A.R.Rahman (Fan Club) - Page 20

Interview with A. R. Rahman

A.R.Rahman is a living legend. He never considers himself to be a genius. But, actually he is a super-genius.It takes time to actually meet him. So, we might get a different impression of him, before meeting him. But, once we go and meet him, we can understand him.

If we meet him and know him, we will start feeling that "we are nothing. Why should we lead a false life? Why cant we be true, like him." Even if our assistant says something to us, we wont feel like "who is he to tell me".

His popularity which started in Tamilnadu, has now spread throughout the world.
For his Lord of the Rings play, a very famous singer who is touted as "Chinese Madonna" came down for recording, to ARR's studio in Subbaraya Nagar, Chennai. Music recording for Hollywood movies have been done here. Times have changed. People used to go to Hollywood to compose for tamil movies - but now, music for hollywood movies are composed here! This also shows the technological advancement... Hollywood is not something great...Rahman shows us that even we can reach that standard!

The new studio that he has set up in Chennai is definitely up to hollywood standards. The re-recording for my movie NEW was done at Autograph Studio, London. This new ARR studio is better than Autograph studio in terms of technology and quality. It is God's boon to me that I get to work with him.

For Ah Aah, he composed all songs in Kodaikkanal. We got the lyrics ready for Varugirai Thodugirai before Rahman started composing. He generally likes composing for pre-written lyrics. Even for "Sakkarai Inikkira Sakkarai" from NEW, the lyrics were written first by Vali and then Rahman composed the tune. Rahman changed few words in those lyrics to suit the tune. This shows his command over tamil language. The changes/additions he makes to lyrics are very sweet and poetic. These are all just a few examples of his brilliance. I sometimes wonder, why I shouldn't ask him to pen the lyrics for a song!

Tamil consists of 3 basic elements - literature, music and acting. Though Rahman is an expert at the first two, he is very bad the the last one.. Yes.. This man can't act. He always portrays his true self.

If we dont like a tune that he has composed, we need not hesitate or think too much - we can just speak to him openly about this. He'll say "okay. i'll try"... But, if he is very confident about the tune, he'll say "no.. we'll go with this.. this will work"... And, that one will definitely become a super-hit!
The best example for this is "thottal poo malarum" song. Something really interesting happened...

SHOT 1

There are quite a few interesting incidents behind the making of the song "Thottal Poo malarum" from NEW. One day, I told A.R.Rahman, "Can you do a remix of a old tamil song for NEW?". He had never done a remix, so he told me that will not do a remix.
I requested him, "Sir, please… Lets remix the song "Pesuvadhu Kiliyaa". If you do a remix, that'll be great". He wasn't convinced. But, I did not give up. "Sir, think of it this way. If you remix that song, you will receive the blessings of lyricist Kannadasan (One of the all-time-best lyricists in Tamil) from up above!", I tried convincing him.
At one stage, unable to stand my pestering (!!!), he had tried it out. But according to him, it did not come out that well! But since I kept forcing him, he said, "Ok… I'll do ..But not this song… Shall I try "thottaal poo malarum". But, I will change the tune"
I hesitated a bit… I thought, "Aha!! The tune of the original song is good.. It would be nice if he changes only the rhythm. But he wants to change the tune itself!!" Rahman understood what I was thinking and immediately said, "I make good tunes, Surya!!!"
"Ooops… Sir, Don't mistake me!! Oh…My God!!!", I retreated… Rahman started laughing!!!
Then he asked me, "When does your shooting finish?". I told him it was at 1:30 am.. He asked me to come to his studio at 2:30 am.
--cut--

SHOT 2

I reach there at 2:30 am after the shooting to find the CD ready there, waiting for me! He had gone off to sleep just 5 minutes back, asking the people there to give the CD to me when I reach there! I get back to my car and played the CD. I was spell bound! I immediately realized that entire Tamilnadu is going to be spellbound over this song!
I called up choreographer Brinda, cinematographer Guhan and art-director Anand right away and asked them to come over to AVM Studios. Sincere persons that they are, they reached AVM by 3:00 am. I opened the doors of my car and played the song in high volume. They were enthralled! Their reaction to this song was same as that of mine!

