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| AR Rahman: Global tunesmith | AR Rahman: Global tunesmith |
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| Rahman is a composer with a staggering rangeIndian music director AR Rahman's score for Slumdog Millionaire has won an Oscar for best music, and a second for best song. The BBC's Soutik Biswas discusses what makes Rahman tick. | Rahman is a composer with a staggering rangeIndian music director AR Rahman's score for Slumdog Millionaire has won an Oscar for best music, and a second for best song. The BBC's Soutik Biswas discusses what makes Rahman tick. |
| The curiously named Panchathan Record Inn is a nondescript building tucked away in the thriving film district of the southern Indian city of Madras (Chennai). The backyard music studio is also AR Rahman's atelier. | The curiously named Panchathan Record Inn is a nondescript building tucked away in the thriving film district of the southern Indian city of Madras (Chennai). The backyard music studio is also AR Rahman's atelier. |
| "We make a lot of noise here," one of Rahman's assistants told me wryly when I paid a visit a few years ago. It was late in the evening, and trombone loops floated down the stairs from the state-of-the art studio above. | "We make a lot of noise here," one of Rahman's assistants told me wryly when I paid a visit a few years ago. It was late in the evening, and trombone loops floated down the stairs from the state-of-the art studio above. |
| The "noise" has now conquered the world. | The "noise" has now conquered the world. |
| Seventeen years after he began writing music and songs for films, the jingle maker-turned-musician has finally got recognition as India's first truly global film music composer with his score for Danny Boyle's sleeper hit Slumdog Millionaire. | Seventeen years after he began writing music and songs for films, the jingle maker-turned-musician has finally got recognition as India's first truly global film music composer with his score for Danny Boyle's sleeper hit Slumdog Millionaire. |
| The score is an untidy smorgasbord of hip hop, Bollywood remix and signature pop anthem. But it works because it follows the film's giddy pace, the darkness of its characters, its portrayal of lives on the edge. | The score is an untidy smorgasbord of hip hop, Bollywood remix and signature pop anthem. But it works because it follows the film's giddy pace, the darkness of its characters, its portrayal of lives on the edge. |
| Bollywood outsider | Bollywood outsider |
| The golden statue is a global recognition of Rahman's enormous talent. | The golden statue is a global recognition of Rahman's enormous talent. |
| Like many film composers, he is not a particularly gifted vocalist or a player. Rahman, instead, is an alchemist of sounds and voices, mixing and melting them in a potion that is usually a joy for the ear and soul. | Like many film composers, he is not a particularly gifted vocalist or a player. Rahman, instead, is an alchemist of sounds and voices, mixing and melting them in a potion that is usually a joy for the ear and soul. |
| Rahman is an alchemist of sounds and voices Send your comments on Soutik Biswas's article | Rahman is an alchemist of sounds and voices Send your comments on Soutik Biswas's article |
| It is not surprising then that he is a composer with a staggering range - from raga to reggae to hip hop to Indian rustbelt folk to jungle rhythms to faux baroque. All of it is brewed with an unerring feel for melody, swing and soul. | It is not surprising then that he is a composer with a staggering range - from raga to reggae to hip hop to Indian rustbelt folk to jungle rhythms to faux baroque. All of it is brewed with an unerring feel for melody, swing and soul. |
| Rahman, who converted to Islam some 20 years ago, is also India's- and Bollywood's- first truly successful crossover music director. | Rahman, who converted to Islam some 20 years ago, is also India's- and Bollywood's- first truly successful crossover music director. |
| Bollywood has filched tunes from the West for as long as I can remember - check out rip-offs from Chuck Berry, The Beatles, swing jazz and vapid disco for many home-grown hit tunes of the 1950s, 1960s and 1980s. But Rahman is not your archetypal tune ripper; he is, instead, an intrepid fusion tunesmith. | Bollywood has filched tunes from the West for as long as I can remember - check out rip-offs from Chuck Berry, The Beatles, swing jazz and vapid disco for many home-grown hit tunes of the 1950s, 1960s and 1980s. But Rahman is not your archetypal tune ripper; he is, instead, an intrepid fusion tunesmith. |
