Rahman dreams of fusion music October 25th, 2009
Hyderabad Oct. 24: Oscar winner A.R. Rahman dreams about developing a unique Indian music stream, the Indian Symphony, fusing classical and Western music with the latest advances in technology. “Fusion music is the buzz word now and we have to adapt to the latest trends by incorporating the best of what we have and Western music with a technological touch, to remain as top-notchers,” he says. Rahman is in the city for a fund-raising concert to help flood victims. In a tête-à-tête with this correspondent over lunch, Rahman, who gave a new meaning to modern Indian music, points out that he has been implementing this novel concept in his music school, which he started in Chennai last year. “Indian music, Western music and technology, this should be our mantra.” His busy schedule notwithstanding (he arrived late on Friday after he missed his afternoon flight), Rahman spent about 70 minutes with a select group of guests, relishing Hyderabadi Nawabi dishes including nalli gosht, koftas, kababs, ghost biryani, dhall fry and plain naan. He politely refused when a chef offered him fried prawns. “Your food is a bit spicy, but I like it. I used to eat lots of prawns and crabs but of late I have stopped in order to keep myself fit.” Asked whether he has turned a veggie, Rahman smilingly said he tried it some time ago for three months, but gave it up when he became weak! “I need lot of stamina and I get it from non-veg supplements.” The guests included the GMR Airports chairman, Mr Kiran Kumar Grandhi, the GMR urban infra and highways chief, Mr Srinivas Bommidala, the Jet Airways area manager, Mr Ashok Kumar, and representatives from a couple of media houses. Rahman exchanged views on a variety of subjects including cricket, music, family values, environment, philanthropy, floods, tsunami, security, his concerts in India and abroad and corporate responsibility. Clad in a light aqua blue tunic, Rahman answered questions with ease. Attributing his success to his quick adaptation to changing trends, he said music buffs like music that combines all streams of vocal and instrumental music. “My dream is to develop the Indian symphony and I focus on teaching this concept to my students. A dozen leading foreign and Indian music faculty is involved in teaching 130 students at the music school,” Rahman says. Rahman attributes his success to divine grace and the support of his fans. Environmentally conscious, he plans to shift his music school to a sprawling 40-acre campus at Red Hills in Chennai, where he will implement the “green building” concept — everything will be eco-friendly from drawing underground water to electrification. “I am planning some concerts on climate change,” he says. A globe-trotter Rahman has visited half a dozen countries since he last visited Hyderabad on October 12. “I do not get jet-lag, but I need a day’s rest after a long commute. But my wife is tired and says she can’t globe-trot any more.” He goes to bed at 5 in the morning and wakes up at 1.00 pm to start a fresh day. “I am used to these freak timings,” he said. Soon after lunch, Rahman rushed to the GMR arena, where he performed a music show later in the evening. The police made strict security arrangements and the roads leading to the airport were jam-packed with his fans and music lovers. Courtesy - http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/rahman-dreams-fusion-music-776 Thanks & Regards Michael
