January 15, 2009
I, for some weird sentimental reason, never ask the name of the movie
I am singing for. I eventually find it. And yes, I have missed a lot
of work like that.
I think its something that started off with Kannathil Muthamittal. I
did not dare ask the name. I was just too plain damn scared to say or
ask anything to either Rahman sir or Mani sir. I was seeing my dream
play out and the person I had worshipped all through was right in
front of me teaching me how to sing. And anyway, at that time, I had
no clue whether I would ever find my name in print on the cassette.
And I do not ask voluntarily, unless I find the name of the movie on
the lyric sheet. Or I somehow guess. And now that I work with Aahaa
FM, sometimes, I get to see the Audio CD before it hits the market.
And This is the one thing that took me completely by surprise. I had
no clue I had sung in the Delhi 6. I had no recollection either. And
have been waiting to hear the song to figure out what this song was,
ever since last week when people started wishing me the best. And some
sent me the links where the track listing was given. That I did not
remember an Ash King did not help either.
But as soon as the song opened bells of recognition pealed. I have
sung only about 3 lines in the song. And I did not expect to see my
name on the CD at all.
Ash King, (I don't think that was how he introduced himself then) is
an Indian but not from here; perhaps from London. That is if my memory
serves me right. I saw the utmost patience with which Rahman sir got
him to sing. So much encouragement ... and I really wonder where he
sources his zillion tonnes of patience. AK was probably singing Hindi
for the first time. I remember being awestruck during that session.
Always words of praise and encouragement.
Every recording session is not just learning a song that has never
been sung. Its a life lesson. More so at Rahman sir's studio. There is
so much to learn. You realize there is so much evolving to do after
every visit.
One can never cease to be part an experience that will always be
nurturing, humbling and divine. Every time you sing. At His studio.
P.S.: This is wishing for you, that may you have enough opportunities
that will give you immense joy and a sense of......... like when you
close your eyes and your face is illuminated by the flicker of a
beautiful smile. May you have enough things cross your path that make
you smile to yourself and light up your days. There will be times that
you will feel like hugging the entire Universe. Make sure you identify
it. Revel in it. May your work adore you and may you adore the work
you do. May you be loved. Totally. Completely. By the entire Universe.
Thathaastu.
