http://www.flickr.com/photos/arrahmanfans/sets/72157594451795214/
Some pics of the rehearsal, ARR with Sivamani and ARR with JoSh, the Canadian duo who backed Nelly's act. Originally eight songs were planned for ARR's act that was to commence at 11 10 and finish at 12 05 in this order Opening percussion act by Global Rhythms and Sivamani i. Pray for me brother (ARR and Blaaze) ii. Tere Bina (ARR, Chinmayee, Ghulam Murtuza, Ghulam Qadir) iii. Barso Re (Madhushree, Chinmayee) [Later replaced by Ishq Bina] iv. Khalbali (ARR, Naresh Iyer, Mohd. Aslam) v. Chandralekha (Ani) vi. Masti Ki Paathshaala (Naresh Iyer, Mohd. aslam, Blaaze) vii. Dol Dol (Blaaze, Global Rhythms) viii. Hamma Hamma (ARR, Blaaze) The new year was to be rung in with Hamma Hamma and all the other artistes who performed earlier in the evening joining in on stage. However, the show which otherwise ran like clockwork was delayed when ARR's segment had to commence since Nokia ads were playing endlessly. Thanks to the delay Chandralekha, Dol Dol and Masti were dropped and they went straight to Hamma as it neared 12 AM. ARR's act received the maximum applause and the crowd was chanting "Rahmaaan.. Rahmaaaan!" in anticipation. The respect and deference that every other artiste accorded ARR was a sight to behold. The difference between a "legend" and a "star" was there for all to see. And the humility with which ARR, his family, his singers, musicians and technicians received all that applause and adulation was also in sharp contrast to some other hyped "stars" at the show who threw their weight around for no rhyme or reason.
