Interview : I don't have any dream projec - Page 4

REHMAN BRINGS GROOVY TUNES

A R Rehman and Mani Ratnam are inseparable pairs. They have a long-standing association and have worked in many films together. So it doesn't come as a surprise when Rehman becomes the chosen one for Mani Ratnam's forthcoming film 'Guru'. Rehman is working on the scores and is looking forward to come out with something lilting; following the success of 'Rang De Basanti' that is still a rage.

He composed a track recently, a 'bhang number' featuring Abhishek Bachchan. Bappi Lahiri has sung the song. Bappida sings for Rehman for the first time here and we're surely looking forward to hear this unusual combination. Rehman stressed that he wanted Bappida especially for the song, as his voice was most ideal for the number. He is almost certain that Bappida's voice will tune well with Abhishek's. But why didn't he do the number himself when he has sung many songs for varied films and has been appreciated as well. "I guess I'm just lucky that people liked my singing so much. Personally I feel I've a long way to go as a singer. Also I avoid singing for lead actors," he says.

Thank you, mp_142 for starting this thread and Qwestda, thanks for all the articles. I learnt a lot of things about Rehman from these that I didn't know earlier.

Miindia welcomes A R Rahman & group to Michigan. An exclusive by Anupama Gopalakrishnan Indian Film Singers form an essential component of any Indian blockbuster. Michigan welcomed the Indian Singers of the computerized era who all have only one thing to say "A R Rahman is an experimental genius". A few singers landed in Michigan after their electrifying performance in LA. Miindia always has a unique charm of welcoming Indian personalities and what better way than package their intensity for the Asian Indian community. ARR, SPB, Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan & Shankar were yet to arrive, but Hariharan, Vasundhara, Sukhwinder, Sivamani, Mahalaxmi, Sadhana had already landed and were rearing to go! VASUNDHARA DAS: SINGER, ACTRESS Singing from the age of 10, Vasundhara's foray into Indian film music began after her graduation in Math/Statistics. This sensible Bangalore girl wanted to check the commercial reality for musicians and so Chennai beckoned her. "Tamil Music experiments different styles and Shakalaka Baby was my first hit which is actually dear to my heart", said the beautiful Vasundhara. Vasundhara met A R Rahman through a friend of hers and thus began her slow claim to fame. Apart from being a wonderful singer, Ms. Das is also a very well known film actress – Monsoon Wedding, Hey Ram and a few more. Vasundhara loves to perform on stage as according to her "The stage vibe is unparalleled, unequalled. There is instant chemistry between the singer and the audience." Vasundhara loves experimentation and so Rahman was like a dream come true. "I like to listen to a lot of world music. Spanish music, Portuguese music. I sing in Spanish. And English and Hindi, Tamil and Telugu too." Vasundhara is waiting to get on stage and pump some energy as she feels that this concert is a total team effort, a very enjoyable show with fun singers. Vasundhara personally admires Sukhwinder Singh for his gifted ability to perform. In her closing comments she mentioned, one may have a good voice and another may have a skill to perform – a good singer should possess both!" Catch this sensational diva on fire this evening live for the first time at Eastern Michigan University – Convocation Center, Ypsilanti SUKHWINDER SINGH: SINGER, MUSIC DIRECTOR Touted as the most expensive singer in Bollywood, the sensitive and eloquent singer was all excited to perform in Michigan. Sukhwinder Singh achieved national fame with his instant hit Chaiyya Chaiyya. Other films followed, notable among which are Taal, Biwi No 1, 1947 Earth, Daag, Dillagi and Thakshak have now made him a household word. Sukhwinder owes a large part of his success to Rahman's encouragement, and makes no effort to gloss over that fact. "I am very choosy about my songs", mentioned Sukhwinder. According to him, music is not a challenge. "Its not a game as to who sings well. To me music is cool. It is the vocal chord that provides a soothing environment", he elaborated. Speaking about the genius ARR, Sukhwinder admires Rahman for his experimental techniques. "He is a very nice and comfortable human being. He is a bridge between confidence and confusion", he mentioned. Sukhwinder finds Michigan to be very cold. "Arre it freezes you" ! According to him, the stage is a very stylish and energetic life platform where you could feel the audience right next to you. Its melody and dance and the entire fan fare. Sukhwinder's new album 'Mitti' is something to look forward to. His personal favorite is the title song "Dil se Re" from the movie "Dil Se". The Michigan Indian audience can see the change in Sukhwinder (this singer is on a major diet spree, I guess) tonight as he performs live with his impeccable style. LAST BUT THE MOST SIGNIFICANT: THE MAN WHO HELPED A R RAHMAN… the electricity behind every A R Rahman's show… the one and only Chennai's very own Sivamani! SIVAMANI: PERCUSSIONIST, CHILDHOOD FRIEND & CLOSE ASSOCIATE of AR Rahman. No AR Rahman music is complete without the best pair of hands in the world of percussion - Anandan Sivamani. Zakir Hussain describes him as a phenomenon that walks through this planet but once or twice in a century.. He is a must with Louis Banks, be it live shows or studio recordings. Sivamani spoke exclusively to miindia. Asked about his passion and gift for music, Siva attributes his very being to his parents. "This gift was given to me by my parents. I was fine-tuning my mom's heartbeat while I was in her womb", Siva casually mentioned. Siva has always firmly believed to take life as music. He loves sharing his music with everyone and was very instrumental in bringing A R Rahman to the glossy world of Indian Film Stage Shows. Siva considers A R Rahman as his close buddy, and admires ARR for his skill as a music connoisseur, composer and a genius. It was the magic of international master, Noel Grant, which enchanted Sivamani. Noel Grant's recordings filled him with awe, and ecstasy. Also inspired by Billy Cobham, who became a role model - in 1990, he actually shared the stage with the legend at Mumbai's Rang Bhavan. Starting his music career at the age of 11, Sivamani recently shifted to Mumbai as there is so much international activity in the music world. Sivamani mentioned that his music can be seen in tonight's show as a "beat that would exist from top to bottom". Sivamani reveres SP Balasubramaniam – touts him as his God father and loves working with Hariharan. His first ghazal album with Hariharan "Kaash" was released two years ago. Siva used to play with vessels in his mom's kitchen and he still uses those for his music. What's Sivamani's favorite place in the world, no points for getting this right – The Kitchen filled with vessels! Look for the live wire, the man who gave a new meaning to Indian music, acclaimed as one of the best percussionists in the world, catch Sivamani in action tonight! Interviewed and Presented by Anupama Gopalakrishnan

