A.R. Rahman: from Slumdog to Millionaire The Oscar-nominated Indian composer has multi-cultural influences, aspirations Nupur Behera *Issue date:* 2/3/09 *Section:* Entertainment<http://media.www.highlandernews.org/news/2009/02/03/Entertainment/>
- Print<http://media.www.highlandernews.org/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=b47f9f72-b2e6-4468-989a-45bba6e2f82f> - Email<http://media.www.highlandernews.org/home/index.cfm?event=displayEmailArticleForm&uStory_id=b47f9f72-b2e6-4468-989a-45bba6e2f82f> - Article Tools<http://media.www.highlandernews.org/media/storage/paper1400/news/2009/02/03/Entertainment/A.r-Rahman.From.Slumdog.To.Millionaire-3610281.shtml#cp_article_tools> - Page *1* of 1 Those familiar with Bollywood know the name A.R. Rahman. One of the most famous musicians and composers in India, Rahman has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making him one of the top selling recording artists to date. His "world music" reflects his own culture with traces of African and Asian influences to truly create a global sound. Rahman's long standing work in Bollywood film soundtracks has taken a new turn as Rahman travels West with the 2008 release of "Slumdog Millionare". Comparable to the movie, Rahman's past is also a rags to riches tale. From renting out musical equipment at the age of nine to make ends meet to becoming one of the world's most sought after musicians, one can see that Rahman's story and heritage shaped his music. A.R. Rahman, born Allah Rakha Rahman, started making music at a young age as a source of income in the poverty ridden streets of Madras when his father died. He then decided to hit the road to support his family with several of India's renowned artists as a keyboardist. After studying music in Oxford, Rahman started writing jingles for radio and TV which got him a gig as a music director for the movie "Roja" .This brought him nationwide acclaim as a composer as "Roja" was named one of TIME magazine's top 10 soundtracks in the world. More movie deals started rolling in as Rahman made the transition from South Indian movies to Bollywood. He spent a span of 16 years working on a wide array of projects from musicals such as Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Bombay Dreams" to collaborating with artists and filmmakers worldwide. Rahman's music is a taste of many genres and styles all fitting together perfectly to captivate ears worldwide. Though Rahman's Tamil roots are always seen through his music with his rhythmic tablas and windy pan flutes, his mix of Western vocals and Broadway style orchestras brings a fresh new sound into his songs. While some songs are reggae influenced and others geared towards Asian sounds, each of his soundtracks feed off the theme of the film. With the "Slumdog Millionaire" soundtrack, Rahman was asked to create a mix of modern and old India music. Mixing 80s Hindi film tracks and collaborating with M.I.A., he prepared the score over two months and finished it in two weeks. He claims "The soundtrack isn't about India or Indian culture. The story could happen anywhere: China, Brazil, anywhere." This is what explains his approach to this worldly style of music. Mixing many ends of music, Rahman is now truly part of the world music family. With a fresh Golden Globe in his pocket, Rahman is now up for Best Original Score at the upcoming Oscars along with two nominations in the Best Original Song category with "O Saya" and "Jai Ho". http://media.www.highlandernews.org/media/storage/paper1400/news/2009/02/03/Entertainment/A.r-Rahman.From.Slumdog.To.Millionaire-3610281.shtml -- regards, Vithur
