http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/sydney-goes-to-bollywood-to-see-indian-idol/2010/01/15/1263058358330.html
IT HAS been five years since Vish Viswanathan saw the Bollywood megastar A.R.
Rahman perform one of his legendary shows in Sydney. But tonight the wait will
finally be over when the composer of theSlumdog Millionaire soundtrack takes
centre stage in Parramatta Park as part of the Sydney Festival.
"I'm definitely looking forward to the concert … He is probably one of the
great composers of the 21st century. We're going to get the best out of all of
his music," Mr Viswanathan said.
Mr Viswanathan is the president of the Federation of Australian Indian
Associations, and met the superstar during his 2005 tour..
"It was very unique, it was very humble. He came across as a very humble person
for his achievements and he was fascinated very much to go to the new places,"
Mr Viswanathan said.
"When he looked at the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge he was like a child
with a new toy. It gave me a lot of pleasure that I met someone who is very
humble for his age and for his achievements."
On Thursday Mr Viswanathan met the Bollywood idol again, presenting him with a
framed memento of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
"It was wonderful meeting him [again]. He recollected [who I was] and then he
signed an autograph for me."
Mr Viswanathan says the concert comes at an important time for Australia and
India.
"We're going to get an effect of harmony, community harmony, which is very much
needed in the [recent] tension between India and Australia," he said.
A friend of Mr Viswanathan, Neera Srivastava, says Rahman's concert will mix
both Indian and Western music.
"We would think that this concert is going to generate enough interest from the
Western people as well. We really look forward to seeing many Australians at
the concert as well to see what the Bollywood music is all about," she said.
Festival organisers are warning that large crowds are expected.
SHOWTIME
The event is free.
Gates will open at noon, show time 7..30pm.
Music videos will continue after the concert.
Concert goers are asked to take public transport.
No BYO alcohol.
For full details of the event go to www.sydneyfestival.
org.au/rahman.
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