A R Rahman is overwhelmed!
15 Jan 2009, 0000 hrs IST, MARK MANUEL , TNN
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Text:
Barack Obama might have been easier to get on the phone, because he's
already done with celebrating his election to the White House.
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AR Rahman (TOI Photo) More
Pics<http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3494782.cms>
Not A R Rahman, notoriously a shy and retiring person when working for
Bollywood in Mumbai, but now the toast of LA after Sunday's success at the
Golden Globes. Since then, the music composer has been wildy celebrating his
award for Best Original Score in Slumdog Millionaire — the first Golden
Globe for an Indian in the award's 66-year history. I finally caught him on
Tuesday at
1.30 am — his time, when Rahman had just returned to his hotel from an LA
critics' party.
"They felt the award was well deserved," the usually reticent Rahman said of
his American critics, "and that the film was different from stuff normally
done here. It's given enjoyment to audiences everywhere."
That Slumdog is different from, well, mainstream Bollywood there is no
doubt. But music wise? "The music's not constant in the film — like what I
do for Bollywood, you know, the comedy, the fight scenes, the suspense and
everything else in addition to the songs, but rather it's the highpoint of
Slumdog," Rahman explained.
"There was lesser work, more quality, and it was well defined. Danny Boyle
likes effects and not too much music. The whole film contributed towards how
the audience noticed the music, how they felt the impact of the music. So,
in a way, this had nothing to do with the award being the first Golden Globe
for an Indian... because it was a collective team effort. The film and music
complement each other. The music was therefore more impactful.
Often I've made beautiful music but it's not matched the film..." When he
accepted Slumdog, Rahman naturally did not know whether it would turn out to
be a good or bad film, but he knew of Boyle. And the fact that the renowned
British director wanted the Indian music composer because he respected his
work, mattered. Rahman is not easily impressed by people, because he
believes music is individualistic, and he would rather do good work with
people who are passionate and push the boundaries... than be influenced by
anybody. "I loved working with Danny," said Rahman. "He lived here while
shooting and really experienced India. There's so much joy and spirit in the
man's work. It wasn't just a 30-day shoot, then pack-up and goodbye. Each
time Danny had to go back, he had difficulty in parting, he has such genuine
love for India."
I asked what were his feelings at the Beverly Hilton in the moment after the
nominations for Best Original Score were announced and before the winner of
the Golden Globe was declared. "I tried to be cool," Rahman admitted. "I
knew that Slumdog would get some award, perhaps for Danny, because the
previous night the film had already got the critics' award. But at the press
conference to launch the music video, I had bravely said that I would get
the Golden Globe for India, and then suffered sleepless nights. And now...
the tension was building up. But when my name was announced, I was hugely
relieved, I also felt a lot of joy...
I felt great, I think. Though seconds earlier, I felt the burden of a
Tendulkar or Dhoni at a World Cup match... it really felt that way."
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--
regards,
Vithur
