A R Rahman The Legend

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Seven months after the UPA cruised to a comfortable majority in the 15th Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accepted that he had never anticipated the victory.

“I was doubtful whether we will have a working majority,” Singh said. But he said he took the victory in his stride: “I have taken things when they happen and when they don’t in my stride. I am neither too pleased with success nor too despondent when success is not there.”

The PM was speaking at the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2009 Awards, held in partnership with Hindustan Times.

A.R Rahman, the nominee from the entertainment category, won the award.

Obliquely approving of India’s announcements that it will voluntarily cut its carbon intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) the PM made a plea for sustainable development.

“Humanity’s approach to climate change has to be need-based, not greed-based, as Gandhiji taught us,” he said, referring to the Copenhagen summit. “So I sometimes reflect on whether we should follow the same unsustainable path the industrialized countries took to develop and modernize their societies? Ecological disaster of whatever cause or origin will have far greater consequences in India than in the west. We should… have an informed and rational debate on what is in our enlightened self-interest.”

Singh said 2009 had been a good year for India.

“2009 was a remarkable year for us. The rest of the world was in recession. We are affected, but still the second fastest growing economy,” he said.

He added that the world today relished India as a living model of a purposeful market economy with the rule of law.

Asked if it was good for the country that an economist was heading it in difficult times, Singh said jokingly: “Yes.” As if to emphasise the point that India’s global stature was on the rise, Singh said while congratulating the Indian of the Year 2009 winner Allah Rakha Rahman: “When I heard him sing in the White House, you cannot imagine my sense of joy.”

• Animal Spirits

If things would have gone as planned by the makers of ADA...A WAY OF LIFE, the film would have released in the middle of last year itself. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, the film continued to be delayed and is now hitting the screens on 18th December.

One wonders how frustrating it was for the film's debut leading man Ayaan Ahmad who had to wait for such a long period of time?

"Well, it's indeed a feeling of mixed reaction. I am glad though that finally our effort would be out there for people to see. However, there is a nervous thing to it. The movie did get a little delayed and something like that is never welcome", says Ayaan who is paired opposite Nauheed Cyrusi (last seen in KURBAAN) in the film.

When quizzed about the reason for delay, Ayaan divulges, "We were waiting for A.R. Rahman to do the background score of the film. He was quite caught up with SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and quite a few other events pre and post Oscars. In fact he was gracious enough to allow a different composer coming in but my dad (Tanvir Ahmad) who has directed the movie wanted him only to do it."

Why did they choose this route when it was resulting in so much delay? After all the soundtrack had already hit the stands and completion of background score by another composer could have finished the job sooner.

"See, ADA is a musical journey and we didn't want to compromise by any means", clarifies Ayaan, "According to me as well as others who have heard Rahman's background score, it is one of his best works ever. After such a long wait when I hear the score today, all my frustration goes away.

Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman makes his first foray into composing music for an American comedy feature with Universal Pictures’ forthcoming romantic comedy, Couples’ Retreat. The soundtrack will be released by Saregama India Limited digitally and in all retail outlets nationwide on November 30.
The music has sounds of a tropical island fusing with “the laidback rhythms of island music” according to the press release. Rahman has created a score that goes with the film’s light-hearted tone blended with his signature “Indian” sound. “There are so many musical avenues to be explored,” says Rahman. “I’ve wanted to try new things for a long time and had hoped to have the opportunity to venture into American comedy. This film presented a lot of creative challenges and was deeply rewarding for me as composer.”

Couples’ Retreat is directed by Peter Billingsley and stars Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell and Faizon Love.Based on an original idea by Vaughn, the comedy has four mid-Western couples, visiting a tropical island resort, one to work on their marriage, and the other three to enjoy. What follows is a hilarious look at the problems faced by all couples.

AR Rahman is scaling one milestone after another. The 'Mozart of Madras' performed at the White House in front of President Barack Obama and Indian PM Manmohan Singh to mark the latter's three-day visit to the US.

The US president Barack Obama hosted a state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the South Lawn in the White House. The first ever after the Obama was sworn in as the President.

The 338-long list of celebrities was from various fields like entertainers, business moguls, noted politicians and friends of the President graced the event.

The first lady Michelle Obama was seen in a strapless gold dress and overlaid with silver work and a matching shawl.

The Indian cooking was personally overlooked by the first lady and consisted mostly of vegetarian dishes as Manmohan Singh is a vegetarian. The food was prepared by the chief Chef Williams.

The scheme for the dinner was green and purple, to symbolize peacock the national bird of India.

A huge tent was construction for this purpose at the South Lawn with magnificent views of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial which held chandeliers and beige carpets on the floor.

The President welcomed the Prime minister in Hindi (Aapka Suwagat Hai meaning You are welcome).

Some of the celebrity guests where Stephen Spielberg, Governor Bobby Jindal, Mukesh Ambani, Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates, New York Mayor, actress Jennifer Hudson, Deepak Chopra, S S Sathwal, Sanjay Gupta, Amirtya Sen, Indrya Nooyi and not to forget our very own Oscar winning music composer A R Rahman. The highlight of the evening was the music by the Mozart of Madras.

It is worth a mention here that Manmohan Singh was invited for the state dinner for the second time, the first one during the Bush regime.

