http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/a-r-rahman-wont-do-another-slumdog-for-the-west_100250044.html
A R Rahman Won’t Do Another Slumdog For The West
By Subhash K Jha
The “formula’ works equally effectively across the cultural divide. If in
Bollywood Rahman was expected to do a series of Rukmani rukmani after Roja,
in the West they want more Jai ho from this composing genius after Slumdog
Millionaire.
But Rahman in his own quiet way is determined to not pander to western
expectations.
He made it very clear to the people behind his first full-fledged Hollywood
film that he’d compose exactly what he thought to be the most apt music for
the show.
Says Rahman, “Couples Retreat will have music that suits an American
rom-com. There is no real Indian sound in it. But yes, there will be a touch
of Indianess in the sound. Otherwise what is the point of bringing me into
the picture?”
Apparently there were numerous brainstorming sessions during which the sound
of Slumdog Millionaire kept cropping up repeatedly.
Rahman gently, but firmly steered the music away from the expected.
Chuckles the wizard of all composing things; “There’s no point in doing
something I’ve already done. I’ve reached a stage where I’ve to do new
things. There’re so many avenues to be explored. So Couples Retreat will be
their (read: American) kind of music with my touch, done in my way.”
Secretly Rahman agrees with those of his admirers and fans who feel Slumdog
Millionaire is not among his best work. Says a source, “He has done far
superior work in films like Lagaan, Dil Se, Roja, Zubeida and the
forthcoming Raavan and Blue. Friends keep telling him that. Slumdog was done
in a hurry. In about 20 days flat. Rahman feels he could’ve done a lot
better. He now wants the West to see some of his best.” Rahman is looking at
Couples Retreat as his real launch into the West.
