Rahman makes India proud by earning Oscar nominations
22 Jan 2009, 2000 hrs IST, PTI
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BEVERLY HILLS: After becoming the first Indian to win the Golden Globe,
music maestro Allah Rakha Rahman added yet another feather in his cap blazing
a new trail getting a triple Oscar nomination in two categories, an
unprecedented feat for any Indian.
The 43-year-old music wizard, nicknamed 'Mozart of Madras', who has
enthralled audience in the country and abroad with his heartwarming
symphonies finally got his due recognition on the international stage with
his composition in the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
Rahman, born in Chennai on January 6, 1966, was nominated in the Best
Original Score and Best Original Song categories for two of his compositions
-- 'Jai Ho' and 'O Saya'.
Born as a Hindu, he changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman from S Dileep
Kumar after his family converted to Islam in 1970s.
The music genius first came to limelight with his music for a Bombay Dyeing
ad in 1980s which became very popular.
In 1992, he was approached by film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score
and soundtrack for his Tamil film 'Roja'.
The music of the film was a refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill
renditions and gave Rahman his maiden Best Music Director trophy at the
National Film Awards, the first time ever by a debutante film composer.
Rahman entered the Hindi film industry with 'Rangeela', directed by Ram
Gopal Varma. The music of the film became a rage and the genius continued to
give some brilliant compositions for films such as 'Bombay', 'Dil Se',
'Taal', 'Lagaan' and 'Rang De Basanti', among others.
What made Rahman's music click with the listeners was the refreshing use of
percussions, sound and melody, most of which were inspired from the Indian
folk music.
His 1998 superhit composition 'Chaiyya Chaiyya', which was deeply rooted in
Sufi mysticism, became a rage among Indians and is still considered one of
the best compositions of the musician.
Rahman gradually became a known face on the international platform and in
1999 he performed with king of pop, Michael Jackson in Munich for 'Michael
Jackson and Friends Concert'.
In 2002, he gave the music for his maiden stage production 'Bombay Dreams'
directed by legendary musical theater composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Rahman's music was also a hit from London's 'West End' to New York's
'Broadway'.
In 2004, with Finnish folk music band 'Varttina', he composed the music for
'The Lord of the Rings' theater production.
Rahman's composition 'Jai Ho' for British director Danny Boyle's 'Slumdog
Millionaire', earned him the Critics Choice Award for Best Composer in 2008
and the Golden Globe in the category of Best Original Score.
A four-time National Award winner, Rahman was honoured with the Padma Shri
and received six awards at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, besides 11
awards for his scores at the Filmfare and Filmfare Awards South each.
In 2006, he received an honourary award from Stanford University for his
contributions to global music. In 1995, he also received the Mauritius
National Award and a Malaysian Award.
The music director, who is known for his humble demeanor, gave a new
definition to patriotism with his modern rendition of 'Vande Mataram'. His
latest tract 'Jiya Se Jiya' is another attempt to send the message of peace
and love through music.
In 2008, he scored soundtracks for 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na,' 'Yuvvraaj,'
'Ghajini,' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' and will continue to rule million
hearts with his music for the upcoming films such as 'Dilli 6' and 'Blue'
Sujatha sreenivasan
On 1/22/09, Vithur <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Mumbai, Jan 22: The success story of 'Slumdog Millionaire' certainly did
> not end with 'Golden Globe' as the historic Danny Boyle flick on Thursday
> bagged ten Oscar nominations.
>
> With India's
> music<http://www.zeenews.com/entertainment/movies-theatre/2009-01-22/500835news.html#>maestro
> AR Rahman bagging three Oscar nominations for original song and
> original score, it was a proud moment for India, and looks like the nation
> is already singing it's way to the Oscar glory.
>
> Slumdog Millionaire – an English film based on Mumbai slums has made the
> world go gaga over its unique story line and treatment.
>
> The Indian film industry jeered with warmth and happiness over the
> astounding number of Oscar nominations.
>
> Overwhelmed and ecstatic over his nomination, the music idol AR Rahman, in
> a interview to a news channel said, "I did not think it will get there, it's
> unbelievable. God has been really kind. And I have to really thank the
> prayers of all the people and their good wishes."
>
> Here's how Bollywood rejoices the historic success of Rahman and the movie-
> 'Slumdog Millionaire':
>
> Shivmani (percussionist): "O my God! I am very happy. It is a very
> beautiful moment. AR Rehman deserves it and I am very happy. It is a tribute
> to team work."
>
> Associated with Ramham from past thirty years, Shivmani added that "Rahman
> gives a lot of room to new comers and his nomination will bridge the gap
> between Bollywood and Hollywood."
>
> Frieda Pinto (lead actress): "When we were making the film, we knew that it
> was a special film but we could not imagine that this could happen. I have a
> crazy feeling. She added that "to be back in Bombay and ten nominations-I am
> surprised and excited. It is a historical day and I am so excited. We are
> going for the premier and all are screaming with joy."
>
> Ila Arun (singer): I am a part of Rahman's success, he is so humble and
> down to earth, it's amazing.
>
> Loveleen Tandon (co-director): "We have proved everyone wrong. It's a crazy
> feeling beyond words. Ten nominations is something unbelievable."
>
> Irfaan Khan (actor): "I can't wait to see Danny Boyle's face!"
>
> Talking about the success of Slumdog Millionaire, Irrfan said that when he
> was offered the movie, he wanted to work with Danny Boyle and knew it was
> going to be special. However, its great success was unpredictable.
>
> Javed Akhtar (lyricist): "I congratulate Danny Boyle, ten Oscar nominations
> is not an easy task. Rahman's nomination for three Oscars is a lottery."
>
> Nida Fazli (lyricist): "As an Indian, it's a matter of great pride when an
> Indian is recognized. AR Rahman deserves the Oscars."
>
>
> http://www.zeenews.com/entertainment/movies-theatre/2009-01-22/500835news.html
> --
> regards,
> Vithur
>
>
>
>
>