| Rahman says he is impressed with MIA's music It helps that he remains the outsider in Bollywood - the world's most incestuous film industry. | Rahman says he is impressed with MIA's music It helps that he remains the outsider in Bollywood - the world's most incestuous film industry. |
| Rahman cut his teeth scoring music for southern Indian films in the Telugu and Tamil languages, before scoring for Bollywood. Even this year, he is working on several Tamil and Telugu films, and only two Hindi films. | Rahman cut his teeth scoring music for southern Indian films in the Telugu and Tamil languages, before scoring for Bollywood. Even this year, he is working on several Tamil and Telugu films, and only two Hindi films. |
| And that is one of the reasons why the 43-year-old composer has often reached out to little-known new singers and musicians from all over the country to lend their voices and instruments to his songs and score. | And that is one of the reasons why the 43-year-old composer has often reached out to little-known new singers and musicians from all over the country to lend their voices and instruments to his songs and score. |
| Rahman is also globalisation's favourite child, always abreast of the world music that is making waves. No wonder he discovered the music of MIA, aka Maya Arulpragasam, the war child turned feisty alternative rapper, who very few people in India had heard before Slumdog. | Rahman is also globalisation's favourite child, always abreast of the world music that is making waves. No wonder he discovered the music of MIA, aka Maya Arulpragasam, the war child turned feisty alternative rapper, who very few people in India had heard before Slumdog. |
| Rahman uses MIA's Paper Planes - the singer rapping over a compelling sample riff and a rousing chorus line with gunshots and cash registers jingling in the background - in Slumdog. | Rahman uses MIA's Paper Planes - the singer rapping over a compelling sample riff and a rousing chorus line with gunshots and cash registers jingling in the background - in Slumdog. |
| "We met before but we never worked before," he told one interviewer. "MIA, she's a real powerhouse. Somebody played me her CD and I thought, who is this girl? She came here and knew all my work, had followed my work for ages. I said cut the crap, this 'idol' crap. You have to teach me. We started working in India, then we e-mailed the track back and forth. She did the vocals in England, I did the rest in India." | "We met before but we never worked before," he told one interviewer. "MIA, she's a real powerhouse. Somebody played me her CD and I thought, who is this girl? She came here and knew all my work, had followed my work for ages. I said cut the crap, this 'idol' crap. You have to teach me. We started working in India, then we e-mailed the track back and forth. She did the vocals in England, I did the rest in India." |
| Mixing old and new | Mixing old and new |
| I am now not surprised that the gritty girl rapper and the reclusive composer bonded so well. I met MIA a couple of years ago on the Jamaica seafront where she was shooting a music video for a new album. The boom box was playing her new song, a noisy mish-mash of what sounded like raucous Tamil gaana - a form of Tamil fast beat slum rap - over hip hop grooves. The Sri Lanka-born Tamil MIA and Rahman share some of the same culture. | I am now not surprised that the gritty girl rapper and the reclusive composer bonded so well. I met MIA a couple of years ago on the Jamaica seafront where she was shooting a music video for a new album. The boom box was playing her new song, a noisy mish-mash of what sounded like raucous Tamil gaana - a form of Tamil fast beat slum rap - over hip hop grooves. The Sri Lanka-born Tamil MIA and Rahman share some of the same culture. |
| The score for Roja was a limpid fusion of raga and reggae For the Slumdog score, Rahman says he was mixing the sounds of new and old India. But Slumdog is not even among his top five scores. | The score for Roja was a limpid fusion of raga and reggae For the Slumdog score, Rahman says he was mixing the sounds of new and old India. But Slumdog is not even among his top five scores. |
| The songs and score for Roja (The Rose), a 1992 film directed by Mani Ratnam, is possibly his best and most consistent work to date. | The songs and score for Roja (The Rose), a 1992 film directed by Mani Ratnam, is possibly his best and most consistent work to date. |
| A limpid fusion of raga and reggae, Roja was a breathtaking achievement for a composer taking his first steps in the intensely competitive world of Indian film music. | A limpid fusion of raga and reggae, Roja was a breathtaking achievement for a composer taking his first steps in the intensely competitive world of Indian film music. |
