http://www.india-forums.com/tellybuzz/article.asp?id=1635
The name A.R.Rahman needs no introduction. The man, who redefined contemporary Indian music, is the pride of the entire nation and an idol for millions all over the world needs no preamble. On his 42nd Birthday, here are few of the singers who have worked with him closely paying tribute to this great man. For Rahman, music is not just a profession but 'a spiritual experience'. He has built up a repertoire of scintillating scores and has become a national icon. He is also arguably the most well known Indian composer of popular music internationally. Mahalaxmi Iyer: I always consider him a one man army in today's scenario. Here is a man who composes the entire scores for a film, he designs the sound, composes the melody and even at times sings the songs. He knows technology in and out but he never looses the feel of the song or music thus making sure to keep the soul of the song intact. Working with him is so much pleasure as he gives lot of freedom for creativity. He himself is a very spontaneous artist and expects the same from ones who work with him. All I can say is he is a wonderful Music Director but more than that he is a wonderful human being. I wish him the best on his Birthday. Naresh Iyer: As a music director I think he just creates magic. He has that capacity and magic to extract the best out of you. You yourself will never get to know that you are capable of such heights. All the time he would be giving you confidence and never let you down even when you may find you are unable to sing some scores perfectly. While working with him you will realize that he becomes your guide, friend and what not. The comfort zone is wonderful. I would say it's a wonderful learning experience working with him. It's nothing but learning and learning. May we get to see him for years and years to come giving us such soulful music! Sweta Pundit: What do I say about Rahman Saab! When I was growing and wanted to get into singing or take music as profession he has been the greatest inspiration. I have grown up listening to his music. I still remember during my board exams before leaving for the exam I would always listen to his music. They used to soothe me a lot, free me from all the tension. And when I started interacting with him on Mission Ustaad I told him that his music really has the healing power. I truly feel blessed that I got to come across and interact with a person like him. He is one of the finest human being I have met in my life. Rahman is one of the most humble, modest, shy, low profile, unassuming, self-affacing, devout and down-to-earth person. A man of few words he believes in letting his work do all the talking. The man has given immense pleasure to millions of music lovers world-wide with his compositions, music that brings a cheer to one's face and helps in forgetting one's troubles. On his 42nd Birth Year we wish him many more musical years and pray may he give us more and more such soul stirring music. -- regards, Vithur A.R.RAHMAN - THE ABODE OF DIVINE MUSIC
