I was listening to Jana Gana Mana today and I must say that the production by
Rahman is really peerless. While each artist brings his/ her own distinctive
style and instrument to their version, the beauty is what Rahman produces in
the background. There is a subtle difference in each version, making sure that
even the background instrumentation varies. He uses snatches of voices here,
percussion there, veena elsewhere... he tweaks, manipulates, extrapolates and
mixes with such perfection that each version is an absolute treat to listen to.
For example, he uses a kind of light muted bell kind of percussion in the
Bhupen Hazarika version, which isn't used elsewhere. He adds voices in
snatches, to add a richness to the versions. He never demeans the main
performer. His work is just below the surface, complementing the lead perfectly.
If anyone ever wanted to know what it means to produce an album, I don't think
any other album can explain it any more clearly. The song is not written by
Rahman, it is not composed by him, he hasn't sung it (except in the group
version) or played the lead instrument. But his contribution is felt in every
piece, setting a lovely mood to the album. That, according to me, is a flawless
production! If anyone asks me if I am willing to listen to 20+ versions of our
national anthem, I would not hesitate one second to say yes! Rahman never
ceases to impress and overwhelm. I hope me listening to this with my ear
phones, sitting comfortably is not treason and an insult to our Anthem!
