A R Rahman launches movement for Taj Maha

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Posted: 18 years ago

A R Rahman launches movement for Taj Mahal
	By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 25, 2007 - 07:25 IST
	Music maestro A R Rahman unveiled a soulful anthem to kick off the India Unites for the TAJ movement. Spearheaded by I Media Corp Ltd (IMCL), the movement is to campaign for voting the Taj Mahal, Agra, to the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is among the 21 finalists and voting is on in full swing across the world for six of the seven wonder places. Being the only surviving Ancient Seven Wonders, the Pyramids of Giza, are already part of the List. It was a 'yes' at first contact for Mr A R Rahman. "I was in London when IMCL contacted me, and I was very excited about composing the anthem. It was very short notice, but my crew and I grabbed the idea and made special time for working on the anthem. I am sure Indians all over the world will feel motivated and vote for the Taj."

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Posted: 18 years ago

I€™m romantic: Rahman

Vikas Hotwani

Friday, May 25, 2007 20:42 IST

he music maestro is pulling out all the stops to ensure the Taj Mahal is voted one of the €˜Seven Wonders of the World€™.

In an attempt to give the Taj Mahal its due, music maestro AR Rahman has been roped in by IMCL to compose a song for India€™s most celebrated tourist destination.

While Rahman has composed the album, it€™s the first time he€™s co-written the lyrics with Raqueeb. €œIt was a great experience; the lyrics communicate feelings,€ he says.

While the song is set to hit the charts soon, Rahman is leaving no stone unturned to promote the song. €œI am going to US next week and I am planning to perform this song in all the nine shows that are planned there. Also, there€™s a performance coming up in New Delhi where again I will make sure to perform this song,€ reveals Rahman.

The monument is seen as the symbol of love all around the world. €œSix months back, a close friend of mine, a Sri Lankan Tamil, came down from UK to get married in India. When I asked where in India she€™s planning to get married, she replied impulsively, €˜Taj Mahal€™. That€™s the kind of status and recognition Taj enjoys all round the world,€ says the maestro.

While the song is primarily to promote the monument and make people vote for it so as to include it in the €˜Seven Wonders of the World €˜, Rahman feels Taj is much more than a monument. €œTaj Mahal is not just a monument of marble. What€™s gone into making it is what makes it remarkable. It€™s no longer Shah Jahan€™s or Mumtaj€™s Taj Mahal, it€™s ours. To all those who have loved, are in love and plan to fall in love, it€™s a request to vote for the symbol of love. It€™s our pride that€™s at stake,€ says Rahman.

So, is the maestro romantic himself. €œOf course I am a romantic person, or how else do you expect the music to come out?€ smiles Rahman.

h_vikas@dnaindia.net

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1099142