Harmonium was Rahman's constant companion, even during honeymoon

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (IANS) As the country rejoices at A.R. Rahman's double Oscar win, his brother-in-law and namesake Rahman says it is the reward for the maestro's life-long commitment to music.

Rahman, who acts in films, told reporters here that a harmonium was his brother-in-laws's constant companion even during his honeymoon.

'We were told that in the middle of the night he was sitting in the next room and playing a harmonium in Kodaikanal where he had gone for his honeymoon. Such was his dedication,' Rahman said.

Meanwhile singers from Kerala also expressed their happiness at Rahman's double triumph.

Singer Unni Krishnan, who first sang in a film for Rahman, said: 'I had a chance meeting with Rahman at director Rajiv Menon's home. I met a totally unassuming person who only wanted to speak about music.

'I said even though I am a singer I am yet to see a state of the art recording studio and asked him if I could come and see his studio to which he instantly agreed,' said Krishnan.

'And nothing happened for some time and one day I get a call from Rahman asking me to sing the song 'Ena Avale' in the Tamil film 'Kadhalan' in 1994.'

State Culture Minister M.A. Baby said the Kerala government will honour both Rahman and Resul Pookutty.

'These awards will inspire all those who dream of a career in the film industry especially because both are young. We are all so happy because of this recognition that the two have got,' said Baby.