Source - http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4178852.cms?prtpage=1
Rahman's win a great National pride, recognition for Indian music talent, Accolades pour in from people across walks of life Veteran actor, Kamal Hassan,who has worked with AR Rahman in Tenali and Indian said, "I am proud of him. This was long overdue and there was a long gap between Oscar wins for India. But the wins today will keep the momentum going. The film was shot sensibly, with a lot of equi-poise. On whether Rahman seemed nervous before the awards, kamal said, "rahman is a cool guy and nervousness is not a major part of his psyche. He is only particular about quality. On his message for Rahman, he said, "way to go, but remember to come back." Renowned singer Yesudas recalled his association with Rahman's father Sekhar, who was a composer for the Malayalam film industry. "Shekhar was a great friend, music director. Rahman proves that silence is the greatest that anyone can achieve. So, I want to tell the younger generation to not just follow Rahman but his efforts as well." Director Rajiv menon, who has worked with him in "Sapney" and "Kandukondain Kandukondain" said, "Its great that he won these awards by composing Indian commercial film music and not for a Western musical score. One also needs to appreciate the humility of the man. People might get opportunities, or get lucky, but one needs to be able to handle it." Top actor Surya said, "Like Rahman would say, I can only say Insha Allah for Rahman's win. Look at his humility. The whole world is talking about him, but he said "Ellam Puhazh Iraivanukke" ( all fame goes to God) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, who is convalescing at a private hospital said, " Isai ( Music) in Tamil means Puhazh ( fame). True to this, today, Rahman, born in Chennai, has blossomed and reached the pinnacle and earned a place in the heart of entire artists community in the world. It is a great honour for our son" Further, The CM said, " By winning the Oscars he has brought laurels to Tamil language, six crore people of Tamil Nadu and also to one billion people living across the country. I consider the awards are gems in his crown" Tamil Nadu assembly on Monday unanimously congratulated Rahman for winning two Oscars in recognition of his best music performance in 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Soon after the question hour session, Speaker Avudaiappan read out the congratulatory message saying it was the first time an Indian, especially a person from Tamil Nadu getting the world's most prestigious award. Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu, who along with Rahman got national awards in their respective fields for Mani Ratnam-directed "Roja" and "Kannathil Muthamittlal", said the Oscar Awards given an early age of an artist will be useful for his future. "An award given at old age is the one given to the past and an award given at a young age is the one given to the future," Vairamuthu said. He said though Rahman has a "good" sense of humour he never took efforts to make it public. "He loves poetry and music like anything in life. He never diverts his attention. He always loves music," he said. Arvind Swamy, who was the Hero in the " Roja" Movie said, " The whole world is excited by Rahman winning the two Oscar awards. Though I had quit films 10 years ago ( He now heads, Talent Maximus, a staff services firm), the famous song in the Roja film, tuned by Rahman still rings in my ears and very close to my heart". He said , "Rahman will be more visible now in the world. His music works are privy to the people in Tamil Nadu and India. With Oscar awards, we can see lot more collaborations between him and international film fraternity. The awards are a great recognition for the Indian music talent. This will earn more respect for our music and lead to more international collaborations". Veteran Music Director, M S Viswanathan told ET, " I am very happy to know that Rahman has won the awards. He won them for his talent. It gives me piece of mind. It is a great honour for Tamil Nadu". Gangai Amaran, brother of music maestro Ilayaraja and an all rounder in Kollywood said, "There have been geniuses in Tamil cinema before, and the Oscar has been the elusive apple of their eyes, only because they didn't know the right route to showcase their creations in the international arena. Rahman, the boy who grew up in our houses and studios, has managed to achieve that. We are proud!" On Ilayaraja's music, he said, "My brother owns the music he creates. There is his mark in his music and he wears it proudly on his chest. But, Rahman calls his music God's music, and seems the Oscars prefer God's creations to man's!" "That is the beauty of it. Kamal Hassan has been trying for the Oscars since the early nineties. And here's a hardworking boy, who creates music that he credits to God, and does not expect awards. He is the one who eventually receives the highest recognition in the music world." On the music score of SM, "The music is Indian, with a western touch with it, whereas my brother's Thiruvasagam was a western score to Indian poetry. It's because of the of SM's Indian identity that it won this recognition in the country as well as internationally." Veteran carnatic singer turned playback artist Bombay Jayashree said, "I remember when I won the film fare awards and couldn't believe myself. Now, this young man surpasses it all with a stupendous achivement, which is going to spur all the young musicians out there to go up to the world and say `We Can!'."
