A R Rahman The Legend

New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Noted lyricist Gulzar, who originally penned the 'Jai Ho' track for Rahman, feels that Rahman has taken Indian music to new heights by becoming the first Indian to win the Golden Globe awards for his music in 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
Rahman received the coveted prize for the Best Original Music Score for his track in British filmmaker Danny Boyle's Mumbai-based saga. The film went on to bag three more prestigious prizes at the 66th Golden Globe including the Best Film.
      
"Rahman is an great artist and with this win he has taken Indian music to new heights," Gulzar told PTI in an interview.

"I am very happy with 'Jai Ho' from 'Slumdog Millionaire' getting the Golden Globe. It means a lot for Indians and the music here," said Gulzar.

Interestingly, the award-winning song was originally penned by Gulzar for Subhash Ghai's film 'Yuvvraj' but went to 'Slumdog' after Ghai did not use it in his movie.

"I had written the song 'aaza aaza Shamiyane ke tale...' for Ghai's film 'Yuvvraj' but he felt the song did not suit his film and Rahman suggested that the track should be used in 'Slumdog' and it fitted well with the movie," Gulzar said.

"When we talked to Ghai about it he agreed readily and we are thankful to him for that," he added.

The veteran lyricist, who has paired with Rahman to give music for hits like 'Dil Se,' Sathiya,' 'Yuva,' Guru,' and 'Yuvvraj', feels that 'Jai Ho' is a great confluence of melody and love.

'Slumdog Millionaire' is the heartwarming underdog winner story of a Mumbai slumdweller Jamaal, who goes on to participate and win the Indian version of US reality show 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' in his effor to win back his childhood love.

The film is releasing in India on January 23 in India. PTI