Rahman & the burden of expectations 11 May 2009, 0000 hrs IST, AMIT
DURGAPAL, TNN
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The word ‘achievement’ begins with the alphabet A. So does the name of A
R Rahman. And, the connection between the two seems to have been
decided [image:
A R Rahman]<javascript:openslideshownew('/slideshow/4505636.cms?imw=460','541')>
<javascript:openslideshownew('/slideshow/4505636.cms?imw=460','541')>
A R Rahman More Pics<http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4181678.cms>
by divine destiny.
After having started out as a keyboardist who got that magical break in Roja
way back in 1992, Rahman’s musical
journey<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywood/Rahman--the-burden-of-expectations/articleshow/4505631.cms#>has
explored every corner of the universe. From the South, his sounds
travelled to the North. From India, his music caught the imagination of the
likes of Andrew Lloyd
Webber<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywood/Rahman--the-burden-of-expectations/articleshow/4505631.cms#>.
Then, when he worked with the filmmaker Danny Boyle in Slumdog Millionaire,
he ended up winning almost every award, including two Academy triumphs.
Achievement. Allah Rakha Rahman. Academy awards. Three A’s came together.
During his Pune visit, we ask the genius if his twin win is just the
beginning. He says modestly, “It’s once in a
lifetime<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywood/Rahman--the-burden-of-expectations/articleshow/4505631.cms#>.
It might happen again, it might not. Slumdog Millionaire was an excursion
for me. I never expected to win an Oscar for it. It depends on the film, the
vibe and the subject.”
Does he feel stifled by the burden of expectations? Composed as ever, he
says, “The burden of expectations has always been upon me, whether at the
regional, national or international front. For me, everybody is important.
While there are certain elements that might be repeated, the creative
element is the scariest aspect of composition. Even while giving one’s
creative best, there is always a fear lurking whether the
music<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywood/Rahman--the-burden-of-expectations/articleshow/4505631.cms#>would
be appreciated or not.”
Now that he has stepped into the global arena, is he experiencing any
changes? The maestro answers, “Nothing has changed. Since the time I started
composing, I felt that my music should go international. I work very hard on
my music, that’s the reason I do one film in six months.” That’s also the
reason why his music defies mediocrity. And, that explains how many of his
films have made an impact on the
box-office<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywood/Rahman--the-burden-of-expectations/articleshow/4505631.cms#>and
beyond.
How does he ensure longevity for his music? “You have to take great care to
do that. The audience always wants to listen to the best, and one has to
deliver to their expectations. Sometimes the music works, sometimes not, but
the effort and the intention is the same.”
Every music director has his own approach to creativity. What path does ARR
adopt? “It’s more of a mental preparation. When I hear a story, it goes into
my system, and I can’t take it out of me. That’s the reason I avoid meeting
people; it then becomes difficult to say no,” he smiles.
Talking about the current music in the Indian film industry, he says, “A lot
of good things are happening, but I miss the mastery over classical music in
the compositions. The concerted effort of directors and the whole team to
give good
cinema<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywood/Rahman--the-burden-of-expectations/articleshow/4505631.cms#>is
indeed praiseworthy.” We all know that a true genius is humility
personified. That, for you, is ARR.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywood/Rahman--the-burden-of-expectations/articleshow/4505631.cms
--
regards,
Vithur
