I like Aashiq banaya aapne
While some may criticise Himesh Reshammiyas style of composing, A R Rahman
tells Deepali
Dhingra that he actually likes some of his music
There are many ways to describe AR Rahman hugely successful, genius,
modest, low profile.
Add to that list a great sense of humour! The music maestro, who turned 40
yesterday, has
recently showcased his first ever English rendition Pray for me brother, to
create awareness
about poverty in the world.
What is the idea behind the song Pray for me brother?
The song is an anti-poverty anthem written by Blaze and me. I have sung the
song. Today,
the whole world is looking at India in terms of growth and development. But
its also a fact
that in a country where we have some of the richest people, there are farmers
who are forced to
commit suicide because of poverty. This song is a starting point from my side.
You have had a very successful musical career so far. Whats the one thing that
you have learnt
in these years?
I think the one thing that keeps re-instating itself is being true to
yourself. Theres a
conscience within everyone and if one is in equilibrium with ones conscience,
thats what
counts.
You crossed an important milestone of your life when you turned 40 on January
6. Do you think
age has anything to do with turning towards the immaterial?
Strangely, my whole youth was spent with people who were in their 40s. I
started working
when I was around 14 -15 years old. I think if youre an artist, youre born
with a soft heart.
There has to be something beyond money that has to attract you.
As a music composer, you have been hugely successful but dont you think you
have not exploited
your full potential as a singer?
I agree. As a singer, I got acceptance with Vande Mataram. Guru is probably
the first time
I have done a romantic duet, something I have been trying to avoid.... (laughs).
Gurus music is being appreciated by everyone. Why is it that when you pair up
with Mani
Ratnam, the audience always expects a great score?
I think it works two ways. People look forward to the music so there is
pressure on us to
deliver. Secondly, there is a certain chemistry between Mani Ratnam and me
which plays a great
role.
Among the current crop of music composers, whose music do you listen to?
There are loads of young composers who have the spark in them. Shankar,
Ehsaan and Loys
music is great. Vishal Shekhars stuff and Kailash Shekhars music is good.
Even some of Himesh
Reshammiyas stuff is good, although some people say his style is repetitive. I
like the song
Aashiq Banaya Aapne.
You have always maintained a low profile. Any particular reason?
One reason is that I live far away (smiles). Second, its better to put my
energies into my
work rather than just talking about it.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arrahmanfans/351283762/
Thanks to Karthik for the tip-off
