Trilok and Sharada (Ad film makers) When we heard the news, we sent a message to Rahman ‘You deserve what you got, and nobody can take it away from you.’. We have known him years before Roja happened to him. In fact, we took director Mani Ratnam across to Rahman and told Mani, and he was then signed for Roja. He is the most wonderful guy I’ve met. Nothing has changed then or now. He was brilliant then, he is brilliant now, and he always will be brilliant. His mother is the most important person for all of us. She has always been there as a pillar of moral support and strength, for him, and for all of us too. We feel so proud of his achievement!
Sivamani “My feeling not only echoes my happiness, but India’s. I’m extremely delighted that he has won the award,” says Rahman’s drummer buddy, Sivamani. With this, Rahman has made waves outside the country, which all of us can be proud about, he believes. Sivamani, who has worked for a number of AR Rahman's movies and albums, was also part of Slumdog Millionaire. “I’m not sure which sequence of mine has been used for Slumdog Millionaire, but playing for him is always a delight,” he notes. Steeve Vatz He remembers Rahman as the man who wouldn’t get excited too much about anything. “That’s quite a capacity,” notes Steeve Vatz. The guitarist from Chennai who has played for ARR in Ada and also for live, is extremely happy about him bagging the Golden Globe. “I’m proud to be associated with him,” he says. “Golden Globe is not something just anyone can get. And I hope he goes all the way to win the Oscar. Generally we believe that no one from India can make it to the academy awards. But with Rahman, we have a loud voice,” he points out. Darbuka Shiva Percussionist Shiva confesses he the greatest fan of AR Rahman. “I haven’t worked with him yet. But, yes, I’m a fan,” he confides. He believes that the maestro has marked out a clear-cut path for other musicians like him, by showing that people from India can reach a high pedestal. “It’s such a big encouragement for all of us,” he observes. “I’ve listened to the score. Good grooves, good rhythms, it is mind blowing,” adds Shiva. As always, even in Slumdog Millionaire, Rahman has kept the roots in India, but has scooped it out for the global audience, he believes. “He has presented the music in a true world-class style,” he notes. “And it’s as innovative as always.” Rajeev Menon "It’s a great thing to have happened. And it has opened doors to Indian film music and Indian films to the western world. Earlier too, there were people like Mira Nayar and Deepa Mehta, who got international recognition. But what is remarkable here is that, here’s a guy who has been brought up here, working here, practising here, and doing what he’s doing regularly. And he’s competed with the world and won it! It’s given a lot of confidence to others. Rahman is home-grown, humble and embodies all that we love to see in a human and a celebrity. There is humility not just in him ,but in his music too. He keeps doors open for all kinds of music people, to walk in and knock at his door." P C Sreeram "I was in the Mumbai airport when I saw it in the news. I know him from his jingle-days. He was so focussed in his work, and used to work late in the nights. It’s amazing the way he has evolved. He is a man of very few words, his work speaks for him. Now with India going global, his achievement is one more major step towards it. He has given a new sound to the world." Kartik Raja Rahman's victory is a lesson in life for all Indians. That nothing is impossible, if you put your mind to it. Sreenivas (singer,composer) It’s absolutely overwhelming..And the Oscars are just a step away…Rahman is the ideal combination of a genius musician and a fantastic human being. http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Chennais+pride&artid=sqBBUfKOQs8=&SectionID=y15rYzvnI60=&MainSectionID=y15rYzvnI60=&SEO=Rahman,gloden,globe,+awards&SectionName=Zc7UETRXfxM= Krish. Connect with friends all over the world. Get Yahoo! India Messenger at http://in.messenger.yahoo.com/?wm=n/
