Dear Rahmaniacs, Here is the continuation to the last week's write up on the INterview of A.R. Raihana wih Thumba Raja on FM 91.9 ( Aaha FM ) yesterday. This is the concluding part of the Interview.
Thumba Raja has been associated as an Instrument Player for the past 14 years with ARR, and is a good friend of our Guru. Thumba Raja started by saying that there has been no change in ARR's behaviour, and he has been the same , as he was before 14 years. Even an office Boy of ARR would never be forgotten by ARR. His sentiment levels are high. He always remembers his relatives, who passed away because of some ailments or otherwise. He used to tell Thumba Raja that he wanted different types of sounds from Instruments. For eg. in the Table, the "Na" sound and the " Ta" sound in the Dolak should not be heard, for they are the common sounds which are heard otherwise. ARR always used to tell that regular sounds should not be heard in the Instrument. ARR always has a habit of doing Big research, like a Scientist. Always wanting something new. Although the outcome of a bit would be less, the recording time taken would be high. Will take time for experimenting with mikes, by keeping it here and there, for getting the right output. Once, Thumba bought a new instrument called " Duf" ( Village Type ) . He kept it in the terrace of ARR's house , for warming up during the day, but forgot to take it in the night, and the instrument became cool, and started giving different type of sounds. But ARR wanted that sound, which was quite different from what it was supposed to give, and the same instrument with that same vibration was used in the song " KUCHI KUCHI RAKKAMMA " ( Bombay ) - ( That initial beat - instrument ) . There is another instrument called ' Dhumak " which is played by Thumba Raja . For a track in Pudhiya Mugam - Song " Bhakti Paadal Padattuma", Bongos ( Instrument ) was used in 2 tracks. This sort of Latin American style was introduced by ARR. For the song in Thiruda Thiruda, he wanted something new, and an instrument was played upside down for that song ( Thee Thee. Thakida Thakida ) . The Thakida Thakida Jerry was given by Thumba Raja, and much to the surprise of himself , he found his name in the CD cover, as Jerry Raja. Hard Disk Recording started at that time, unlike spool recording which was followed before. ARR ALWAYS GIVES CREDITS TO HIS MUSISCIANS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO HIS MUSIC. FOR EG. THUMBA RAJA'S NAME WAS PRINTED IN THE CDs OF THIRUDA THIRUDA, FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE Jerries. This is because, ARR has always felt bad, when he was not given credit for his efforts by other Music Directors, for whom he had worked before. Wherever ARR goes, he woud always search for newwer instruments. His albums would be always different , and there would be a lot of things happening which can be experienced upon repetitive hearing. THUMBA RAJAS 'S PLUS POINTS AND PRAISES FOR ARR 1. Devotion to God 2. Sinceriety - 3. Perseverance towards learning an Instrument 4. His Sleeplessness. I hope You all will enjoy reading this. Will try to jot down points for next week Interview as well. LONG LIVE ARR -- regards, Vithur A.R.RAHMAN - THE GOD OF MUSIC
