FM Rainbow Interview – Part 3
Director Bhagyaraj : Salutations Mr. Rahman. I am Bhagayraj here. Through the sensational song " Taxi Taxi", even a two year old baby has been relating that song with my son Shantanu, and I thank you for doing the same. Cine songs in Tamil have been based on our Ragas from historic times, In between the trend changed to light music sort off music. Then Illayaraja Sir came and he changed it to folk type with western touch here and there. Then you came and you have come with a 70 to 80% modern feel of music. You have achieved Universality in your music, and has made it reach the world altogether. Nowadays, catchy songs with Rap styles and others have become dearer to people, irrespective of the lyrics. Even if there are some Gamakams in the song, people consider it as an old style song. I want to know as to what the future is for Music. You have seen all forms of Music, and this is my personal doubt and I would be glad if you can clear my doubts and let me know your thoughts. AR :- What you are saying is right. Thanks for your question. I feel that music is a reflection of each type of society. There was a type in the 60s, 70s and now. India is a young nation. Based on one song from a particular movie, we cant segregate the society on a stand alone basis. Side by Side, if you see, during the month of December, there is a Carnatic festival going on, and International Tamilians across the world come and participate in the same. A lot of foreigners come, and there is a development that's going on in the Classical side of music too. So, we cant say that all that has gone, and people are listening only to Film Music. In the same way, even small boys learn Hindustani Music. They haven't left the culture and are practicing the same. Cinema is one thing for which music can be done as per the makers. For a fast paced thriller, we cant have a small Carnatic raga bit ( ARR hums it ). Yes, we can put it, but the screenplay must be accordingly done. You know better. One thing which I accept is that modernity is coming in, but side by side , we have the Classical part also. In my school, I have kept Western Classical and Indian Classical and want to coach them in both. There are more than 100 students, and almost all are youngsters, and they have lot of interest to learn. They want to learn and set the foundation right. They want their foundation to be laid well, a strong foundation. Know the rules and break it later. Then they can do anything with the same. That's what is my feeling. I may be right or wrong. You decide. -- regards, Vithur