He sang two tracks -- Jai Ho and Dreams on Fire -- from his Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire.

As part of an initiative by the government authorities, Rahman performed with Indian and western artistes to welcome Singh in the US.

A source said, "It was an electrifying performance celebrating brotherhood between India and the US. Rahman set the mood for Manmohan Singh's three-day visit to the US. High level government officials of both countries witnessed this performance."

Rahman has a great fan following in the US. "He was the best person to have during this crucial meeting of the two country's heads. There were bhangra performers too at the event. Rahman also teamed up with musician Taku Hirano with whom he had performed at Time magazine's gala event that had crowned the 100 Most Influential people of the world in New York City."

Katrina Kaif is supporting a noble cause that is being looked after by her mother Suzanne. The actress has in fact signed up the Oscar winner AR Rahman to compose music for a video that will be used to raise funds in support of the cause. Katrina, apart from donating Rs. 50 lakhs, will also star in the video.

The funds, according to our sources, will be used to inaugurate the children’s wing adjacent to Mercy Home in Chennai.

Several other Bollywood stars are also expected to star in the video but the official announcement is yet to be made.

Initially, Katrina was only supposed to be part of the music video but now after watching her progress at the box-office, Katrina has been asked to sing a few songs in the album. It was initially suggested that Katrina sing Rahman's compositions in English but now she will be seen singing in Hindi. This despite the fact that she has a heavy British accent and is just beginning to learn Hindi.

Katrina says, "Why not? I'm always game for new challenges. Singing in itself was a challenge because I've never sung professionally. Singing in English would've been a convenient challenge. But I'd rather take the uncomfortable route. So why not me singing in Hindi?"

For someone who couldn't speak a line of Hindi when she came entered Bollywood Katrina sure has come a long way.

She adds, "Somewhere down the line, I got tired of people commenting on my Hindi. I guess I've been working hard on it."

As Katrina gears up to sing for AR Rahman she has already started practicing. Hard.

As usual he stunned his audience with his music which included US President Barack Obama and our Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh. The Oscar Winner A R Rahman was felicitated in White House where he performed for the guests and became the star attraction for the evening.

The fuction , hosted by the US President himself and his wife Michelle, Rahman was one of the invited guests from India. He performed his Oscar winning song Jai Ho for the audience. Both Obama and Man Mohan Singh felicitated Rahman.

OSCAR WINNING musician AR Rahman’s prestigious KM Music Conservatory is reportedly proposing to launch a preparatory program in various instruments.

The conservatory is proposing to offer this two to five years program in French Horn, Saxophone, Flute, Double Bass, Trumpet, Oboe, Trombone, and Clarinet. There are no age restrictions for admission into this specially designed program. This program is currently offered in Harp, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Cello, Hindustani and Western Voice, Guitar and Viola.

It would also offer a foundation program of one to two years and a degree program of three years, in affiliation with Middlesex University in United Kingdom. Many faculty members have degrees from USA and UK. Sound editor Joe E Rand has given lectures here at this conservatory and the Vienna Chamber Orchestra has also performed here.

The music school also plans to offer a two year masters program and a year long “Diploma in Indian Music and Music Technology”. It also ensures that students study music icons in an indepth manner, like Michael Jackson.

Founded by Rahman, who is also its Principal, the KM Music Conservatory in Kodambakkam area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, envisions expanding the horizon of musicians in India, by offering education in both Indian and Western music besides music technology. Its mission is to provide students with a strong artistic, intellectual and technical foundation. T Selvakumar is the Managing Director of this international school of music as it strives to achieve its motto, "Become the Future of Music".

Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed has applauded Rahman for creating a bridge between the music of east and west and for strengthening the worldwide market and stature of Indian music. Zed, the chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, in a statement in Nevada (USA) on Friday, November 27, urged Rahman to help nourish the next generation with the richness of Indian music.

Rahman, who has reportedly recorded sales of over 300 million, was called “Mozart of Madras'' by the Time magazine. Rahman sees music “as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it” and for “creating harmony in troubled times”.

The Rs100 crore film is out. And it’s no better than a second-rung Hollywood action flick. The crores have gone in to create some visual wizardry and thrilling stunts under water. Akshay Kumar wears some great shoes and clothes too. But Anthony D’Souza’s Blue lacks sorely in good writing, good performances and good storytelling, pretty much all the things that make a film crackerjack.

First, the very predictable story: Aarav (Akshay Kumar) is a shipping magnate somewhere in the Bahamas. Sagar (Sanjay Dutt), who Aarav calls “Sethji”, works for him. Mona (Lara Dutta) is Sagar’s lover and arm candy. Sam (Zayed Khan) is Sagar’s errant brother, who is fond of motorbikes and races. Nikki (Katrina Kaif) is the love interest of two of the leading men.

Ocean’s 4: The film’s cast swam with sharks in the Bahamas.

The actors have some really puerile lines, and some of the dialogues are sexist as well as racist. The film begins with Aarav boasting about his two hot recruits, Ebony and Ivory (the women recruits, his toys, wear skimpy sailor uniforms). In the middle of a blustering gun encounter between the villain (played by Rahul Dev) and Sagar inside Sagar’s house, Mona screams, “Stop it, stop it, everything can be solved by talking!” Mayur Puri, who has done the screenplay and dialogues, is a writer without imagination.

