AR Rahman: The master in his element
26 Jun 2008, 0010 hrs IST, Manigandan KR,TNN
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AR Rahman. (TOI Photo)More
Pics<http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2925741.cms>
When it comes to composing
music<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/AR_Rahman_The_master_in_his_element/articleshow/3163982.cms#>or
being modest, not many can match A R Rahman.
The Mozart of Madras on Tuesday proved why he continues to be loved by one
and all even after almost 16 years after he first burst into the music scene
with Roja.
Receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement
Award<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/AR_Rahman_The_master_in_his_element/articleshow/3163982.cms#>from
Rtn. Indra Subramanyam, president of the Rotary club of Madras, the
music director, in his typical inimitable style, said," Ella pugallum
Irraivanuuke." (To God be all glory!) after saying, "It's an honour to
receive this award. However, I still think that nothing has happened. I am
like a slate that is yet to be written. There is so much to be done, not
only in music but also for humanitarian causes."
The award was conferred on the music director, by the Rotary club of Madras
which sought to salute "the consummate composer who makes music the language
of the heart and the soul".
Rahman was posed a few questions on the occasion to which he replied in his
trademark style. Needless to say, his brief replies were laced with wit.
When asked what kind of research he did to recreate the effect for period
films like Jodhaa Akbar, he said," We did a lot of research for Jodhaa Akbar
and finally did not use anything we found."
It required a carefully- worded question to corner the musician, someone in
the audience asked, " In addition to God (We know that you will attribute
your success to God), what is the source of inspiration that gives you
melodies?"
Rahman replied," There are two things I follow. When I know that I'm
confident, I know I'm wrong. When I'm insecure and when I feel I'm going to
be humiliated, that is when something special comes up."
When asked to name a few of
songs<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/AR_Rahman_The_master_in_his_element/articleshow/3163982.cms#>he
wished he had composed, the director initially tried to sidestep the
question, but then responded," I would love to do something on the space
that is there on the music of the 60s."
Disclosing what he preferred to listen to, the music director said, "I like
Carpenters and old songs. Songs of Kannadasan, M S Viswanathan-Ramamurthy, K
B Mahadevan and P Susheela are good. I like listening to Hemanth, Mandolin
Srinivas and Kishore."
When pointed out that he had already reached the peak and that there was
nothing left to conquer, the ace
musician<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/AR_Rahman_The_master_in_his_element/articleshow/3163982.cms#>said,
"I don't think benchmarks should be set. So much more has to be
achieved. That is why I have started my music school."
When asked what he would like to teach his children, he replied, "I think
their mom is a better teacher." And finally, when asked what he would like
to teach Saira, he shot back,"She is teaching me."
The taste of music
Rang De
Basanti<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/AR_Rahman_The_master_in_his_element/articleshow/3163982.cms#>was
good but not good enough to beat Maah Tujhe Salaam. Thiruda Thiruda
was
much better than Rangeela. However, it was Zubaidaa which won the honours
hands down on Tuesday at the Taj Connemara, where a function to felicitate
musical genius A R Rahman was organised.And boy, were they all delicious!
For those of you who still haven't been able to comprehend what we are
talking about, Rang De Basanti, Maah Tujhe Salaam, Thiruda Thiruda and
Rangeela were the names of delicacies and dishes served to the dignitaries
who attended the function organized by the Rotary club of Madras. While the
Shahjahani badam ka shorba soup was called Jodha Akbar, the salad bar with
dressings was called Satrangi re... and the main course comprised Maa Tujhe
Salaam... (Tiranga Mirch Aur Paneer Jalfrezi), Rang De Basanti (Zaffrani
Khumbh, Mutter Aur Makai), Kuchi Kuchi Rakkama... ( Kathrikai Rasvangi),
Thiruda Thiruda (Kaikari Kothmali Korma) and Ahe Udi Udi... ( Urlai Vepudu).
The Lucknow Dum Biryani with Burhani Raita was called Zubeida and steamed
rice was known as Sathiya. Dal Panchmela was called Rangeela while assorted
Indian breads were called Lagaan!
In the dessert section, Chum Chum was called Chaiya Chaiya and finally,
Chocolate Desire was aptly named Chinna Chinna Aasai..., reminding us the
fact that the song continues to be one of the sweetest songs ever made.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/AR_Rahman_The_master_in_his_element/articleshow/3163982.cms
