Perhaps after R.D.Burman, A.R.Rahman is the only Indian composer who has managed to get such a huge fan following, including those from the film fraternity. Such is his popularity that there are many (seniors) who would try to compare him with the late Burman-da. That itself speaks volumes about his capabilities.
Long back in the nineties, people used to buy a quality walkman (Aiwa and Sony were considered super quality) just so that they could enjoy Rahman’s song; his recordings were as good as international recordings.
Since then the brand A.R.Rahman has grown much bigger, and he’s an international star today (post his Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire) who devotes his time to Hollywood, Bollywood and even Tamil films.
He’s one of the very few Indian musicians who has a great understanding of western music and performs on a musical instrument as well; you can find several live concerts where he’s performed on the piano.
AR Rahman inspires Hollywood and International artistes
Academy award winner Indian composer AR Rahman (also known as the Mozart of Madras) has inspired several Hollywood and international artistes. He has also collaborated with many of them and has also composed for foreign films like 127 Hours, People Like Us and Muhammad: Messenger of God.
In India, Rahman is considered a legend, and his music has ruled both Bollywood as well regional cinema cinema. And now, his music inspires international music artistes as well.
The Theme of Bombay
The haunting instrumental from Mani Ratnma directed Bombay has not only won hearts in India, but has also impressed Hollywood. Rahman’s original Bombay Theme has been used by several International artistes.
Other Popular Songs
Selena Gomez wants to sing for Rahman
American singer and actress Selena Gomez wants to sing with Academy Award winner AR Rahman, says she is extremely impressed with the composer’s work.
“I like AR Rahman’s work. I would love to sing or be part of his compositions. I think it would be beautiful to sing for [a] Bollywood [movie],” said Selena.
Taylor Swift’s Favourite Musician is AR Rahman
Taylor Swift may not be a big star (yet), but her talents are already known to the world. In the last few years she has won several Grammys and has multi-platinum albums already under her belt. She’s now gradually turning her attention to the big screen as well.
One thing that her fans may not know is that she’s quite fond of India, including Indian music. And guess what? Here favorite musician is non-other than our AR Rahman (the Mozart of Chennai).
“I have heard a lot about AR Rahman. I think he is a fantastic musician. His music touches the soul. I would love to hear him live in performance once,” says the American star.
So if she’s already a big fan of Rahman, I guess, she knows about Bollywood as well. So does she find it exciting? Any project in the future?
“Yes, I have heard about Bollywood. Indian cinema has a lot of music and dance, which excites me. I think Indians share a big passion for song and dance in the movies, which I love. It is a great way of connecting with the audience. I am not sure about acting since I don’t speak Hindi. But I would love to sing for a Bollywood movie,” says the Valentine’s Day (2010) actor.
Besides, music and acting, she loves to travel!
“I have heard a lot about the Taj Mahal, Kashmir, Delhi, and South India. I like historic monuments. They depict so much about a particular culture. I haven’t tried any Indian cuisine, but I have heard it is very spicy but tasty. I would love to taste some great Indian food.” Taylor shares.
Bonus Fact: She has two cats, one named Meredith Grey and the other named Olivia Benson. Both are named after TV characters in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “SVU,” respectively.
Rahman Shares His Thoughts
Here are excerpts from his interview that was covered on FirstPost.
Subhash K Jha: You are rarely able to do Bollywood scores these days. How do you manage to turn down Mumbai producers politely?
AR Rahman: (laughs) It’s tough, very tough. But at this juncture of my career, I only want to do the music that motivates me to work harder. Otherwise you lose your audience. The relationship becomes like an old boring marriage.
What do you mean?
It’s very important for me to not get bored with the work that I’m doing. That’s why after doing a series of epic/period films, I did something young like the song Khalifa in Lekar Hum Deewana Dil. After that I’ve only said yes to Shekhar Kapoor’s Paani and Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha. And I’ve also said yes to Rhea Kapoor, Anil Kapoor’s daughter’s film. That’s about it for now.
Are you tired of the epic scores?
Not at all. I love doing them. So much detailing and labour goes into them. Every epic score is an elaborate experience. On a personal level, it is also very enlightening for me to visit a particular era. While doing the music for a period film, I discover a whole new culture.
Do you enjoy rediscovering a culture as you create a music score?
Immensely. But at the same time, it is also important to find an emotional connect with the filmmaker that I work with.
Are you happy with the treatment of your songs on screen?
Well, a lot of my very good songs in films like Rang De Basanti and Delhi 6 were used as soundtracks in the background. They were not used as lip-sync. So the reach of those songs was just 30 or 40 percent of what it was meant to be. Songs that are sung by major stars on screen get played in clubs and on radio. They make a psychological impact on the audiences’ mind. One reason why I want to do music in young stories is because these films allow their actors to sing on screen.
How do you manage your time between India and abroad?
It’s tough. When I’ve a project abroad, it takes me a month or a month and a half to take care of it. I go with the flow, basically. Thankfully, communication is far easier today than it was when I started out with my international career. I can be connected to and from any part of the world.
What international assignments have you done lately?
I’ve completed two assignments, Million Dollar Arm and The Hundred Foot Journey. Both were very satisfying experiences. The working methods abroad are entirely different from home. Fortunately, I am given the liberty to do purely international sounds abroad. I don’t have to use Indian instruments.
But you do miss your family when you’re abroad?
It is a sacrifice. I am missing out on my children growing up. But sometimes I do take my children abroad with me when they have school vacations. But they can’t accompany me everywhere. It’s not possible to wrench them away from their lives and ask them to join me wherever I am.
Do you miss having time to just relax?
That’s one of the advantages of being abroad. You don’t get mobbed on the roads. People leave you alone even if they recognize you. I can take long walks without being disturbed. All those things that I miss doing at home, I am able to do when I am abroad.
You are now 47 . How do you manage to sound so young in your music?
Because when I was actually very young I didn’t get a chance to feel young. As a child, I spent so much time with musicians who were 40-plus, chewing paan and discussing classical styles. I felt like one of them as a child. Today I feel younger than I did when I was actually young.
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