Left AVM at around 4:15… Was so excited that I was in no mood to go home and sleep. So, I roamed all over Chennai in my car, listening to this song again and again. I reached home only at 6:00 am. I send a message to A.R.Rahman - "Hats off to you genius". That would have definitely brought a smile on his face!
--cut—

SHOT 3

There is one small similarity between both of us (I am happy to say thatthere is some similarity between me and the genius). Both of us are nocturnal creatures! Both of us like working in the nights.
The way he composes tunes is a beauty in itself. It is like a tapas. Unlike other music directors, he does not compose music, surrounded by people. Whoever be the director, he gets the "situation" for the song and composes the tune all alone. Will anyone do a tapas in the midst of a crowd?
You all will be surprised if you know how World's No.1 composer sleeps. For that, lets move to the next shot!
--cut—

SHOT 4

Once I had taken my brother-in-law along to ARR's studio for a recording. Work was going on till 4 am. Then Rahman came to me and said, "I feel very tired. I will sleep now, wake up at 6 and finish the work". Then he went off to sleep.
I came out, woke up my brother-in-law, who was sleeping in the visitor's area. "You want to see how Rahman sir sleeps?", I asked him and escorted him inside. We stealthily opened the door and went inside. There was "Isai Puyal" – sleeping in a corner of the singers' cabin - on the floor, even without a pillow – just like how people sleep on the "Thinnai" in villages.
My brother-in-law was shocked. "Such a "big" personality… sleeping like this… I am so surprised", he exclaimed. The fact that he was going to wake up at 6 am and continue his work was yet another surprise. Lots of such surprises surround the man!
One thing that Rahman does not like – flattery. Suppose we start praising him in front of him. He will tolerate it for about a minute. Then he will try to change the topic of discussion. Then, he will try to avoid us. If u still continue praising him, he will run away from the place!!!
--cut—

SHOT 5

God creates humans using flesh and blood. But for mothers, he just fills up with LOVE. I have got a loving and caring mom, Anandam. Similarly Rahman sir has also got a great mom - Kareena! Very spiritual person. She has unlimited devotion towards Allah.

The audio cassettes of NEW were released by both our moms. That was a memorable moment.
When Rahman has finished composing for a movie, the first copy does not go to the producer or the director. He give it to his mother. She goes to the mosque, offers the CD to God, prays and then returns it to Rahman. Be it Lagaan or whichever "big" movie it may be, the first CD always reaches his mom. Who else in the world, apart from a mother, would wish more for the success of a son? Very good character… A great woman.
There is a cupboard in Rahman's house. Since biggies like Ram Gopal Verma, Shankar, Mani Ratnam spend their nights working at their place, his mom makes snacks and delicacies (like murukku, seedai) and fills the cupboards with them. We do our work, munching these tasty delicacies. Some jolly moments!!!

Leaving Celebrity Status Behind

MINA, 12 January 2006 — From a non-believer to a worshipper; from polytheist to monotheist; from Dileep Kumar to Allah Rakha Rahman, the famous music wizard has come a long way. This journey, he says, has completely changed his outlook toward life.

Rahman is well-known in India. He revolutionized Bollywood music, giving it a new direction. But in Mina, the man was spiritually charged, relaxing in his camp after Isha prayers, remarkably very far from the rhythm of success.

He said that in India's film world, people change Muslim names to Hindu ones to get success but, "in my case it was just the opposite from Dileep Kumar to Allah Rakha Rahman — and I'm very proud of it."

Rahman's music is everywhere: in discotheques, in malls, at wedding parties, on satellite channels, in taxis. He is a celebrity in his own right. His face adorns the cover of every album he cuts. Autograph hunters hound him wherever he goes. A couple of companies have tried to lure him into product endorsements, but he refused, preferring to distance himself from the glare and the sometimes self-indulgent afterglow of fame.

Such was his attitude when Arab News met him yesterday in Mina after a hunt of five hours that had started just after Maghreb prayers.