A R Rahman: Composing a winning score
Surajeet Das Gupta and Soumik Sen

They make an unusual duo. One half of the partnership is a temperamental music maestro who prefers to stay away from the camera's glare.

The other half is a corporate telecom giant that is beating back competition in the cellular phone market.

But this is the combination that has made it to the small screen in the Bharti Group's recently launched Airtel campaign starring Allah Rakha Rahman, and which is generally acknowledged to have become an instant hit.

If the figures are to be believed, the ad has had a sledgehammer-like impact. The company's brand tracking research shows that top of the mind recall for the Airtel brand has gone up from 73 per cent of customers interviewed to 78 per cent.

And, buoyed by the success, Airtel has signed up Rahman on a one-year contract for a rumoured Rs 1 crore to compose tunes for five exclusive ring tones.

There is no doubt that Bharti has a winner in Rahman. In the music industry, which is facing a serious financial crisis with falling sales and box office flops, he is the most saleable and bankable brand.

What's more, he is on the verge of international stardom. Next summer, the London musical Bombay Dreams, for which Rahman composed the music, will travel to Broadway.

If it clicks in New York, the world will be beating a path to the composer's door. In fact, the offers are already coming in.

Is Rahman about to follow the path of Shekhar Kapur, who has become a celebrity on the international film circuit? Certainly, he is in all the right places and his name is being mentioned by all the right people.

Bombay Dreams is now ranked as a must-see in London theatre circles and even critics, who initially panned Bombay Dreams, acknowledged from day one that Rahman's score was a winner.

Later this month, Rahman will be taking a bow when Queen Elizabeth II inaugurates a Red Cross organised show of Bombay Dreams.

In terms of sales, Rahman is already bigger than the biggest. His music has already sold over 200 million cassettes. That's more than Madonna and Britney Spears put together.

And, last year, when there were only very few hits on the Indian scene, Rahman's score for Lagaan topped the charts, selling over 3.5 million copies.

That outdid the year's other big hits like Gadar, which sold 2 million copies and it equalled Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

The music maestro also notched up a record of sorts when the music for Bombay - a bilingual film in Hindi and Tamil - sold a massive 12 million copies in both languages.

Says Shivaji Gupta, general manager, Polygram, which produced Bombay's Hindi version: "For us, this film was one of our biggest all-time grossers after Sholay and Qurbani."