D’Souza, a debutant director, has said in interviews that he wanted to make a “never-seen-before film” and so it had to be shot under the ocean. Taken literally, he has achieved what he sought out to do. Visually, the underwater sequences of Blue are spectacular. Directed by James Bomalick, a Hollywood stunt director who has worked in some of the Die Hard films, inMr. & Mrs. Smith and Fast and Furious, the stunts are set against the cobalt blue water and multi-hued marine life, some at least 50ft in the water. Sharks abound in the sea too.

Kumar performs the stunts with amazing ease; he is undoubtedly the best action hero we have. He has the agility, attitude and confidence to take on physically demanding roles. But sadly, most Hindi movies in the genre are notches below the best of Hollywood, and Blue is no exception.

But because of its length—a tight 1 hour and 57 minutes— and if action movies are your thing, it’s worth a watch just for the marine spectacles.

• Chiggy Wiggi

• Fiqrana

• Yaar Mila Tha

• Rehuma

• Bhoola Thujhe

• Blue Theme

• Aaj Dil GustakhHa

The Border Security Force (BSF) jawans will now march to the beats of Oscar winner A R Rahman. The music composer, who enchanted the world with his `Jai Ho' number, has composed the theme song for the paramilitary force. The five minute song — `Hum Seema Suraksha Bal... Veeron ka hai ye dal (We are the Border Security Force... it is the force of the brave)' (which is originally composed by Rahman as ‘Aazadi’ for the 2005 bollywood movie ‘Bose – forgotten hero’), praises the strength and valour of the force which is responsible for guarding the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders. "The credit for the song goes to Meghalaya governor R S Moosahary, who is a former director-general of the force. He helped us get in touch with Rahman, who composed the song without charging any money for it," BSF chief M L Kumawat told reporters on the occasion of the force's investiture ceremony here on Thursday. After being formally released on the occasion, the song, which also captures the emotional tribulations of a jawan guarding the border while leaving his family behind, comes with a video — titled `Borderman' — showing BSF men in action along the border, undergoing training and the famous `change of guard' ceremony at Wagah border. Kumawat said: "The song and the video capture the true spirit of the force. Rahman has also promised to come and spend time with our men to boost their morale." [ This track is originally composed by A R Rahman as ‘Aazadi’ for the 2005 Bollywood movie ‘Bose – the forgotten hero’ .Now its reused, but with different lyrics.


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Chennai, May 13: Music maestro A.R. Rahman, whose compositions in "Slumdog Millionaire" made him the first Indian to win twin Oscars, is critical of political parties using for a poll campaign the song "Jai Ho" that he composed for Danny Boyle's rags-to-riches drama.

"I was like in the bed, I was dehydrated, exhausted, and then all these things happened, somebody told me these people are using it. I hate politics. I just want people to serve the people. I want governments, whichever government comes in, to be unbiased and say there should be justice in the country and that's my purpose in life," Rahman said in an interview on CNN's Talk Asia. 

The interview will be aired on CNN May 20 and there will repeat telecasts May 21 and May 23. 

The Congress had bought exclusive rights to the song "Jai Ho" for its poll campaign but the jingle was later dropped as the party's theme song. 

In the interview, the shy composer also explains how his accolades for "Slumdog Millionaire" are also a recognition for India. 

"I got very emotional when saying this is for India, when you guys truly deserve it because there are so many different film industries in India, so many different markets, Hindi film industry, Tamil film industry, Malayalam, then Bengali, so in a way I think it culminates all their aspirations and so it's here," he said. 

Before he shot to stardom with the film "Roja", Rahman used to create radio jingles. He has since collaborated with international music superstars like Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue. 

When asked about his next project post-Oscars, he said: "I have a couple of offers from Hollywood. Pure American movies which I thought for the heck of it let's do it and a couple of other surprises that you'll know very soon if it works out. Big surprises I think." 

American song and dance team The Pussycat Dolls have teamed up with A.R. Rahman, Jimmy Iovine and producer Ron Fair to produce a single and music video for their English language version of Jai Ho, the award winning song from Slumdog Millionaire. Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny) features A.R. Rahman, the song’s original vocalist, Nicole Sherzinger and the Pussycat Dolls dancing in a railway station based in a Vienna tramway museum. The official Universal Studios YouTube version of the video has had 2,346,165 views since being uploaded on March 17, 2009.



The Pussycat Dolls - Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny)

After making it to the Top 20 of the US music charts, Rahman has made another appearance on the international music scene - this time in Akon's new music video 'Beautiful'.

Taken from this album 'Freedom', it features Kardinal Offishall and Colby O'Donis, who appears on the track. Rahman's appearance in the video comes as a surprise as the music maestro is usually shy of appearing in videos and doing cameos. According to online music magazine Blender (www.blender.com), Akon met Rahman during his visit to Mumbai. During his meeting, they had discussed Akon's new album ‘Freedom’ and Rahman had even heard a few rough cuts of his tracks.