Once a practitioner of idolatry, Rahman now talks about Islam like a scholar. He winced as he spoke about the ignorance of some Muslims and the divisions among them on trivial issues.

Rahman, who has come to perform his second Haj with his mother, utilized every bit of his stay in Mina, Arafat and Madinah in prayer and remembrance of God to "cleanse the inner self."

He said Islam is a religion of peace, love, coexistence, tolerance and modernity. But due to the behavior of a few of us, it's labeled as an intolerant orthodoxy. He says that the image of Islam is being tarnished by a small group of people and that Muslims must come forward to present before the world the correct picture of their divine faith.

"The enormity of their ignorance of the Islamic history and its code of conduct is mind-boggling. We should be united in fighting these elements for the cause of Islam," he said.

"Muslims should go to lengths to follow the basics, which say 'be kind to your neighbors, keep smiling when you meet others, pray and do charity.' We should serve humanity. We should not show hostility toward others, even to the followers of other faiths. This is what Islam stands for. We should present before the world a model through our behavior, nature and presentation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never used his sword to spread Islam; rather he spread the religion through his virtues, behavior, tolerance and righteousness. And this is what is needed to change today's distorted image of Islam."

Talking about his Haj, Rahman said, "Allah made it very easy for us. And up until now, I have enjoyed every bit of my stay in the holy land and I pray to Allah to accept my pilgrimage."

For him, the stoning ritual is a physical exercise that symbolizes internal struggle: "It means the defeat of temptation and killing the devil inside ourselves."

"I would like to tell you that this year I got the most precious gift on my birthday, Jan. 6. Allah gave me the opportunity to confine myself inside the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah and pray all through the day. Nothing could match this experience and that too on my birthday; I am extremely delighted and thankful to Allah," he said.

Rahman said that prayers release his tension and give him a sense of containment. He performs prayers despite heavy work pressure. "I am an artist, but despite tremendous work pressure I never skip prayers," he said. "I am very punctual in offering the day's all five prayers on time. This releases me from tension and gives me hope and confidence that the Lord is with me, that this is not the only world. It reminds me of the Day of Judgment."

It was in the year 1989 that he and his family embraced Islam.

Talking about his reversion, Rahman said, "The whole process started with a sequence of dream. It was in 1988. I was in Malaysia and had a dream of an old man who was asking me to embrace Islam. For the first time, I did not take it seriously, but then I saw the same dream several times and I discussed it with my mother. She encouraged me to go ahead and to respond to the call of the Almighty. Also, in 1988, one of my sisters fell seriously ill and in spite of the family's effort to cure her, her health deteriorated by the day. Then under the guidance of one Muslim religious leader we prayed to Allah, which did wonder for my sister and she made a miraculous comeback to life. Thus, began my journey from Dileep Kumar to A.R. Rahman."

He said the decision to embrace Islam was a mutual one with his mother. Not one to normally discuss this aspect of his private life, after taking a pause, Rahman narrates succinctly, "My mother and I resolved to follow one faith ... we wanted to cleanse ourselves of our sorrows."

After initial doubts, his three sisters also embraced Islam. For them he has tried to be a role model, he said. However, his eldest sister was divorced later.

Rahman began learning piano at the age of four. But life was not all that hunky-dory for the young boy who lost his father at the age of nine.

The responsibility of supporting his mother Kasturi (now Kareema Begum) and three sisters soon fell on his young shoulders. He began his prosperous musical career at age eleven out of necessity.

Rahman is married to Saira. They have three children: two girls, 10 and seven, and a three-year-old son.

Rahman performed his first Haj in 2004. This time, he is accompanying his mother.

"I wanted to bring my wife also for Haj this year, but since my son is only three years old, she could not make it. God willing, I will come again — next time with my wife and children," Rahman said.

First look: Jillendru Oru Kadhal

40 scores from AR Rahman at 40

Get Rahmantic: 40 pages from the life of India's Mozart

His life story is perfect for a Bollywood blockbuster. A poor boy loses his musician father, becomes a touring tyro musician with maestros like Ilayaraja and Zakir Hussain, manages to study at Trinity College of Music and stuns the world with his marvelous big budget debut.