| Working with a number of vocalists, the film's music showcases his talents - fusing flutes, synthesisers and traditional melody to a reggae backbeat and a rolling bass line. Sometimes it felt like listening to The Wailers - Bob Marley's iconic reggae band - playing to Indian vocals. Time magazine called it one of the top 10 movie soundtracks of all time. | Working with a number of vocalists, the film's music showcases his talents - fusing flutes, synthesisers and traditional melody to a reggae backbeat and a rolling bass line. Sometimes it felt like listening to The Wailers - Bob Marley's iconic reggae band - playing to Indian vocals. Time magazine called it one of the top 10 movie soundtracks of all time. |
| From then on, there has been no stopping the Rahman revolution in Indian film music, his best work usually coming with Mani Ratnam, an MBA-turned-filmmaker. | From then on, there has been no stopping the Rahman revolution in Indian film music, his best work usually coming with Mani Ratnam, an MBA-turned-filmmaker. |
| On the Ratnam movie, Bombay, on love and longing in a city torn apart by religious rioting, Rahman's offerings are again rich and varied - from a sweaty, breathless love song by Remo Fernandes to a child chorus ditty to a background score that highlights the bleakness of a city and its people broken by hatred and fighting. | On the Ratnam movie, Bombay, on love and longing in a city torn apart by religious rioting, Rahman's offerings are again rich and varied - from a sweaty, breathless love song by Remo Fernandes to a child chorus ditty to a background score that highlights the bleakness of a city and its people broken by hatred and fighting. |
| And then, just to pick two films, come the pulsating baroque tunes and sounds in Ratnam's Thiruda (Thief, thief) - my favourite Rahman soundtrack. | And then, just to pick two films, come the pulsating baroque tunes and sounds in Ratnam's Thiruda (Thief, thief) - my favourite Rahman soundtrack. |
| From there, Rahman travels to fusing swing jazz and smoky blues with pristine Carnatic classical in the political hero biopic, Iruvar, another Ratnam film. | From there, Rahman travels to fusing swing jazz and smoky blues with pristine Carnatic classical in the political hero biopic, Iruvar, another Ratnam film. |
| There have been many good soundtracks and songs before and after these two films. | There have been many good soundtracks and songs before and after these two films. |
| In the end, Rahman, like the best of Indian film music composers, is melody's slave. At his place we had discussed the possibility of a rap musical some day. "I don't think," the alchemist frowned, "rap could sustain a two-hour musical!" | In the end, Rahman, like the best of Indian film music composers, is melody's slave. At his place we had discussed the possibility of a rap musical some day. "I don't think," the alchemist frowned, "rap could sustain a two-hour musical!" |
Here is a selection of your comments | Here is a selection of your comments |
| I grew up with AR Rahman. Every time I listen to a new sound track or song he's done, I am blown away. I don't think any musician anywhere in the word has been able to deliver instantly catchy songs at such a consistent and frequent rate. Another thing about ARR are his huge list of influences. His early work indicates Blur, Carnatic music, Michael Jackson - in short the popular music at that time. But over his career he's increased his influences and allowed artists working under him to explore their creativity too. He's a genius. Rock on Rahman.Kaber Vasuki, India | I grew up with AR Rahman. Every time I listen to a new sound track or song he's done, I am blown away. I don't think any musician anywhere in the word has been able to deliver instantly catchy songs at such a consistent and frequent rate. Another thing about ARR are his huge list of influences. His early work indicates Blur, Carnatic music, Michael Jackson - in short the popular music at that time. But over his career he's increased his influences and allowed artists working under him to explore their creativity too. He's a genius. Rock on Rahman.Kaber Vasuki, India |
| This was an interesting article. The film and music were excellent and really deserved to win this year!Gary, Thailand | This was an interesting article. The film and music were excellent and really deserved to win this year!Gary, Thailand |