Rahman’s cameo happened when he was in the US this year promoting Slumdog Millionaire and performing on various chat night shows (The Tonight show, Oprah Winfrey, etc). Rahman appears towards the end of the video dressed in a dapper suit surrounded by the models who pose with him. The video can be found on youtube.com

A.R.Rahman is all set to compose a new tune to make a new Tamil Anthem for the world Tamil people.
Lyricist Vairamuthu said recently at an audio launch, “I will be writing the lyrics for the new Tamil anthem, which is an invocation and will reach out to all the Tamils around the globe. The music for the anthem will be composed by the double Oscar winner A.R.Rahman!”
A.R.Rahman’s first composition ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai…’ for the movie Roja was written by Vairamuthu, which had fetched both of them a national award.
According to the lyricist, Tamilians living in foreign countries will have their own Tamil anthem just like our present anthem ‘Neerarum Kadaludttha Nila Madanthai’.
It was written by famous poet Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai and based on the landscapes and boundaries of erstwhile Tamil Nadu. The need for a new anthem was brought to notice when Vairamuthu and A.R.Rahman attended a function together in Malaysia and sang the Tamil anthem in their own.
Speaking about the glorious moment when Rahman bagged the Oscar and ended his winning speech in Tamil, Vairamuthu said, “Rahman’s passion for his mother tongue was evident when he addressed an elite gathering in Tamil. Also, at a time when Tamil has been declared as a classic language by the Centre, I felt proud that Rahman chose to speak Tamil at an international stage.”
A couple of days before, AR Rahman had also confirmed what Vairamuthu said in the function.
He said, “I will compose music for the new Tamil Anthem once Vairamuthu completes his work..”

New Delhi, March 14, 2009: Aam admi, Rahman’s Jai Ho and Congress party. Congress seems to have got a perfect slogan in Jai Ho for general elections. Allah Rakkha Rahman’s success in Slumdog Millionaire in being cashed in by a political party in the forthcoming general elections.

And by the way the party has bought copyright for the super hit song Jai Ho. The song is hit and it is fresh in people’s mind and so Congress party is trying to use the song in the best way possible.

But one thing is not sure and that is as to how much the song will help the Congress in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. During last general elections the BJP had tried to sell the idea of India shining.

But the nation refused to buy the catchword at that time. Now everyone is asking if Jai Ho will bring votes to the Congress or give a similar fate to the party that the BJP got in the last Lo Sabha elections.

In the meantime there are indications that besides Jai Ho Congress party will build up its election campaign around the aam admi (common man) but its allies in the UPA are unlikely to find place in the propaganda war against the NDA at the national level. The central theme of the campaign is the common man, said a party strategist involved in the campaign strategy.

The Congress in order to woo the electorate has made a three minute film. Set to the tune of the Oscar winning song Jai Ho, the three one-minute spot films highlight the advances made by the aam aadmi under the Congress tutelage. The films focus on the 60-year heritage of the party and its achievements over the last five years.

A R Rahman’s remixed version of Jai Ho by the Pussycat Dolls (PCD) has rocked the West and got rave reviews too. But surprisingly, it is now learned that lead singer Nicole Scherzinger never wanted to do this version!

Nicole, who otherwise loves everything Indian — especially dressing up in colourful bindis and dupatas, is quoted on the website Desi Hits! “I was scared, I was afraid to let people hear it, I really didn’t want to do it,” she told Anjula Achari Bath of the website.
The sexy singer was hesitant not because she didn’t like the song, but because the song was already amazing. “I didn’t want to recreate Rahman’s work,” said Nicole, who was inspired by the film and emotionally touched by the track.

Music producer Jimmy Iovine brought the idea of remixing Jai Ho to Nicole. After giving it a lot of thought and after talking things over with him, she thought it would be a great opportunity to put her own English translation into the song. She knew this was a difficult task as she highly respected the original track. “I prayed every night to do this right,” she said. She was so moved by the film that she wanted to be sure to incorporate themes from Slumdog Millionaire such as destiny and love into the song.

Nicole has never been to India but now wants to do charity work here. “I know Jessica (Jessica Sutta, another member of PCD) has already been to Rishikesh and is strongly involved with a charity that works towards improving the lives of children there and I want to go to the orphanages of India,” she said.

Bollywood actor and former beauty queen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said that she has always been a fan of double-Oscar winner AR Rahman, and feels fortunate that maximum of her films featured maestro’s music.

“Working with Rahman has been an absolute pleasure. It's not just from Taal to Guru, but it''s from Iruvar till Ravana. 

In fact, maximum of my films have enjoyed the music of Rahman and as a music lover and fan, I have always admired his music and he is a gifted musician,” Rai said, while addressing a press conference in Kolkata.

The Bollywood actress, who was in Kolkata for the shooting of her upcoming flick Ravana, said she was elated at Rahman’s double win at the Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire.

Rai added, though Rahman was very much celebrated in India but winning Oscar meant the global recognition, which was special.

Talking about Hollywood flick The Pink Panther 2, Rai said the experience of working with actor Steve Martin has been enriching.

“Working with Steve Martin was a good experience since he is the institution of comedy. We grew up watching his movies. So when it came to working with him and since he had already worked in Pink Panther before, so you know the kind of film you are going to be a part of. I am very happy that I got a chance to work with all these great actors because I feel experience is the greatest teacher of all,” the Bollywood star said.