A R Rahman, born A.S. Dileep Kumar might have been a recluse for the longest time. But one peek into his life and you know why.

As India's Mozart celebrates his 40th birthday on January 6, we take a look at his life. And not just his music.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Rahman's life has to be his conversion to Islam. Though the man has never openly spoken about it, there are two talked about and speculated stories.

Rahman is the only son of R. K. Sekhar, an arranger and conductor for Malayalam films. According to one story, his father died when Rahman was nine years old and there after, the family had to face a lot of hardships including renting out musical equipment.

It was during this time the family met a Sufi Pir who helped him and his family deal with the obstacles and difficulties in his life. The saint is believed to have helped them spiritually. It was at this point that the family converted their religion.

Here's the other version. Apparently one of his sisters fell seriously ill in 1988. All attempts to cure her failed. The condition kept worsening and no one knew where to look for help. They had given up hope until they came in contact with Sheik Abdul Qadir Jeelani or Pir Qadri as he was popularly known.

It was with his prayers and blessings that Dileep's sister is believed to have made a miraculous recovery. Influenced by the Pir's teachings, the family converted to Islam. Thus A.S.Dileep Kumar became Allah Rakha Rahman.

Today, he might be a name to reckon with, but the biggest representative of Indian music on the international map had to undergo a lot of trouble and turbulence before making it big.

His early days as a musician ensured hands on experience with maestros like Ilayaraja (Hence the influence in his music). At 11, Rahman was a keyboard player for Ilayaraja.

Later, he joined the orchestra of M.S. Vishwanathan and Ramesh Naidu. Little later in his career, he accompanied Zakir Hussain and Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan on world tours. It was all this experience that helped him get a scholarship to the Trinity College of Music, Oxford University.

He received a degree in Western classical music.

After his stint at Oxford, he returned to Madras to join an ad agency. Jingles won his fancy and after doing over 300 award winning compositions, he met with Mani Ratnam at some award function. Ratnam chose Rahman, then 26, to direct music for his movie Roja. The rest is history. Surely, his international exposure helped him. Apart from majestical, mesmerizing, soothing and soul stirring, the one thing that his music is, is international. Both, Rahman's influences and impact, transcend boundaries, nations and language.

It is essential for us to quote Richard Corliss: "His songs were recognizably Indian but paraded a world of musical influences, from raga to reggae, from Broadway to Ennio Morricone, with each tune heightening the film's drama. It was an astonishing debut." Corliss is a fan. Read on to know why.

"Soon Rahman received commissions for Hindi films as well as Tamil. Over the next decade his music accompanied, and often transcended, some of the most popular and critically acclaimed Indian films.

As South Asians took root around the world and their local movie culture avidly followed them, one could hear Rahman's music even if it didn't puncture the consciousness: as background music in restaurants and posh stores, in the very beat of certain neighborhoods, and of course in the movies that occasionally broke out of Desi ghettos.

Tahna Tahna Yahan Pe Jeena, from Rangeela, is a techno-pop explosion, with veteran playback diva Asha Bhosle giving the number a sassily youthful interpretation; her vocal swings its hips.

Sun Ri Sakhi, from the movie Hum Se Hai Muqabla, is a lovely lullaby in waltz time, and Saagar Se Milne a ravishing chorale sun by children.

In Bombay, Ratnam's Hindi-language smash, the Rahman contributions range from Keyna Hi Kya, with intricate, warm singing by Chitra, to the macho Hamma Hamma, from Kucchi Kucchi Rakkama (which briefly channels Donna Summer) to Kuch Bhi Na Socho, an uptempo technopopper that midway through adds a children's chorus and goes strangely Hawaiian!

You needn't see the movies to enjoy the music. The terminally goofy plastic-surgery drama Vishwavidhaata boasts a seductive number, Kal Nahin Tha, with the vocalist Sujatha whispering, then warbling her heart out; the production has a tinge of Phil Spector's early-60s work with the Paris Sisters.