| I still remember the first time I heard AR Rahman's music in Roja and Bombay, I thought why have I not heard such melody before? Bombay and Roja were a huge success in the Indian music industry. Given the plethora of tunes and singers in Indian Cinema, any one in India knows that if the music is by AR Rahman, 1) It will be very pleasant to the ears 2) You always listen to it with respect as opposed to the suspicion which rises when you first listen to a new song. Its completely befitting that he received two Oscar awards.Chandu, US | I still remember the first time I heard AR Rahman's music in Roja and Bombay, I thought why have I not heard such melody before? Bombay and Roja were a huge success in the Indian music industry. Given the plethora of tunes and singers in Indian Cinema, any one in India knows that if the music is by AR Rahman, 1) It will be very pleasant to the ears 2) You always listen to it with respect as opposed to the suspicion which rises when you first listen to a new song. Its completely befitting that he received two Oscar awards.Chandu, US |
| I have been listening to Rahman's music for around 14 years. I am happy to know that he has finally got a recognition in Hollywood. Hopefully, this will open many doors to him and we can listen to more of his "soul rendering" works. I agree with Rahman's views on Bollywood, even the name itself doesn't have originality, nevertheless to say about most of the screenplays. The duo Rahman-Ratnam are one of the best things to watch out in Indian (not Bollywood) movies. Chanchal, Nottingham, United Kingdom | I have been listening to Rahman's music for around 14 years. I am happy to know that he has finally got a recognition in Hollywood. Hopefully, this will open many doors to him and we can listen to more of his "soul rendering" works. I agree with Rahman's views on Bollywood, even the name itself doesn't have originality, nevertheless to say about most of the screenplays. The duo Rahman-Ratnam are one of the best things to watch out in Indian (not Bollywood) movies. Chanchal, Nottingham, United Kingdom |
| Quite true, Roja is the best.Anoop, India | Quite true, Roja is the best.Anoop, India |
| Well written article! You are right when you say that Rahman's best comes from the stables of Mani Ratnam and Thiruda Thiruda music is also my favourite. But I don't think Rahman deserves an Oscar for Slumdog simply because it isn't that great as compared to his other music scores. Sri Vikas, India | Well written article! You are right when you say that Rahman's best comes from the stables of Mani Ratnam and Thiruda Thiruda music is also my favourite. But I don't think Rahman deserves an Oscar for Slumdog simply because it isn't that great as compared to his other music scores. Sri Vikas, India |
| Wonderful piece this, really enjoyed reading it. I was all this while a closet Rahman fan, worried that acknowledging Rahman's greatness would somehow dilute my liking for, and loyalty to, RD Burman's music. Fact is, Rahman is perhaps superior to Pancham.Rajan Chakravarty, India | Wonderful piece this, really enjoyed reading it. I was all this while a closet Rahman fan, worried that acknowledging Rahman's greatness would somehow dilute my liking for, and loyalty to, RD Burman's music. Fact is, Rahman is perhaps superior to Pancham.Rajan Chakravarty, India |
| AR Rahman is a truly magical musician. His ability to pick and mix instrumentals, melodies and vocals into meaningful coherent and powerful film ballads is unrivalled. He is one of Asia's few musicians who make classical Indian music relevant to our generation, Through the use of modern technology. Rahman's dedication and love of his art is evident in all of his work. Haridhos Kurunadalingam, United Kingdom | AR Rahman is a truly magical musician. His ability to pick and mix instrumentals, melodies and vocals into meaningful coherent and powerful film ballads is unrivalled. He is one of Asia's few musicians who make classical Indian music relevant to our generation, Through the use of modern technology. Rahman's dedication and love of his art is evident in all of his work. Haridhos Kurunadalingam, United Kingdom |
| I remember his Vande Mataram album in India in 1997. I thought that was pure genius as wellDaniel James, New Zealand | I remember his Vande Mataram album in India in 1997. I thought that was pure genius as wellDaniel James, New Zealand |
| AR Rahman is more than just a musician. He is a part of history. I am an Indian who grew up in America, and while I love new music, English and in Hindi, my comfort music will always be the soundtrack of Bombay. It has been there for me as a child, through high school, college, and hopefully for ever more. Its the music I will have my children hear, and hope they love it as much as I have.Monica, USA | AR Rahman is more than just a musician. He is a part of history. I am an Indian who grew up in America, and while I love new music, English and in Hindi, my comfort music will always be the soundtrack of Bombay. It has been there for me as a child, through high school, college, and hopefully for ever more. Its the music I will have my children hear, and hope they love it as much as I have.Monica, USA |