Comparing her character in Ravana with the one in hardcore Hollywood flick, Pink Panther, the former Miss World said her characters in both the films were quite challenging. 

“These are very different. One is Mani Ratnam and the other Pink Panther. So you can assume what the audience can expect. Those who watch English movie know about Pink Panther. Mani Ratnam is the kind of filmmaker we know he is, so he will present that kind of cinema only,” Rai opined.

Mumbai, Mar 04: More accolades are coming across music maestro AR Rahman’s way! Small wonder, as the magic musician has made the nation proud by bagging two Oscars for his melodious creations in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

The reticent, media shy, affable, and down-to-earth composer will be awarded an honorary doctorate by the prestigious Anna University, Chennai, in recognition of his exemplary achievements.

Apart from the composer, space scientist Mayilsamy Annadurai and Local Administration Minister M K Stalin will also be awarded the doctorates at the convocation. The special convocation is to be held towards March-end.

On return from the Oscars, Rahman had said, “It’s a starting point for a lot in my career.” We agree, and we hope that God keeps our favourite ‘Allah Rakha’ in his grace!

  A.R.Rahman became Airtel’s brand ambassador in 2002. The brand campaign for Airtel in 2002 featuring AR Rahman was the first time he had appeared in a television commercial. When Rahman composed the tune, Airtel has two million customers. Today Airtel has over 90 million customers and the Airtel signature tune composed by A R Rahman is world’s most downloaded piece of mobile music in the world with over 60 million downloads.
Incidentally, this tune has made its appearance in several forms including car reverse music. A R Rahman also composed an exclusive soundtrack to commemorate the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon in 2008.

  Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue says she was thrilled to work with Oscar winning music director AR Rahman in Bollywood film Blue. The 40-year-old singer plays herself in the film, and also performs a set-piece song-and-dance routine in the underwater thriller starring Akshay Kumar , Sanjay Dutt and Katrina Kaif. 

"It was an incredible experience (to work with AR Rahman),” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted her as saying. "I met AR Rahman at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards (in London last month). I couldn't believe I was doing a song with him in Bollywood so soon after," she added.

The film is about a sunken treasure ship and is said to have been inspired by the Hollywood production, The Deep. On being asked if she would like to be a part of some of the Bollywood movies in future, Minogue said she would certainly consider.

"I got a lot of love here. Right now this feeling is just sinking in but certainly in future I will do more if I get the chance,” she said. "I didn't know much of Hindi but it does not matter because everyone was very cooperative and I had fun and joy. I Wanted to be part of Bollywood for a while and it was great opportunity that came by," she added.

Congress Party has got copyright for AR Rahman’s Jai Ho song. The song has become extremely popular not only in India but across the world.

The song also gave AR Rahman an Oscar this year. He won another Oscar too this year.

 Rahman, Resul Jai Ho', 'Jai Ho Rehman, Resul', 'Resul, Rehman, Jai Ho', 'Jai Ho Resul, Rehman'... that's how the Slumdog Millionaire excitement looked in the headlines of dailies on Tuesday morning.
When Resul Pookutty became the fifth Indian and the first Malayali to win an Oscar, Vilakkupara, a village off Kollam, joined predictable datelines of Los Angeles, Mumbai and Chennai. Pookutty's family celebrated the moment at their ancestral house.

Even though Pookutty didn't quote Hindi dialogues or Tamil adages to the glitterati at Kodak Theatre, his Om speech became a hit. BJP daily Janmabhumi was so excited by the acknowledgement that it carried an additional edit on page 1 titled Omkara in Oscar.

"The unexpected words form Resul Pookutty eclipsed all announcements at the 81st Oscar. None of those who represented India at Oscar or other international fora has made such a declaration. Pookutty, who dedicated the award to the country, said he comes from a land which contributed a great sound to the world. When he said Om was that sound, the Keralite was referring to the secular Indian heritage."

Limelight on Vilakkupara (Madhyamam), A moment of prayer for this village (Chandrika), Vilakkupara to Oscar light (Janmabhumi) -- Pookutty's village hogged space on front pages. Malayala Manorama went to town with the second lead, Kerala at the Oscars. Editorials and comments galore.

Rehman, too, was a homegrown boy. His father RK Sekhar had composed a number of songs for Malayalam movies, where he worked with legends like G Devarajan.
Though Gulzar, who wrote the academy award-winning song Jai Ho, gave all credit to Rehman, dailies gave him due acknowledgement. Manorama and Mathrubhumi had Gulzar on the front page.

In the blinding limelight, everything else was eclipsed. chief minister VS Achuthanandan's land distribution in Munnar went to inside pages. Finance minister TM Thomas Isaac saw post-budget discussions coming to an abrupt end. CPI(M) secretary Pinarayi Vijayan's and Congress state chief Ramesh Chennithala's road shows were relegated to the backdrop. After all, Oscars don't come everyday.

Slumdog Millionaire has had its moment of glory with it's eight Oscar sweeps. Everybody now wants a piece of the film, so it comes as no surprise that there has been an increased interest in the book from which the film's screenplay's been adapted - Q&A written by author and diplomat Vikas Swarup.

"Who could've imagined this book I wrote in my posting in London in 2003 would go on to become such a big international phenomenon," said Swarup.

