I love performing in Chennai: Rahman

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Music maestro A.R. Rahman regaled audiences with a retrospective of his filmic repertoire at the Times Of India Changing Notes concert in Chennai, a city he says he 'enjoys performing' in.

'There was of course, the usual chaos before a concert over here. I love performing in Chennai. That's where my roots are,' Rahman told IANS by phone from Chennai.

The Sunday event was organised to mark the launch of the Times of India's Chennai edition.

'Basically, we chose to perform my film songs. That seemed to be the need of the hour. It was a rather special occasion. Besides me, there was my full orchestra, plus singers like Chitra,' he added.

Apart from music, the 41-year-old music composer gives priority to his children and tries to spend as much time as possible with them.

'My life has always been a journey. When I was in my 20s, I went through the most turbulent and hectic time of my life. Now I spend as much time as possible with my children Khatija, Rahima and Amin.

'My studio in Chennai is bang opposite my house, so they spend a lot of time with me. All they've to do is cross the road and they're with me,' said Rehman, whose recent hit compositions include songs from 'Guru' and 'Jodhaa Akbar'.