The legendary Lata Mangeshkar (she's recorded tens of thousands of songs in her 60-year career) illuminates two Zubeida numbers, So Gaye Hain and Pyaara Sa Gaaon, both with gorgeously elaborate orchestral scoring."

After reading all that 'authentic'information, the critics who claim Rahman's genius is all due to his computer skills, can be put to rest.

Let's now take a look at Rahman's international venutres. Hollywood innings

Andrew Lloyd Webber first heard of the phenomenally talented Rahman while discussing the screen version of Phantom of the Opera with Shekhar Kapur. He was so impressed with the Bollywood music that Kapur was playing. He just knew that he wanted to work with Rahman on Bombay Dreams.

Bombay Dreams, a musical opened on April 29, 2004 and closed on Jan 1, 2004. The music was a hit. Remember the hugely popular Shakalaka Baby number. Rahman had become an international celebrity almost immediately.

Winning ventures

Chinese director He Ping signed Rahman for his movie Warriors of Heaven and Earth, an adventure that explored the victory of good over evil.

The soundtrack included sixteen in three major languages, Chinese, English and Hindi. Rahman used the eruhu (Chinese violin), duduk (Armenian styled recorder), and taiko drums to create a critically acclaimed soundtrack. Believe it or not, he was compared to Mozart?

Sounds of something good

Rahman can be accredited for giving the audience something new all the time. Though one can easily differentiate a Rahman soundtrack from an Anu Malik; he's undeniably different. Currently, he's working with the Finnish folk music band Varttina for to compose the music for The Lord of the Rings Musical. It is slated to open in Toronto on March 23, 2006. Hurry up Rahman, we can't wait!

Touring the world

Apart from taking on international ventures, Rahman has also done a lot of tours. Here is more good news. Rahman's 'The 3rd Dimension Tours' is slated to be held between Feb and March in the United Stated this year. Even though he comes across as a very shy person, he loves performing on stage. So, look out for his concert. Get ready for some real music!

One of the most recent developments in Rahman's life has been the transformation from this shy and hesitant boy to a sure of himself international icon. For the longest time, the genius music composer refused to give interviews and make public appearances. After winning his first acclaimed award as a music director, he simply refused to comment in the post-award section of the programme!

The breakthrough came in the form of the Maa Tujhe Salaam video. The inspiring video featured him singing passionately, kneeling down on his knees and running his fingers through his curly hair. It was now, that he started actively participating in his live concerts. Till now, he would exhibit his genius but not let it reflect on his personality.

Of course, the new Rahman smiled a lot for cameras, jumped around a bit on the stage, posed for gracious pictures with giants like Andrew Lloyd Webber and gave bytes to desperate TV channels just before going for his Haj visit.

Ah! It's very interesting to know how Webber got to know about Rahman. Andrew Lloyd Webber happened to hear Chaiyya Chaiyya - one of Rahman's all time biggest hits till date - one Saturday when Britain's Channel 4 broadcast Dil Se. The song convinced him about the man. Chaiyya opened the second act of Bombay Dreams.

Over to his fabulous music now.

Lagaan

Rahman was a fitting composer for this Oscar-nominated film that featured a number of chartbusters. While Garaj Garaj and Baar Baar were about the human spirit overcoming everything else, Radha kaise na jale and Ori Gori were tender and playful romantic numbers. Apart from a brilliant cast, script and direction, the music of the movie gets our thumbs up all the way.

Bombay

The soundtrack of Bombay has everything. While humma pumps you up and gets you on the dancefloor, Tu hi re stirs the deepest chords of your soul and then of course there is Kehna hi kya is possibly one of the most melodious numbers ever. The Bombay theme is a haunting melody that got much critical acclaim.

Dil Se

Dil Se was the last of Mani Ratnam's trilogy after Roja and Bombay and once again featured Ratnam's favourite - Rahman. Every song in Dil se... was different from the other and each a bigger success than the previous. Rahman himself sung the title track which is still blasted on FM channels across the country. Chaiyya Chaiyya launched Malaika Arora Khan.