Sales of the book have increased since the movie started creating a buzz last September. Oxford Bookstore and Crossword India confirmed to CNN-IBN.

The book was re-released as Slumdog Millionaire just when the Oscar nominations were announced in January, hooking even more readers.

And this sudden interest is not just limited to the book, the film's Oscar winning soundtrack by A R Rahman too has a whole new league of takers .

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The Oscar nominations were announced on January 22 and since then nearly 2,400 audio CDs were sold all over India. And with the film being made tax free in states like Haryana, this Slumdog is all set to be a millionaire.

It's the inquisitiveness that has helped drive the sales of the British production Slumdog Millionaire. It's a film which India will be proud of for a long, long time.

 LOS ANGELES: "Ella pughalum iraivanuke (All glory and fame is to god)" was how music maestro A R Rahman reacted to his double-Oscar feat

Besides god, the 'Mozart of Madras' also dedicated his Oscars to his "loving" mother Kareema Begum, who was seated among the audience at the Kodak theatre.

Rahman has always dedicated his awards to them. "I always had a choice between love and hate in my life. And I chose love and I am here," a beaming Rahman said at the Awards Ceremony.

Having shouldered the responsibilities of his family at the tender age of 9, Rahman never had an opportunity to get proper education in his life.

Kareema Begum had in an interview to a Tamil weekly said she will feel bad forever for not giving her son an opportunity to enjoy his childhood days.

As A R Rahman tapped his feet to `O Sayya' and belted out `Jai Ho!' for the audience in Hollywood, the transformation was complete. The Music composer AR Rahman wins two Oscars for Best Original Song and Original Score for 'Slumdog Millionaire'. (AP Photo) More Pictures shy, nervous Dilip Kumar who never spoke, the boy who never looked up, the boy who used to turn out the lights before he sang in front of anyone, had morphed into an international star.

He always knew he wanted to be famous. He dreamt — and told his friends too — that he wanted his music to be played all over the world. But it was a dream that took a long time to realize. As a young boy of 11, Rahman, then known as Dilip Kumar, saw his father R K Sekhar, a music arranger and composer, die of cancer. He didn't have time to mourn though, he had to pick up from where his father had left off and earn for the family of five. While his three sisters focused on academics, the young Dilip never managed to give books enough time. In the words of his teachers in Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan, the school he went to until the ninth grade, ``He managed to scrape through.''

The young ARR spent all his time after school at the recording studio, playing keyboards for composers (having got the first set of job offers thanks to the goodwill of his father). There were days when his mother would be seen waiting for him outside school in the morning, uniform and breakfast in hand, according to his teachers. A studio van would drop off the tired Dilip who would be fed and changed by his mother before being rushed to school. The only reason the school remembers him is that during all the school programmes they needed him to play the keyboard — he was the best in school. He would also be called out of the classroom whenever there was a recording because his family simply could not afford to say no.

ARR had finally to drop out of Padma Seshadri in the ninth grade, and then out of school altogether, midway through class XI because he could not cope with both his studies and work. ``When I was a teenager, I was spending most of my time with 50-year-olds and 60-year-olds. They were very sweet people, yes. I felt I was one among them, it took a while to realise that I was actually much younger,'' says Rahman about his early life as a musician in the film industry when he played his keyboard for bigwigs of the Tamil industry such as Ilayaraja.

``What I learnt from them were values and ethics. And then there were things I learned not to do...I learned not to become complacent,'' he adds. ``And to look beyond what you are forbidden to look beyond.''

A lot has changed in A R Rahman's life over the years in terms of his personality as well as his music, but the two most important aspects of his life remain constant — God and his mother. He doesn't just say it every time he is on stage because it seems like the right thing to say. He truly believes that the first is the driving force in his life, the reason he is who he is. The second, quite simply, is the reason he is where he is.

 Washington, New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) Musical maestro A R Rehman has partnered with the United Nations and Endemol for a musical show for a cause. In what can be seen as a first initiative of its kind on Indian television, the legendary music director and singer Rehman, the United Nations and Endemol partner with the soon-to-be-launched Hindi General Entertainment Channel, 9X, for an entertaining show aimed at communicating the essence of the Millennium Development Goals across the length and breadth of the country.

Titled 'Mission Ustaad', the show will feature Rehman and some of the best singers, and entertainers, who will provide riveting musical entertainment for a cause.

Speaking on their channel's association with Rahman, promoter and group executive director, INX Media, Indrani Mukerjea, said,''It gives us great pleasure to partner with A R Rehman, the United Nations and Endemol India to present this unique show on Indian television.




I am convinced that the partnership would bring about the desired awakening among Indian viewers
Besides entertaining millions of viewers on 9X, 'Mission Ustaad' would communicate the essence of the Millennium Development Goals across the length and breadth of the country. We are confident that along with the rest of the line-up of the upcoming programmes on 9X, 'Mission Ustaad' would truly capture the hearts of the Indian viewers.''

Commenting on the show, A R Rehman said,''I am delighted to be part of 'Mission Ustaad' on 9X, where I would be joined by many eminent names from the entertainment industry. I am convinced that the partnership between 9X, UN and Endemol would bring about the desired awakening among Indian viewers, and the show would touch the hearts of the nation in a very entertaining manner.''

