http://news.chennaionline.com/newsitem.aspx?NEWSID=e7c5b37f-07df-4822-87e0-28c3c03d16ed&CATEGORYNAME=CHN
Chennai, Feb 23 : People of Chennai broke into celebrations today as its prodigy and music maestro Allah Rakkha Rahman made history becoming the first Indian to receive twin Oscars with his musical score in 'Slumdog Millionaire.' Celebrations erupted in many parts of the city including Kodambakkam, home of Tamil film celebrities, where the 'Mozart of Madras' resides. As local FM networks went gaga with his top scores, Rahman's joyous fans, especially students, celebrated the feat by cutting cakes, distributing sweets, bursting crackers and dancing in parts of the city. Rahman's family members and his fans cut a huge cake right in the middle of the street opposite his house in Kodambakkam and burst crackers. Students of several city colleges also joined the party by distributing sweets while the film fraternity, including leading singers, hailed his achievement. Similar scenes of celebrations were witnessed at the house of Rahman's sister A R Rehana in nearby Virugambakkam. "We were just waiting for his name to be announced. I was praying to God at that time," an elated Rehana told PTI. "I always wanted him to talk in Tamil after receiving the award and that is the way he spoke; I am happy about it," an overwhelmed Rehana said. Rehana said formal celebrations would be planned after Rahman's return from the US in consultation with his managers, team and fans. Students from various colleges and schools also joined in the celebrations. In the Loyola college, students came out on the streets and distributed sweets. More than 200 students of Everwin Matriculation school wearing Rahman masks expressed their joy in front of a huge cut-out of the Oscar winner. Tamil film personalities, including veteran director K Balachander, screen icon Kamal Haasan and noted playback singer S P Balasubramanium, have lauded Rahman for his feat. In Porayar in Nagapattinam district, thousands of Tsunami victims, who prayed for Rahman's success remembering the healing touch he brought about in their lives in the aftermath of the tragedy, erupted in joy and burst crackers. After Tsunami had struck the region, Rahman made a public appearance in July 2005 at Kottucherrymedu village near Karaikal and spent nearly 10 hours there, enthralling tsunami survivors with his music. Meanwhile, leaders of the state praised the musician for his achievement. "Now, we have proved our merit at international level in the film industry. This historic achievement is a matter of great pride for India and every Indian", Governor Surjit Singh Barnala said. - Agencies
