Oh Chennai! To say that I love this city would be an understatement. In
fact, not many people know that it was from Chennai that my career in
films [image:
Javed Akhtar] <javascript:openslideshow('/slideshow/3560368.cms')>
<javascript:openslideshow('/slideshow/3560368.cms')>
Javed
Akhtar<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/My_career_began_from_Chennai/articleshow/3560172.cms#>.
(TOI Photo)
took off.
You could say my film career's mahurat shot was taken in Kodambakkam for the
movie Aaj Ki Baat in the year 1965. Even now, my Chennai connections are
strong. Besides, AR Rahman lives here!
Change and rootedness: Time was when by 9.30 pm, Chennai would down its
shutters and call it a day. These days, well after midnight, the city's
buzzing with life and traffic. I understand there's an active nightlife
here. I do not lament the old way making way for new. After all, change is
the essence of life. Branching out is vital if we are to keep in tune with
time. As long as it's branching out to embrace new ideas and new
philosophies without letting go of your roots, I think it's a sign of
progress.
When I wrote for Jodhaa Akbar, I had to get into the mindset of a king.
Similarly, I had to think from a farmer's worldview when I penned the lyrics
for
Lagaan<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/My_career_began_from_Chennai/articleshow/3560172.cms#>,
and I had to look at the world from a youngster's perspective when I worked
on the lyrics of Dil Chahta Hai. You have to shed your straitjacket if you
want to be relevant.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/My_career_began_from_Chennai/articleshow/3560172.cms
--
regards,
Vithur
ARR in my Heart;
His Music in my Blood;
