[Michael Jackson falls for A R Rahman] Michael Jackson
falls for A R Rahman
Indo-Asian News Service Thursday, February 26, 2009 5:22 PM (Chennai)
India's double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman dedicated his awards to the
younger generation as he returned home to a hero's welcome, with ace
drummer Sivamani and his troupe providing a pulsating backdrop, and a
large crowd of thousands dancing to the chant of Jai ho.
The awards, Rahman hoped, would change fans' approach towards Indian
music and his career
<http://music.ndtv.com/music_story.aspx?id=ENTEN20090084917&type=MUSICIN\
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"It's a starting point in my career and will indeed make a difference in
fans' approach towards good music," said Rahmanat the Anna International
Air
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golden statuettes for Slumdog Millionaire for Best Original Score and
Best Original Song for Jai Ho.
"I am completely overwhelmed, touched, with the kind of reception I
got... it is great to be back," he added.
With a broad smile, Rahman exuded love
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"My award's message was said clearly in my acceptance speech. 'In my
life, I always had a choice between love and hate and I chose love.'
That is my philosophy in life and in music," Rahman said.
"I chose to live a life overriding differences between people, states,
language and religion. My fans should do the same. Hollywood stars
Michael Jackson and Penelope Cruz liked this attitude and told me its
inherent love affected them deeply," Rahman said.
As fans congregated outside his home in the southwestern suburb of
Kodambakkam, Rahman was keen to ensure that neighbours were not
disturbed in the dead of night.
"Thank you for coming, but I will not disturb you so early. We will meet
again. Remember we are in the early hours. I'm tired after a long
journey, have to work in the morning and my children have to go to
school," Rahman told applauding fans.
Also present at the airport to welcome the composer were state
Information Minister Paruthi Ilamvazhuthi and offbeat actor R.
Parthiban. The minister led a delegation from the state government's
protocol department and gave the music
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While Sivamani's troupe performed, a little away was another team from
Kerala playing traditional music to herald the return of the hero.
Commenting on his win, Rahman said: "When I won the second Oscar, I
wanted to give a bigger message. We have a choice for love and hate for
everything whether religion, caste, language - it is to choose love over
hate whether in music or the philosophy of life.
"All the actors and directors in Hollywood loved the statement. Michael
Jackson liked it too. It is not the highest point in my career, but it
is a starting point of making a lot of difference.
"I hope my award inspires others as well," said Rahman.
Rahman will be felicitated March 1 by the Cine Musicians' Union,
according to the body's press statement.
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who will be discharged from hospital on
March 1, may briefly attend the fete - not only in his official capacity
but also as the elder statesman of the Tamil film industry
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