| Thank you BBC for this title on an Indian. Today i am feeling very proud to be an Indian. Rahman is now become a precious asset not only for India but also for whole world.Sunil Dhiman, India | Thank you BBC for this title on an Indian. Today i am feeling very proud to be an Indian. Rahman is now become a precious asset not only for India but also for whole world.Sunil Dhiman, India |
| AR Rahman hasn't just won an award, he has won world recognition for Indian music, its long music tradition and Indians' love for good music. I'm proud of Rahman for his talent, creativity, professionalism, hard work, modesty and his service to Indian and world music. Hats off to Rahman for scoring distinction for India and Indian film music.Jay, Australia | AR Rahman hasn't just won an award, he has won world recognition for Indian music, its long music tradition and Indians' love for good music. I'm proud of Rahman for his talent, creativity, professionalism, hard work, modesty and his service to Indian and world music. Hats off to Rahman for scoring distinction for India and Indian film music.Jay, Australia |
| Feel really proud for AR for winning this. Had it not been a UK film he would never win an Oscar. Congrats to all Slumdog winners. D Kathapurkar, UK | Feel really proud for AR for winning this. Had it not been a UK film he would never win an Oscar. Congrats to all Slumdog winners. D Kathapurkar, UK |
| From the very first movie scored by Rahman, I have been listening to almost all the tracks composed by Rahman. Being a resident of Tamil Nadu, from where "The Alchemist" comes from, I can surely say that Slumdog Millionaire is not Rahman's best. He had composed even better scores for Tamil movies which were left unrecognised. Even it is a pain that larger part of his music is left unnoticed, I take this opportunity to praise the efforts of this great composer on behalf of all Indians.David P Shenba, Chennai, India | From the very first movie scored by Rahman, I have been listening to almost all the tracks composed by Rahman. Being a resident of Tamil Nadu, from where "The Alchemist" comes from, I can surely say that Slumdog Millionaire is not Rahman's best. He had composed even better scores for Tamil movies which were left unrecognised. Even it is a pain that larger part of his music is left unnoticed, I take this opportunity to praise the efforts of this great composer on behalf of all Indians.David P Shenba, Chennai, India |
| Very well researched and written article - shows the depth of talent Rahman possesses and his vast contribution to the Madras and Indian music industry. Glad he got this long overdue recognition now - he has done India very proud!Rose Ambat, India | Very well researched and written article - shows the depth of talent Rahman possesses and his vast contribution to the Madras and Indian music industry. Glad he got this long overdue recognition now - he has done India very proud!Rose Ambat, India |
| Oscar is GREAT but I want him to win a few Grammy awards too.Sameer Rasaily, India | Oscar is GREAT but I want him to win a few Grammy awards too.Sameer Rasaily, India |
| He also wrote the amazing score for the recent release Ghajni. Sadly, only the pop songs are available on CD, not the incredible background he is so genius at. If any Bollywood bigwigs are reading this, PLEASE release the Ghajni complete score. It is so good.Caleb Hicks, USA | He also wrote the amazing score for the recent release Ghajni. Sadly, only the pop songs are available on CD, not the incredible background he is so genius at. If any Bollywood bigwigs are reading this, PLEASE release the Ghajni complete score. It is so good.Caleb Hicks, USA |
| Search for the music from the Bollywood movie Taal. It's also provided by A.R. Rahman. Check YouTube. Great sound. Roja's soundtrack is also great. John, New Zealand | Search for the music from the Bollywood movie Taal. It's also provided by A.R. Rahman. Check YouTube. Great sound. Roja's soundtrack is also great. John, New Zealand |
