Oscars 2009: Musical wishes for Rahman's big night As A.R. Rahman soars to new heights internationally, the whole of India is waiting with bated breath, hoping he bags the Oscars that he has been nominated for. Rahman has been nominated for Best Musical Score to the internationally acclaimed Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire as well as for Best Original Song for Jai Ho and O Saya.
We spoke to his peers, some of whom have even worked with the maestro, and asked them to share with us their thoughts on Rahman. Prasoon Joshi (Lyricist): I am very happy to see Rahman get the recognition he deserves. He is one of the few musicians who has his own style. The most amazing thing about Rahman is that he never stops thinking. He comes up with new ideas every time. He has worked very hard to get where he is today. I wish not just Rahman but the whole team of Slumdog Millionaire the best of luck for the Oscars - especially those kids. Rekha Bharadwaj (Singer): I was waiting to work with Rahman for a very long time and I finally got the opportunity when I did the song Genda phool and Aarti for Delhi-6. And you can hear how melodious those songs are. Rahman is someone who has worked hard from his childhood. He has never stopped learning. He told me that every time he works with someone new or does a show, he learns something. I guess that is why he is so successful today. We should all be proud of him. After legends like Rafi and Kishore Kumar, we have Rahman. I wish Rahman and the entire cast of Slumdog Millionaire the best of luck and warm regards. I have watched the film and it's not just the music and the story but everything from the screenplay to the direction that is outstanding. Bappi Lahiri (Composer): Rahman ke bare mein kya bolega, jitna bolo utna kum hai. I wish Rahman all the best. After winning at the Golden Globes, I want him to win the Oscars and make India proud. Rahman is Rahman. No one can compete with him. Richa Sharma (Singer): He deserves this. Now, the world will come to know that there is one more Kohinoor diamond in India. They can't ignore that we are the best. I have worked with Rahman during Taal and I sang the song Ni Main Samajh Gayi. He taught me that punctuality and originality is very important. Just being nominated is a big thing. If he wins we will be even more proud of him. Aditya Narayan (Singer): Rahman sir is so senior to me that I don't even think I worthy of commenting on his music or wishing him. I just wish him all the best. I first worked with him on Taal, which was one of his best efforts I guess. Kailash Kher (Singer): I wish the whole cast and crew of Slumdog the best of luck. I hope they win many Oscars, especially Rahman. I have worked with him recently on Delhi-6. As a person, he strives to be the best. He is very particular when it comes to his work. He knows that what the audience will like which is just amazing. I know he will win the Oscars. Shreya Ghosal (Singer): I have worked with many music directors but Rahman is just so original. He has his own style. There are no words to describe him. I can only say that he rocks. I also think that Delhi-6's music is better than Slumdog's. With each project he gets better. My best regards are with Rahman for the Oscars. Vishal (Composer): We all see Rahman as our inspiration because we have learnt a lot from him. I guess he is the first musician whose music is loved worldwide. And I'm not just talking about the Oscars. I have attend some of his shows in States and have seen the crowd that came to listen his music- people from all nationalities. And I wish Slumdog's entire team the best of luck for the Oscars.