In India too, the Bombay Dreams score has turned into a chart-topper, hitting the number one spot for five continuous weeks on MTV India World Chart Express - the list includes top albums from the US and Australia.

And Sony Music, which has the rights to the music, says it has a hit on its hands and has already sold 150,000 copies - despite the fact that it is priced at a premium like other international numbers and is in English.

At home, he has over 10 projects lined up. These include a film with Subhash Ghai and Taj Mahal with Bharat Bala and Imax. Besides that, he is working on music for Khalid Mohammed's 18th century period epic on a ghazal artist, Deepa Mehta's Water, and M F Hussain's Meenakshi.

He is also doing another film for Airtel - he will both make the film and compose the music.

His parade of hits has turned him into the country's most expensive music director. Industry sources say Rahman demands around Rs 1.5-2 crore (Rs 12-20 million) - and gets it.

That's as much as what superstar Amitabh Bachchan charges for a film. Also, he insists on royalty payments if the movie and its music are dubbed in other languages.

His price tag is double that of nearest competitors like popular music director Nadeem-Shravan.

Says trade analyst Komal Nahata: "With the industry in the doldrums, music directors like Anu Malik or Jatin Lalit have cut rates by at least 20 per cent to 25 per cent. But not Rahman. He still demands his old rates and gets them."

So what explains his magic? One main reason is that unlike other music directors who work on over a dozen films a year, Rahman has made himself a scarce commodity and works on only a limited number of projects.

That strategy has worked. Says Amit Khanna, chairman, Reliance Entertainment and also a lyric writer: "He's not imitative, he spaces himself out unlike other directors who sign up whatever they can get and are looking at quantity rather than quality. As a result, in 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the cases he delivers."

Producers and directors like Rahman because they believe that he brings fresh music to the table. Says director Mani Ratnam, who has worked closely with Rahman: "He works less but he has given Indian music a completely different sound which has worked."

Producers also cash in on Rahman's ability to score music in bilingual films and, therefore, cater to a larger potential market than merely the Hindi market - which his competitors can't do.

For instance, Roja was made in Hindi only after its success in Tamil, while Bombay and Sapney were made as bilingual films based on the same music.

Predictably, it is these advantages that attract music companies to him. Says Harish Dayani, executive director of Saregama HMV, which released Sapney: "He is the most bankable star of all and I wouldn't hesitate to pay a premium of as much as 50 per cent to him compared to other music directors."

The music maestro has also cleverly marketed himself as a recognisable brand. Bharat Bala, for instance, projected A R Rahman through two patriotic videos of Vande Mataram - a unique project to mark the 50th year of India's independence.

The company invested over Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million) in the project and produced 250 one-minute films in which Rahman appeared on screen. The film was shown across all channels throughout the country and in 400 cinema halls - transforming Rahman into an instantly recognisable face.

Rahman has also played his financial cards with reasonable skill. He is one music director who prefers to be paid royalty rather than a one-off lumpsum amount. Now that sales are dipping, music companies are suddenly discovering the advantages of this system.

Rahman's popularity is undoubtedly incredible especially at a time when the music market is facing hard times. Sales of cassettes and CDs in the over Rs 1,200-crore market have in fact fallen by 20 per cent over last year - largely because of piracy.

But there is also a quality issue, says Aarti Poddar, general manager of Tips Music: "While piracy is a serious issue, the music which is being churned out is not hot property."

Even Rahman can't assure a sure-fire hit. Even the biggest movies have come a cropper in the last year and so has the music. Take the music for Legend of Bhagat Singh, which released this year and bombed swiftly. Even last year, Rahman's Nayak did not boost takings at the box-office.

However, all said and done - Rahman will be taking a bow before the Queen. Can he make the transition from Bollywood to London and New York?

A huge amount is riding on the coat tails of Bombay Dreams. And even at home, Rahman will always be only as good as the last tune that he has turned out.

But he looks superbly confident as he moves from one high note to another.

Rahman unplugged

He has come a long way from a jingle composer in ad films to being the country's most expensive film music director.

Allah Rakha Rahman (36), has been in London for the last three months promoting Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Bombay Dreams for which he has created the score. He was briefly in Delhi. Excerpts from an interview.

Why did you decide to work on the Airtel ad?

The Airtel ad actually was a true account of what once happened while I was recording - I chanced upon a tune and had it played back to my studio on the mobile.

So when Bharti approached me with the creative I was quite surprised. I was apprehensive about how I would look before the camera, but I think the reactions and response show that I haven't been too bad after all.