| Soutik Biswas's pen-portrait of AR Rahman is superb. Indians in general, and those in the South of the country in particular, are really happy that Rahman has won two Oscars for his work in Slumdog Millionaire. Congratulations to the master music maker! We in India have never seen the kind of celebrations in our country that marked the Oscar awards this year. Eight Oscars for one India-centric movie - can one ask for more? Achal Narayanan, India | Soutik Biswas's pen-portrait of AR Rahman is superb. Indians in general, and those in the South of the country in particular, are really happy that Rahman has won two Oscars for his work in Slumdog Millionaire. Congratulations to the master music maker! We in India have never seen the kind of celebrations in our country that marked the Oscar awards this year. Eight Oscars for one India-centric movie - can one ask for more? Achal Narayanan, India |
| I was waiting for this moment since his first music direction in Roja. All the best wishes to Mr. Rehman for his achievement.Md Khairul Bashar, Bangladesh | I was waiting for this moment since his first music direction in Roja. All the best wishes to Mr. Rehman for his achievement.Md Khairul Bashar, Bangladesh |
| I truly believe that Rahman has conquered the world by winning Oscars for best score and best song. This has been ONE award that has eluded him since the time he made the charts and I think he deserves it in every way you can think of. Rahman has done India, his motherland proud, and has put her on the international map of music and song. Congratulations and we are extremely proud of you!Christopher Dawes, India | I truly believe that Rahman has conquered the world by winning Oscars for best score and best song. This has been ONE award that has eluded him since the time he made the charts and I think he deserves it in every way you can think of. Rahman has done India, his motherland proud, and has put her on the international map of music and song. Congratulations and we are extremely proud of you!Christopher Dawes, India |
| AR Rahman has once again proved to the world that there is no substitute for originality.Dipayan Dasgupta, Singapore | AR Rahman has once again proved to the world that there is no substitute for originality.Dipayan Dasgupta, Singapore |
| Certainly, the music of AR Rahman in Slumdogs Millionaire is not that great as compared to his other works. However, the Oscar has recognised him that he is now a Mozart of East. And the movie, Slumdogs Millionaire, is not exceptionally that good. In fact enjoyed watching Salam Bombay. Puran P Vista, Nepal | |
| Rehman is truly a tunesmith. I am not surprised he has won the Oscar. I am however more surprised that it takes an Oscar for the world to recognise the genius that is Rehman. Very few musicians can compose, sing and create music commercially in as many as 6 different languages. I am surprised that this acclaim has take this long. Jai ho RehmanJason C, Hong Kong | |
| Bravo Mr Rehman! The movie was really awesome and the same can b said about him too - his music really makes you literally feel the movie from within !Derick Fernandes, Cayman Islands | Bravo Mr Rehman! The movie was really awesome and the same can b said about him too - his music really makes you literally feel the movie from within !Derick Fernandes, Cayman Islands |
| I have grown up on Rahman songs....It is like a drug, you get addicted to them and then you yearn for more....We are are really proud of him.Suna, Oman | I have grown up on Rahman songs....It is like a drug, you get addicted to them and then you yearn for more....We are are really proud of him.Suna, Oman |
| Its great to see AR Rahman with such an achievement, he really deserves it. He is not only popular in India, but he is equally popular in Bangladesh.Ashik, Bangladesh | Its great to see AR Rahman with such an achievement, he really deserves it. He is not only popular in India, but he is equally popular in Bangladesh.Ashik, Bangladesh |
| I remember when I first heard A R Rahman's songs from the movie, 'Roja', all those years ago. The songs captivated everyone in our Indian community, and people were rushing out to buy the cassette of the movie soundtrack. Tamil audiences in have long enjoyed the beautiful songs he has produced for various Tamil movies and I'm sure that the fame and awards he has garnered from Slumdog Millionaires will garner him new fans from other cultural backgrounds across the world. Well done, A R Rahman. Pari, Hong Kong | I remember when I first heard A R Rahman's songs from the movie, 'Roja', all those years ago. The songs captivated everyone in our Indian community, and people were rushing out to buy the cassette of the movie soundtrack. Tamil audiences in have long enjoyed the beautiful songs he has produced for various Tamil movies and I'm sure that the fame and awards he has garnered from Slumdog Millionaires will garner him new fans from other cultural backgrounds across the world. Well done, A R Rahman. Pari, Hong Kong |