Pukar

Pukar did not do too well on the box office but the film offers some exquisite songs. Kismat se tum humko mile ho is a beautiful song where the music is extremely understated yet is very essential. Que Sera Sera ofcourse went on to become a chart topper, espeically due to Prabhu Deva and Madhuri Dixit's groovy moves. Humrahi jab ho mastana was another playful number.

Doli Sajake Rakhna

The famous South Indian director Priyadarshan's movie starring Jyotika Sadanah and Akshaye Khanna had only one thing of boast of. It's soundtrack. Since it was a love story, the score was extremely mellifluous. But Rahman managed to strike a balance and put in some peppy numbers as well. From the Kissa Hum Likhenge Dil-e-Bekarar Ka to the brilliant, Tara Rum Pum Pum, Rahman's music simply rocked!

Daud

The music of Daud was rather experimental, especially the raunchy number Rabba Rabba but then that's what Rahman is known for - his eccentric brilliance.

Iruvar

Considered to be Mani Ratnam's best directorial venture, Rahman was also applauded for the background score. From the sweet Kannai Katti by Hariharan to the peppy Narumugaye by Unni Krishnan and Bombay Jayshree, the soundtrack was simply amazing. The inclusion of Vishwa Mohan Bhatt's Mohan Veena and the rock guitar enhanced the feel.

Jeans

The movie had two good things: Rahman's foot-tapping music and Aishwarya Rai. Though the movie didn't do well, but the music was a hit. From the racy Columbus Columbus to the amazing Ajooba by Hariharan and Sadhna Sargam, the movie had chart-topping numbers. He was credited for making his best original score since the movie Sapnay

Rangeela

What can one say about this movie? Everything about it was just great. And Rahman managed to do a fantastic job once again. His music slipped into the characters so well that it was unbelievable. Remember Ho Ja Rangeela Re, Yai Re and the sensuous number of all times, Tanha Tanha. Rahman proved that he is the unbeatable Sultan of sound. Way to go!

Zubeidaa

Dheeme Dheeme Gaoon is still as fresh as morning dew in ones memory. Even the very peppy and fast Main Albeli number makes you wanna get up and dance. Mehendi Hai Rachne Wali is an evergreen wedding favourite.

Earth

Bheeni Bheeni is one of the softer number composed by Rahman and brings out the delicacy of the movie in an understated way. Rut Aa Gaye Re, Bano Rani badi Sayani... All the songs were as good as each other.

Roja

Nothing more can be said about this matserpiece debut. It's beacuse of Roja that Rahman is Rahman.

Sapnay

The movie faded away like a dream. But its music still lingers on. The music could be best described as youthful, soul-stirring and romantic. Each composition was more beautiful than the other; from the up-tempo Strawberry Aankhein, the immensely popular Aawara Bhanware by Hema Sardesai to the naughty Ek Bagiya Mein, his music was just incredible.

Kisna

This was Rahman in a new form. Woh Kisna Hai, the title track is typically melodious, not the Rahman way though. The Subhash Ghai-Rahman pairing worked and we are sure to see more of it in the future.

Taal

No words can do justice to the outstanding music of Taal. The title track is one of his most experimental yet hummable tunes. Rumta Jogi was again a pathbreaking song and no other song has repeated it's magic again. Is toote dil ki peed saw Aasha Bhonsle and Rahman come together in a sizzling performance-oriented song and Ishq Bina was a haunting melody which showcased the range just one song can have.

Thakshak

The music of Thakshak has a charcater of its own. Director Govind Nihalani was very sure he wanted Rahman to do the music. The film gave Tabu

Rang De and the Jhumba Lika to the item number freaks. The soulful Boondon Se Batein was trademark Rahman.

Happy Birthday Rahman!

Thiruda Thiruda

After Roja Mani Ratnam and Rehman jodi came up with Thiruda Thiruda. The music of Thiruda Thiruda was an instant hit with it's fresh, risky and experimentative style. Indian film industry had not heard music like that before and Rehman's creation had everyone dancing on their toes. He gave to India music that was vibrant, shocking, thundering, ,peppy and lots more. Here's saluting Rehman for intro

A R Rahman, the musical genius!

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