Will you now be composing more music abroad with the success of Bombay Dreams?

I have no intention of shifting base abroad. But the work environment there is certainly more lucrative. In India, you are pushed to write more as music directors do not get paid through royalties.

As a result, an artist abroad can do an album a year and live off it, which is unthinkable here. I am composing music for a Columbia Tristar production.

I was offered a film by Miramax but Shekhar Kapur dissuaded me from accepting it since it was originally rejected by another composer.

What do you think of the practice of giving a one-time payment to music directors here in India as opposed to the royalty system prevalent abroad?

I think musicians here get ripped off. Music production houses take good care of artists abroad and though the upfront signing amount is much less than what I get here, the royalty takes care of future returns.

Are you very prolific as a music composer? What is the optimum numbers you want to maintain in a year?

Though I did about 14 films in 1997-98, I prefer not to exceed five films (Tamil and Hindi scores combined) in a year. I have about 10 projects in hand that are either completed or under production.

Which was your most successful score in terms of sales?

Bombay, which sold about 120,000 copies, is widely rated as my most successful work, though Roja is definitely the score that brought me where I am today.

Bappida sings for Rahman

The singer-composer has just recorded the title track of Mani Ratnam's Guru

Ram Kamal Mukherjee

Noted music composer and playback singer Bappi Lahiri has been riding high on success. Following his chartbuster in Milan Luthria's Taxi Number 9211, the singer's flagging popularity has suddenly revived. The singer was even recently invited by A R Rahman to render a track for Mani Ratnam's forthcoming film Guru. "Yes, I have sung the title track for Mani Ratnam's Guru," says Bappi, who has just returned from Chennai after recording the song.

"It was fantastic," he says. "I've known Rahman for ages. I met him for the first time when I was composing a song for my film Himmatwala. Even then he was different from the lot. His music was not run-of-the-mill. In fact, the Indian audience lacked the ear to appreciate his type of composition. But I was sure that someday he would be the best. I will openly admit that in today's generation of composers, he is the best," says Bappi.

The song for the film has been written by Gulzar. "It was an honour to sing that song. I am a huge fan of Gulzar saab and I admire the way in which he has evolved over the years. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the lyrics of his 'Kajra re'," says Bappi. Incidentally, Bappi got a call from A R Rahman inviting him to his studio in Chennai. "I was surprised to see the kind of homework he did before calling me. He was sure about what he wanted from me. The recording was over in just one night. It is a seven-minute song, and they are going to use it in the credit scroll, with graphics," reveals the singer. But he refused to divulge the lyrics of the song. "Now that's not my department. You'll have to ask Rahman or Gulzarji for the information," he states.

Ratnam was not present during the recording of the song. "I spoke to him after I came back to Mumbai. I think he has already heard the song and he is happy with the final output," says Bappi. It seems that Bappi's second innings will see him more active in singing playback for other composers. "Not exactly. I am very fussy as a singer. So whoever signs me has to put up with my tantrums. But I call it my creative liberty. And Rahman was at ease; he would just let me be. I have decided that if I get good offers and interesting tracks to sing, I won't think twice. I have realised that life can rock even if you are nearing 50," he admits.

Now Bappi is looking forward to his son Bappa's career. "He is more talented than I am. At his age, I was not as perfect as he is today. He will be a much better music composer than me, and I will be proud to be called 'Bappa's father' someday," says the doting dad.


Source : http://www.mumbaimirror.com

Rehman is in full swing

IndiaGlitz [Monday, May 15, 2006]

A R Rehman, tipped as Moazart of Madras by the Time Magazin, is currently busy with a musical album Pray For Me, Brother being brought out as part of United Nations TB Millennium Campaign.

Leaving his mark in international musical arena, Rahman is also busy in Tamil with many offers including the much awaited Sivaji starring Rajinikanth.

Rahman also has several plans up his sleeve. It includes a religious musical album on the poems of Karaikudi Mastan Saheb. Rahman has commenced works with his music guru Dakshinamoorthy for completing this album.

Also, Rahman is keen on composing a symphony in the future.

Keep up the good work, Rahman.

Originally posted by: Iron

Only one that is true MD in today's Bollywood 👏

Iron ji, agreeing with you 100%.!!!!!!!!!!!!

Of rhythm and soul SARASWATHY NAGARAJAN

A.R. Rahman on songs, singers, films and music direction.

