Industry celebrates RahmanÂ’s award Deepa Ganesh
The shy keyboardist has come a long way, achieving a first for the country Remarkable: A.R. Rahman has turned global attention on India Bangalore: “I dedicate this to the billion people of India,” was A.R. Rahman’s response to winning the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Slumdog Millionaire. The reticent musician, who changed the sound and feel of Indian film music with his work for the film Roja way back in 1992, bagged a Rajkamal for it then and there has been no looking back for him. The Kannada music fraternity is jubilant about Rahman’s remarkable achievement. “What can do us more proud?” said Kannada’s most original music composer-lyricist Hamsalekha. South Indian film music has always been exemplary in terms of its discipline and sincerity, but somehow it was never spoke about or discussed in all these decades. “Rahman made it possible,” says the musician of unique perception. “He not only captured Bollywood, but got even Hollywood to sit up and take notice of us. I think he’s a phenomenon.” Positive focus What is important for Hamsalekha is the manner in which Rahman, in these times of terror and unrest, has turned the global attention on India on positive terms. “When everyone is gazing at us for the wrong reasons, Rahman has indeed salvaged our pride; it’s a historic moment,” he said. He recalled that Rahman was his keyboardist for Anjada Gandu and Ranadheera, and added that he had always been an admirer of his abilities. “I cannot get over the young keyboardist who used to be at five keyboards simultaneously,” gushed leading playback singer Manjula Gururaj. She recalled the recording of the Kannada film Inspector Vikram during the time when Rahman was known as Dileep. “We would stand in one corner of the studio and marvel at his talent. Luck comes and goes, but Rahman is the perfect example of how hard work and constant practise are enduring,” she added. “He was never careless about his work. He would never rest till it was done to perfection and with absolute dedication.” “It’s a dream for any singer to work with Rahman. And it’s true of me too,” admitted singer Nandita, who has worked with leading composers and has bagged several awards. “He has always been ahead of his times. Listen to his Roja now, and you’ll know what I’m trying to say. His understanding of the audience is remarkable.” Beyond cinema Hamsalekha rates Rahman as the only Indian music director who is capable of thinking on a “broad scale”. He looks beyond the world of cinema, he said, and hence we find him collaborating with national players, global instrumentalists, theatre persons, the ad world and a range of people. “His work is music plus technology plus marketing sense. Rahman has taken India to global heights; it feels like each of us has won the award.” http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/13/stories/2009011359240300.htm