| Rahman was already a genius. The difference is, now not just India but the world knows about his work. Article is very well written. Shah, Hong Kong | Rahman was already a genius. The difference is, now not just India but the world knows about his work. Article is very well written. Shah, Hong Kong |
| Great moment and even greater news. I congratulate Rahman and all Indians, for this great musician that they have produced.Mohamed Adham, Sri Lanka | Great moment and even greater news. I congratulate Rahman and all Indians, for this great musician that they have produced.Mohamed Adham, Sri Lanka |
| The music of Slumdog is not ARH's best work. He has been creating great music for over a decade in Bollywood cinema. Its good to see he finally receives an Oscar. Its just a shame that the Academy (and the 'west') has overlooked many of his real masterpieces from the past.Amjad, UK | The music of Slumdog is not ARH's best work. He has been creating great music for over a decade in Bollywood cinema. Its good to see he finally receives an Oscar. Its just a shame that the Academy (and the 'west') has overlooked many of his real masterpieces from the past.Amjad, UK |
| AR Rahman is truly a musical genius. Though Slumdog is no way near his other best scores, we shall happily take it as this give him the global recognition that he richly deservesSreeranga, India | AR Rahman is truly a musical genius. Though Slumdog is no way near his other best scores, we shall happily take it as this give him the global recognition that he richly deservesSreeranga, India |
| Congrats to the music wizard. Slumdog is one of his average albums. The world and Oscars must take a look at the scores he has done in the beginning of his career. They will be nonplussed by the range.Srikanth Mantena, India | Congrats to the music wizard. Slumdog is one of his average albums. The world and Oscars must take a look at the scores he has done in the beginning of his career. They will be nonplussed by the range.Srikanth Mantena, India |
| It is a great moment for India, I am proud to be an IndianHarish M Pavithran, INDIA | It is a great moment for India, I am proud to be an IndianHarish M Pavithran, INDIA |
| Well, at least now the world has recognised the immense talent of Rahman, by honouring him at the Oscars. Rahman you really 'deserve' the Oscars and you have put the Indian music on the global map.Tom, India | Well, at least now the world has recognised the immense talent of Rahman, by honouring him at the Oscars. Rahman you really 'deserve' the Oscars and you have put the Indian music on the global map.Tom, India |
| AR Rahman i s just next to the God to meProtik, Bangladesh | AR Rahman i s just next to the God to meProtik, Bangladesh |
| Jai Ho AR Rahman, Jay Ho Bollywood!Imran, Saudi Arabia | Jai Ho AR Rahman, Jay Ho Bollywood!Imran, Saudi Arabia |
| I've been a big fan of Rahman for over a decade now and to my untrained ears, he has done much better work than Slumdog. But i guess as Einstein won the noble for e=mc2 rather than for theory of relativity so has Rahman for something that his not his best work and surely in either case, the true genius eventually got the reward it deservedRajesh, India | I've been a big fan of Rahman for over a decade now and to my untrained ears, he has done much better work than Slumdog. But i guess as Einstein won the noble for e=mc2 rather than for theory of relativity so has Rahman for something that his not his best work and surely in either case, the true genius eventually got the reward it deservedRajesh, India |
| Rahman's music unlike others isn't just hear once and move on, it lingers in memory and one tends to hum it over and over again, he is beyond doubt the greatest musician we have ,his talent in music is truly gifted, and like they say God chooses one in a million and he is the chosen one.Vijay, India | Rahman's music unlike others isn't just hear once and move on, it lingers in memory and one tends to hum it over and over again, he is beyond doubt the greatest musician we have ,his talent in music is truly gifted, and like they say God chooses one in a million and he is the chosen one.Vijay, India |
| ARR is a trend-setter and a perfect inspiration for aspiring creative pros like me. Though many can identify ARR's song in their sleep from even a small interlude, his greatest composition till date is contemporarising India's National Song Vande Mataram... making it cool to sing patriotic songs :) ARR ki Jai Ho! Magesh Iyer, India | ARR is a trend-setter and a perfect inspiration for aspiring creative pros like me. Though many can identify ARR's song in their sleep from even a small interlude, his greatest composition till date is contemporarising India's National Song Vande Mataram... making it cool to sing patriotic songs :) ARR ki Jai Ho! Magesh Iyer, India |
