. Soon after Rahman made his beginning with Roja, he joined hands with Shankar for the latter's maiden venture 'Gentleman'. The songs set a new trend and soon the duo gone ahead to do films including 'Kadhalan', 'Indian', 'Jeans', 'Mudhalvan', 'Boys', 'Sivaji' and the under-production 'Endhiran'.


Thrilled at his association with Rahman, Shankar had always marveled at his dedication and hard work. He often referred to him as a hard working musician who never gives up until he comes out with convincing music.


Rahman, on his part was equally thrilled to work with Shankar. 'He is one of the best film-makers, who give more freedom for a musician. He extracts the best from his music composers and has a sound knowledge about music'.


The two have been working in tandem and promises to go several miles further.


With 'Endhiran', the sci-fi extravaganza of Shankar shaping up fast, Rahman might recreate the magic with mellifluous tunes for us one more time.


Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Pray that I bring home the Oscar: AR Rahman

It's just seven days to go for the Academy Awards. AR Rahman seems to be inching closer and closer to grasp the coveted trophy in his cusp hands.


He returned to Chennai after receiving the BAFTA award in London for his musical score in the film 'Slumdog Millionaire'.


When asked about the award, Rahman said, "The Golden Globe was from the United States and the BAFTA was from the United Kingdom. Both are equally prestigious awards and I am honored to be a recipient."


Queried on the possibility of receiving the Oscar Award, Rahman said, "I do not have any expectations, but if it comes it will be a moment to cherish."


Looking back at events and honors that came his way, Rahman looks certain to win the award.


Interestingly, Rahman, who started his career introduced by director Mani Ratnam, also owes it to veteran director K Balachander. Rahman's maiden venture 'Roja' was produced by Balachander. Similarly, Rahman was chosen to do music for the Rajini starrer 'Muthu', which again was produced by Kavithalaya.


He followed it up with more successful ventures with 'Duet' and 'Parthalae Paravasam', both directed by K Balachander. The songs especially in 'Duet' went on to become a chartbuster and broke records. The slick use of saxophone by Rahman brought repute to the instrument. Especially, the song Anjali...Anjali...still lingers in our heart and mind.


Veteran director K Balanchandar said, "Rahman is destined to get many awards. He is a bundle of talent. I still remember the fire in his eyes, when I saw him first during the composition for 'Roja'. He is phenomenal and is sure to go places."


Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Bafta bestowed upon A.R. Rahman

Latest in the award winning spree, A.R. Rahman has bagged the Bafta Award for the best music composition for Slumdog Millionaire. Other awards that the film bagged, making a clean sweep at the Baftas, are Best Director Danny Boyle, best cinematography Anthony Dod Mantle, best adapted screenplay Simon Beaufoy, best

editing Chris Dickens, and best sound editing Resul Pookutty. With the film is going on to win several prestigious awards, it needs to be seen how it fares at the much expected Oscars later this month.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rajini - Ash’s Endhiran coziness

With Endhiran progressing day in and day out, there is no dearth of availability of news about the movie. The team was spotted in several parts of the Chennai city and its suburbs in the recent past. The lead pair, Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had been the cynosure of all eyes, especially the media, who were keen to know every little bit of detail involving them. Meanwhile, we heard wind of the fact that for one of

the intimate shoots involving Rajini and Aishwarya Rai, the crew members, except those of the bare minimum staff, were evacuated from the sets. These scenes were shot by Shankar at the AVM Studio recently. It is also learnt that these scenes are part of a song.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rahman: "Make your own movie"

In a rare occurrence, A.R. Rahman has perhaps for the first time in his career chosen to give a reply to critics barely a fortnight before the Oscars are scheduled to be given away at Los Angeles on the 22nd of Feb. He has not been known to react to criticisms before but this time his score for Slumdog Millionaire came under a lot of fire for reasons other

than music. Everyone by now would have heard about the fire that Slumdog Millionaire has had to face due to its portrayal of the slums in Mumbai. Many individuals and groups have come out stating that the film is derogatory to India and shows our country's dark underbelly in an inappropriate way to the Western world. Many high profile film personalities too have made public their dislike of the movie, prominent among them being director Priyadarshan who took a rather sharp view of the way Danny Boyle had chosen to ignore the more beautiful parts of Mumbai. The supposed depiction of India as a land of misery and poverty has irked them and following this lawsuits have been filed against most of the important people associated with the movie which includes actor Anil Kapoor and Rahman. Objection has also been raised against the film's title 'Slumdog' which has been considered to be derogatory to the people who live in slums. Following a non-stop torrent of such comments from a few individuals and organizations which has received a lot of press coverage Rahman finally gave his stand on the entire issue. He does not in any way regret scoring for the movie or sharing the opinion that it shows anyone in poor light. He believes that the movie is about the universal human spirit and its triumph above all odds. Describing the cast and crew of the movie as very sensitive people he said that, if he did not like a particular movie then his natural response as a creative person would be to make another movie to prove his point rather than rant about it in public.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Mani Ratnam’s resource management skills

Ashokavanam is progressing in Mani Ratnam’s routine style. He is known to take his time in getting the script ready and finishing off all other preparations. But once he gets down to the actual shooting business, Mani Ratnam is very fast who puts everything else behind to finish the project soon. That is what he is following for Ashokavanam too.

While the shooting has been progressing smoothly at a healthy pace at different locations throughout India ranging from Kerala to Madhya Pradesh, the director has been careful not to overwork his crew. He has announced Sundays as holidays for the entire team. Not only that, keeping in mind the scenic nature of the locations that he is shooting in, he has also organized sight seeing trips for the team on a regular basis. That is very efficient and popular man management by the ace director.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Mani seeks Ashokavanam from Kasthuriraja

While the works of Mani Ratnam’s Raavan / Ashokavanam are progressing quite well, it has come to light that Ashokavanam has not yet been finalized as the title of the Tamil version. However, Raavan faces no problem in Hindi. Ashokavanam was chosen because of the story’s source of inspiration, the epic Ramayana. But, another title ‘Ashokavanam 1 KM’

has already been registered under Kasthuriraja’s name though we are not sure about whether he is currently working on any project with this name. Now, the Ashokavanam team plans to approach Kasthuriraja for permission to use the title. If Kasthuriraja feels that the title is not imperative to his plans for the future then Mani Ratnam’s film can be continued to be called Ashokavanam. Else, a change of title for the Tamil version will be required.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rajini- live and cartoon

Sultan, the animation film on super star produced and directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth is likely to be a summer vacation bonanza for his fans. This film being readied at a cost of 60 crores is being made in 18 Indian languages. Vijayalakshmi who played the role of heroine in Chennai-28 will be the lady lead in this animation film too. It has been

reported in the media that Rajinikanth will appear in a few scenes as himself along with his caricatured figure, just to add some variety and spice to the film.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Silambarasan in Tamil Slumdog Millionaire!

Why did it take them so long to think of dubbing Slumdog Millionaire in Tamil? Considering the film's hype and the Oscar nominations, they should have thought of it sooner. Anyway, it is finally happening. The Tamil dubbed version of Slumdog is currenly on at the Four Frames preview theatre. Silambarasan has dubbed for the voice of Ajmal! Director Danny Boyle has even gone as far

as saying he liked Silambarasan's voice for the character. It fits him perfectly, said the director.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com