Said the UN Resident Coordinator, Maxine Olson,''we want to make poverty history through awareness and action around the MDGs. We believe 'Mission Ustaad', our joint endeavour, would inspire millions to action and thereby fulfill every Indian’s right to decent work, education and good health.''

Added the Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign, Salil Shetty,''If India does not achieve the MDGs by 2015, the world would not achieve them. For the marginalised people of India - - the Dalits, the adivasis, minorities, and particularly women - - the Goals offer a real hope to achieve better education, health and livelihoods.

'Mission Ustaad' will act as a reminder that time is running out.'' At the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000, world leaders committed their nations to stronger global efforts to reduce poverty, improve health, promote peace, human rights and environmental sustainability.

On behalf of their people, they signed the Millennium Declaration and set out a series of time-bound targets -- the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) -- with a deadline of 2015,. India is among the 192 countries that have pledged to achieve the MDGs: the right of each person on the planet to food, decent work, health, education and shelter.

 It was a remarkable journey from Chennai to Hollywood for music maestro Allah Rakha Rahman who made a billion Indians proud, adding another feather in his cap by bagging two Oscars for his score in Slumdog Millionaire.

It was a Jai ho for the soft-spoken Rahman, hailed by Time Magazine as the 'Mozart of Madras', when he walked to receive the award for Best Original Score and Best Song Jai Ho.

The 'Mozart of Madras', who redefined contemporary Indian music and has been a role model for millions of Indians, has already won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for his music in Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

The 43-year-old music wizard, who has enthralled audience in the country and abroad with his heartwarming symphonies, is creating waves on the international stage with his composition in Slumdog Millionaire.

Born as A S Dileep Kumar in a musically affluent family in Chennai on January 6, 1966, he changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman after his family converted to Islam in the late 1980's.

Rahman was forced to shoulder the responsibilities of his family at the age of nine after his father R K Shekhar, who was a composer, arranger and conductor for Malayalam movies, died due to illness.

The music genius came to the limelight with his music for a Bombay Dyeing ad and Leo Coffee in 1980's which became very popular.

But the major break in his career came when noted filmmaker Mani Ratnam approached Rahman, who was then a keyboard player with composer Illayaraja, to compose for his film Roja in 1992.

The music of the film, which was a refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill renditions, made Rahman a star overnight and brought him his maiden Best Music Director trophy at the National Film Awards, the first time ever by a debutante film composer.

Rahman was introduced to the Hindi film industry in Ram Gopal Verma's Rangeela. The music of the film became a rage and the genius continued to give some brilliant compositions for films such as Bombay, Dil Se, Taal, Lagaan and Rang De Basanti among others.

What made Rahman's music click with the listeners was the refreshing use of percussions, sound and melody, most of which were inspired from the Indian folk music.

Rahman developed a trademark by mixing traditional Indian tunes with International beats from African drums to electronic funk. The composer is also famous for his fondness to the newest sound and technologies in the world of music.

His 1998 super-hit composition Chaiyya Chaiyya which was deeply rooted in Sufi mysticism, became a rage among Indians and is still considered one of the best compositions of the musician.

Rahman gradually became a known face on the international platform and in 1999 he performed with Michael Jackson in Munich for Michael Jackson and Friends Concert.

In 2002, he gave the music for his maiden stage production Bombay Dreams directed by legendary musical theatre composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Rahman's music was also a hit from London's West End to New York's Broadway.

In 2004, with Finnish folk music band Varttina, he composed the music for The Lord of the Rings theater production.

Rahman's composition Jai Ho for British director Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire has been lapped up by western audiences and made headlines when world renowned fashion designer John Galliano used it as a theme during his fashion show.

The music has already earned him the Critics Choice Award for Best Composer in 2008 and the Golden Globe in the category of Best Original Score.

A four-time National Award winner, Rahman was honoured with the Padma Shri and received six awards at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, besides 11 awards for his scores at the Filmfare and Filmfare Awards South each.

In 2006, he received an honorary award from Stanford University for his contributions to global music. In 1995, he also received the Mauritius National Award and a Malaysian Award.

The music director, who is known for his humble demeanour, gave a new definition to patriotism with his modern rendition of Vande Mataram. His latest tract Jiya Se Jiya is another attempt to send the message of peace and love through music.

Rahman, who maintains a low-profile, tied the knot with Sairo Bano in 1995 and the couple has three children -- Khadijah, Rahima and Aman.

The music composer is also involved with charitable causes and had conducted concerts to raise funds for cancer patients.

In 2004, Rahman was appointed as the global ambassador of the Stop TB partnership, a project by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

He also recently launched the A R Rahman foundation, which is a step towards eradication of hunger and poverty.

Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman's media-shy better half Saira Banu walked the red carpet at the Kodak Theatre here for the 81st Annual Academy Awards.

Clad in a black kurta-churidar by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the demure wife of the maestro has by choice always maintained her distance from the limeligh till date. She was not a much known face among the Indians, let alone on the global platform before appearing at the awards.

Saira Banu was all over the TV screens worldwide when she walked the red carpet clinging to her husband's right arm throughout the ceremony.

