(From Chennai Times supplement of TOI, Chennai Edition dated 20th April 2008)
(Can be accessed from http://epaper.timesofindia.com)
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And all the kings men... We profile singers and musicians who, along with
Rahman, will make tonight a night to remember
HARIHARAN
If he showcased Carnatic versatility in the rendition of unforgettable golden
numbers such as Tamizha Tamizha (Roja) and Uyire (Bombay), he is equally at
ease shaking a leg with co-singers on stage while singing numbers like
Telephone Manipol (Indian). An established ghazal singer, he is Rahman's
trouble shooter and has helped out the musician churn out several hits. His
Colonial Cousins with Leslie Lewis became a hit across the country. Hariharan
has also acted in a film titled Power of Women with Khusboo.
SHANKER MAHADEVAN
The gamakams that Shanker tries out brilliantly before crooning the words
Kaveri Karaiyil in Va r a a g a N a d i k a r a i O r u m (Sangamam) is just
one example of his magnificent voice. Famous for the album Breathless, Shanker
has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood as a music director (of
Shanker-Ehsaan-Loy fame). Interestingly, Rahman used Shanker Mahadevan instead
of the eternal favourite SPB for Rajinikanth's introduction song in Baba.
SIVAMANI
If Rahman was the coach of the Indian cricket team with his singers as
players, then Sivamani would definitely be Dhoni! The highlight of any Rahman
show will be the 'tani avartanam' of this swashbuckling percussionist. Son of
percussionist SM Anandan, Sivamani began drumming at the age of seven! He plays
several instruments that include drums and kanjira. Eternally game for fun on
stage, Sivamani is a sure crowdpuller, wherever he goes.
BLAAZE (RAJESH RAMAN)
A recent addition to R a h m a n ' s uncanny ability to spot talents, Blaaze
stormed the Tamil music scene with the
'Baba - Hey that's me' rap. Rahman seems to have fallen in love with rap so
much that almost all albums in recent times features Blaaze, whose latest
rendition of The Boss has caught the fancy of Rajini fans. Blaaze, whose real
name is Rajesh Raman, writes most of the lyrics himself.
SADHANA SARGAM
A talented classical musician, Sadhana is one of the few singers successful in
both classical and light music fields. She has won several awards throughout
her career including the Indian National Award for best female playback singer
in 2002 for the Tamil song Pattu Solli from the movie Azhagi, composed by
Ilayaraja. Her all time favourites include Pehla Nasha from Jo Jeeta Wohi
Sikandar, Chupke Se from Saathiya, Saat Samunder Paar from Vishwatma, and
Snehidhane from Alaipayuthey, which is the original version of Chupke Se in
Tamil.
MADHUSHREE
Madhushree, a familiar voice in A. R. Rahman's compositions, hails from a m u
s i c a l ly inclined family. She has been trained in classsical music and
sings in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil. She has then gone on to sing songs in films
like, Aayitha Ezhuthu, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Anbe Aaruyire and Kuch Naa Kaho, and her
most recent ones include AR Rahman's Guru,and Rang De
Basanti. Her song Vaaji Vaaji
in Sivaji has become a big hit.
JAVED ALI
Javed Ali, who has been singing in Hindi movies from 2000, shot to fame
recently when he sang the song Jashn-E-Bahaara from the movie Jodhaa Akbar,
whose music is directed by A R Rahman. Javed is a student of the famous Ghazal
singer Ghulam Ali who not only guided him but also gave him a chance to sing.
He also sang the Punjabi-based track Nagaada Nagaada from the movie Jab We Met
along with Sonu Nigam.
NARESH IYER
He marked his debut with a melodious song (Mayilirage) in a movie that had
good songs but never took off musically. But, the song that catapulted him to
fame was the mellifluous Munbe Va in which he matched Shreya Ghosal's notes
perfectly. Shattering the myth that he could sing only 'soft' numbers was his
rendition of the Carnatic number Innisiai Alapedaiye from Varalaaru. His songs
Roobaroo and Paatshala from Rang De Basanti have topped the charts for many
months.
MOHAMMED ASLAM
Even as Kollywood pundits were fiercely debating about the pros and cons of
remixing old s o n g s, M o h a m m e d Aslam's energy in the Ponmagal Vanthal
remix surprised many. A relative newcomer to Tamil music, the manner in which
he credits even the original composer is refreshing.
Cheers,
Aravind
http://arrahmaniac.blogspot.com
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