Killing them softly... Deepa Natarajan "I shouldnt do something to disappoint the audience as well as myself" A R Rahman
His silence speaks volumes, and his peaceful smile can melt millions of hearts. But everyone knows music maestro Allah Rakha Rahman is known for more than that. With soulful notes that strike a magical chord with the audience, time and again, it wouldnt be incorrect to say that whatever he touches, turns into gold. The Oscar-winner took time out in between a shoot to speak to Metrolife. The Oscar frenzy is yet to die down with the entire world wanting for more of the man. So, what does he think of his journey so far? He thinks a lot and smiles, The progress has been good, but very strange actually. He treasures the National Award he won for Roja as much as the Academy Award. It was an honour to win the National Award for my first film itself, he says. But winning an Oscar feels nice too as it was the first film I got nominated for. One thing that the genius is careful about, is to not disappoint his fans. I am very careful about not doing things, he smiles and adds, Because I shouldnt do something to disappoint the audience, as well as myself. I want to satisfy myself as an artist. Currently, the man is working on the music of three films Mani Ratnams Ravana, Shankars Enthiran (Robot) and Anthony DSouzas Blue. The music of these films will be similar to what I have been doing all these years, is all he says. How does he feel about Jai Ho making its way to the Billboards. It was planned because we wanted to keep the Slumdog fever going. Thats why the Pussy Cat Dolls was chosen for it, he replies. One cant help but ask him about his experience of working with Kylie Minogue in Blue. Kylie is like a child, he says. She is very sweet. I actually wanted to make her sing in Hindi but I fell ill at that point of time. He adds, That song was recorded just a day after the BAFTAs. The soft-spoken man has had a close association with Bangalore. I get so angry when people perform here and dont come to Chennai, he jokes. Is he referring to any artiste in particular? No, I am just joking, he laughs. But there is a great creative vibe here. He recollects the time he performed in the City. I played here only once, under very strange circumstance, with the rain falling over a crowd of thousands. So when do the fans in Bangalore get to see him perform again? Oh, very soon, he pauses, and laughs mischievously, Once the recession is over. But he assures that he will perform in the City soon. Its been a long journey for Rahman. Ask him to recollect one memorable moment, he thinks about his pilgrimage to Ajmer Sharief, It was more awkward actually. It was supposed to be a secret visit with family, but the moment I got down there, I got a shock seeing hundreds of people, he says. And finally, which album of his, has been the closest to his heart? He answers softly, Roja. http://deccanherald.com/Content/Mar182009/metro-wed20090317124607.asp