PHOTO: S. GOPAKUMAR

IN TUNE WITH THE TIMES: A.R. Rahman. With his debut film, 'Roja,' A.R. Rahman redefined the sound of Indian film music, won the National award and made himself heard in the Indian music industry. However, Rahman, the person and the musician, remains unchanged. Fame and adulation rest lightly on his shoulders. From 'Roja' to 'Rang De Basanti,' Rahman's evocative music has captivated listeners and inspired zillion clones who attempt to duplicate the Rahman magic in vain. Excerpts from a freewheeling interview with the maestro who says that coming to Kerala opened a flood of memories. What kind of memories? My father R. K. Sekhar had worked for the top music directors in Malayalam - Devarajan master, Dakshinamoorthy sir, M.K. Arjunan... There was a 'thinnai' outside my house and I remember some of the top directors and assistant directors of those times waiting for my father... He would work on eight to nine films at a time - compose music for a film, arrange the music for another... I believe it was overwork that killed him. His memory still lingers in the minds of people whom he helped. They tell me even now how he helped them, gave them a break and so on. That influenced me a great deal. You have made the career of many new singers. It is not me trying to help. They also contributed. I merely tapped their talent. Take the case of Srini [Srinivas]. He got a break with 'Padaiyappa' because he is talented. He used to sing all my tracks. Rajanikant listened to the track of 'Padaiyappa' and then, later, when I played him the same song sung by a famous singer, he suggested we retain the voice that had sung the track. When new people come in, they feel I can make them a star. I cannot, unless they have the voice and the talent. But some of them were raw when they came in... But they had the talent. Anupama in 'Chandralekha' was incredible at that time. Now, many people imitate her. How do these singers come to your notice? When I was doing commercials, I discovered these talents as they were singing jingles for me. So, when I started doing movies, I knew exactly who could do what. Patriotic songs and the Rahman touch. The old school was different. It was very straight. And let us face it, not everyone wants to listen to patriotic songs. I get into the mindset of those people and try to find out what they would like to listen to. What would connect with them and make the songs interesting. When I do something, I have to like it. If I don't like it, I am sure people won't like it. I have to be convinced that it is good. Success of 'Rang de Basanti.' 'Rang de Basanti' was a risky film. It was a gamble. There are very few films where all the heroes die and people leave the theatre with hope in their hearts and praise the film. The format of the film is so abstract and it worked. It is a first of its kind. How do you select a singer for a particular song? For instance, Hariharan for 'Uyire.' I had three options for that song. SPB sir, Jesudas sir, Hariharan. Then I imagined all of them singing it. Since I had not heard Hari in a non-ghazal kind of song, I decided to take the gamble. Then when he did , he had a whole new flavour for the song. How about movies? You must be flooded with offers. For me, it is not about the money or the project. It is the experience. So, I look at the team; if I can have a good work experience with them, I agree to work with them. 'Bombay Dreams' and Andrew Lloyd Webber. I didn't think it was going to be so big. I was a zero in theatre. It was an introduction to the world of theatre. And that too at the best of theatres. It was a blessing. Later, I realised that Asians considered it as a status symbol, something of theirs... More than the success, it was the pride of Asians that humbled me. Playing with Michael Jackson in Germany. It was a good experience until he got hit by a crane and had to be hospitalised. I was supposed to have a meeting with him. It did not happen. I think he is one of a kind. He is not the Beatles, he is not Elvis... he is Michael Jackson. He has inspired so many young musicians. His personal life is his, but nobody can deny that he is not a phenomenon in the world of music. What kind of music do you listen to? When I am deep into film music, I listen to classical music. Pure Qawalis, music of Kumar Gandharv, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Veena Sahasrabudhe... I listen to pop songs too. Whatever is on the top of the charts... To know what is happening. It is reported that you work on your music only after sunset? I work from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. When you get a fantastic idea, you have to finish it or it goes away. Now the tunes come first and then the lyrics. Modern music has to be like that. But that is not the only formula. Certain directors want to hear the tunes. They will fit the lyrics later. Shanker and Mani Ratnam are like that. Sometimes, you have the concept and form the lyrics and tunes together. In 'Boyz,' for example he said he wanted a song for 'I want a girl friend.' We worked on the lyrics and tune together and the song was a hit. Any movies in Malayalam after 'Yodha.' There are several offers. But I can't reveal them now. Plans India is so rich in culture and it has so much to give to the world - ethics, music, fashion... The rest of the world has been clouded by the American dream. But now we can give to America. That is very interesting. I am waiting for the day when we get an Oscar, Grammy... all simultaneously. The day is not far away.