24. A.R.Rahman Dance of Divinity There was a time when if you really wanted to know what an instrument or a style of contemporary Indian music sounded like, all you needed to do was to refer to an AR Rahman melody. The shy computer engineer aspirant, took to music out of an obligation to the family. But duty bred true genius and the man single-handedly put melody and soul back into Bollywood music. Mani Ratnam's find traveled north to Mumbai and put Hindi cinema on the world map. Loosely balanced between world music, folk and fused Indian rhythms and making it a brilliant harmony to hum, Rahman's music cuts convention, crescendo levels and becomes a classic anthem, including our national anthem and song. But the humble Rahman won't take full credit. "I don't think I'm hot, but I'm very happy with the way India has accepted me. They actually love my music, which is the best compliment you can give any musician. Thank you Blender," he says. The man now also endorses Indian contemporary bands with a deal he's signed with Phat Phish Records.
Blender, November 2008