Not much of a speaking lot, both husband and wife have had perhaps the maximum number of public appearances courtesy the worldwide success of Danny Boyle's Mumbai-based rags-to-riches story Slumdog Millionaire.

Rahman won two golden statuettes - for best original song Jai ho and best original score for the film.

The world is roaring at his feet. He was India’s past; he is truly India’s present and will for sure be India’s future too. The 81st Academy Awards will forever remain and will be cherished not just by the ace musician, but will be celebrated by every Indian living across the nation. Yes, A.R. Rahman is certainly the man of the moment, a name which is famous even on the slum children’s mouth.

Indian music maestro, A.R. Rahman has won two Oscars awards for Best Original song for “Jai Ho” and best background score. Rahman's win comes as the crowning glory and he truly deserves the honour, not just for this movie, but for the fabulous music he has been making for over a decade. Our heartiest congratulation goes to the musical genius A.R. Rahman. Let us take a sneak peak at his filmi (musical) career graph.

Born in Madras (now Chennai) on 6th January, 1966, Allah Rakha Rahman. Rahman played many instruments and later joined people like Zakir Hussain, M.S. Vishwanathan, and Ramesh Naidu on world tours. He soon obtained a degree in Trinity college, Oxford where he graduated with a degree in western classical music.

Rahman tasted the fruit of success in 1992 by providing music score and sound track to Mani Ratnam’s Roja. He was awarded with Rajat Kamal and best music director at National film awards.

Rahman worked wonders in many Tamil and Telugu movies. Some of his noted and renowned work in Hindi cinema which created a vibe for more than a decade are Roja (1992), Bombay (1995), Rangeela (1995), Fire(1996), Daud (1997), Dil Se, Earth (1998), Taal (1998), Zubeidaa, Nayak (2000), Lagaan (2001), Sathiya (2002), Lakeer, Meenaxi (2003), Yuva, Kisna, Swades (2004), Rang De Basanti, Guru (2006), Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Yuvraaj, Ghajini (2008), Slumdog Millionaire, Delhi 6 (2009). Rahman is working on many more projects which are yet to create history.

This is just a brief on the great renowned singer. He is truly a masterpiece in his department. He is certainly someone who has redefined the meaning of music and things related to music. We hope he brings us many more Oscars in the years to come. Jai Ho!

Slumdog Millionaire Bagged (Eight Out of Ten Awards):

Original Song - “Jai Ho,” A.R. Rahman and Gulzar for Slumdog Millionaire

Original Score - A.R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Picture - Slumdog Millionaire

Director - Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire

Adapted Screenplay - Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire

Cinematography - Slumdog Millionaire

Film Editing - Slumdog Millionaire

Sound Mixing - Slumdog Millionaire

Actor in a Leading Role - Sean Penn for Milk

Actress in a Leading Role - Kate Winslet for The Reader

Actor in a Supporting Role - Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight

Actress in a Supporting Role - Penélope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Art Direction - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Original Screenplay - Dustin Lance Black for Milk

Animated Feature Film - WALL-E

Foreign Language Film - Departures from Japan

Makeup - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Costume Design - The Duchess

Animated Short Film - La Maison en Petits Cubes

Live Action Short Film - Spielzeugland

Sound Editing - The Dark Knight

Visual Effects - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Documentary Feature - Man on Wire

Documentary Short Subject - Smile Pinki

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award - Jerry Lewis

  
 

                
   



A R Rahman wins two Oscars awards as he wins the millions of hearts with his musical magic. A R Rahman won the best original song award for the song Jai Ho which was penned by Gulzar. While receving the first award he ended his speech as “Mera Pass Maa Hai” (I have my mom with me) and he dedicated his award to God as Yella Puzhalum Iraivanukke (all praises to God).

Jay Ho Song Remixed for PussyCat Dolls. The Golden Globe Award winning Song Jay Ho from Slum Dog Millianare, Composed By the Indian Music legend A R Rahman. Hear It From Here or Download It...

Below click on the Download Link...




Download

Dear Rahmaniac Brothers & Sisters, see our Boss winning BAFTA [British Academy of Film and Television Arts] AWARD. It is considered as the toppest award for movies in U.K. It is cited as a British equivalent to the Oscars.

London, Feb 6 (PTI) Indian music maestro A R Rahman, who has bagged three Academy Award nominations in two categories for his compositions in 'Slumdog Millionaire', believes he will win at least one Oscar with "God's blessings".
"I hope, we get at least one (Oscar). I cannot wait for the announcement," Rahman was today quoted in The Daily Telegraph as saying.

Only two Indians have ever won an Oscar -- costume designer Bhanu Athaiya for Gandhi (1982) and renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray who received a lifetime achievement award in 1992.

However, with three Academy Award nominations this year for Slumdog Millionaire - one for overall score and for two songs - the Chennai-based composer looks likely to be the third, the report said.

He is also up for the Best Music award at Sunday night's Baftas.

"We've been waiting for this for 80 years," said Rahman.

"I believe that whatever comes at a particular time is a blessing from God," he said.

While Rahman first came to the attention of Western audiences with his film music for Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) and stage shows Bombay Dreams and The Lord of the Rings, his already stellar profile will go into overdrive should be win the Oscar on Feb 22. PTI