http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2009/a-r-rahman-ilayaraja-030309.html According to Rahman, "The music has some impact in the movie and the Americans start smiling when they hear it."
He also commented that he wondered a few years back why Indian talent, albeit great, such as Ilayaraja, MSV, Naushad and others were not recognised at the Oscars. However he also said that they do not require such an award. "But, God was seeing all this and so selected me to collect the award (this time)." Urging websites not to compare between musicians like Ilayaraja and himself, Rahman said, "music–lovers should stop making such comments and using abusive languages." Heaping laurels on Rahman, maestro Ilayaraja said that there are only a few who possess immense talent and go on to make it big. Rahman is a phenomenal musician. He added, "If MSV is Athara Sruthi, me and Rahman are Panchamams." He added that Rahman has made every Tamilian proud by winning two Oscars in one year. On his part, veteran director K Balachander, who had first introduced Rahman in his home production Roja, directed by Maniratnam remarked, "Rahman is a rare genius. When other music composers make castles with their music, Rahman builds monuments'. Earlier veteran music composers M S Viswanathan, producer A V M Saravanan and playback singer S Janaki spoke on the occassion. Ilayaraja presented Rahman with a golden chain while popular director Harris Jayaraj presented a golden ring to the Mozart of Madras. The function was hosted by by S A Rajkumar and Abu Gabriel of the musicians trust. Among those who took part included Shankar Ganesh, Deva, Srikanth Deva, Yuvanshankar Raja, Karthik Raja, Vijay Anthony, D Imman, T M Soundararajan, L R Eswari, Karthi, Chinmayi, Thippu, Chitra, Swarnalatha, Mano and drummer Shivamani. http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2009/a-r-rahman-ilayaraja-030309.html -- regards, Vithur