| I'm thrilled that an Indian has won not only one but double Oscar award. My best wish to all Indians around the globe and I hope this trend of fetching the Oscar will continue in the future.Deepak Chawla, Hong Kong | I'm thrilled that an Indian has won not only one but double Oscar award. My best wish to all Indians around the globe and I hope this trend of fetching the Oscar will continue in the future.Deepak Chawla, Hong Kong |
| AR Rahman is so humble and down to earth. His great work in music speaks for itself. You will never find him praising his own work. He is a true Indian Hero. Great talent and someone who makes us all very proud to be an Indian.I wouldn't say that Slumdog his best work but he has done marvellous job in his earlier Tamil (Mani Ratnam's esp.) films like Roja, Bombay, Dil Se (Hindi), Minsara Kanavu, Kannathil Muthamittal, etc.. He should have won the Oscar long time ago but nothing is too late for him to bag two Oscars.Mohanavanan Selvaraju, China (Malaysian) | AR Rahman is so humble and down to earth. His great work in music speaks for itself. You will never find him praising his own work. He is a true Indian Hero. Great talent and someone who makes us all very proud to be an Indian.I wouldn't say that Slumdog his best work but he has done marvellous job in his earlier Tamil (Mani Ratnam's esp.) films like Roja, Bombay, Dil Se (Hindi), Minsara Kanavu, Kannathil Muthamittal, etc.. He should have won the Oscar long time ago but nothing is too late for him to bag two Oscars.Mohanavanan Selvaraju, China (Malaysian) |
| Rahman has made all Indians very proud today. He is the best musician of the modern India and represents India in its true form, traditional with a modern twist. Few years ago I took my English husband to his concert in NEC a few years back and my husband has since become a fan of his, having loads of his tunes on his IPod along with the rest of the western music that he is into. Way to go Rahman and India, we are very proud of you!!A Shelley, UK | Rahman has made all Indians very proud today. He is the best musician of the modern India and represents India in its true form, traditional with a modern twist. Few years ago I took my English husband to his concert in NEC a few years back and my husband has since become a fan of his, having loads of his tunes on his IPod along with the rest of the western music that he is into. Way to go Rahman and India, we are very proud of you!!A Shelley, UK |
| Kudos to Rahman! If his Slumdog score can fetch him 2 Oscars, one can only imagine how many will he be able to win if his other original works in Tamil and Hindi can fetch him. He is a class act; no doubt about it but what stands out is he keeps reinventing himself and his music. No two films, songs, background score ever sound the same surprisingly for a career spanning 17 years so far. With greatness comes humbleness and the only other contemporary that I can think of who fits this bill is Sachin Tendulkar !Rajasekaran Elangovan, India | Kudos to Rahman! If his Slumdog score can fetch him 2 Oscars, one can only imagine how many will he be able to win if his other original works in Tamil and Hindi can fetch him. He is a class act; no doubt about it but what stands out is he keeps reinventing himself and his music. No two films, songs, background score ever sound the same surprisingly for a career spanning 17 years so far. With greatness comes humbleness and the only other contemporary that I can think of who fits this bill is Sachin Tendulkar !Rajasekaran Elangovan, India |
| Rahman Rocks! Its just fitting that he got this recognition globally. Also what better a place than the Academy Awards, after all, Slumdog Millionaire is a film about a city in India, directed/produced by a British, winning an Academy Award in America, that is being hosted by an Australia. Now that's a perfect global setting for a global tunesmith Vishal, US | Rahman Rocks! Its just fitting that he got this recognition globally. Also what better a place than the Academy Awards, after all, Slumdog Millionaire is a film about a city in India, directed/produced by a British, winning an Academy Award in America, that is being hosted by an Australia. Now that's a perfect global setting for a global tunesmith Vishal, US |
| AR. Rahman is the sure-fire hit maker whose unconventional compositions have inspired a sometimes stagnant genre. As a composer, Rahman's style is instantly recognisable and often imitated. He's a musical omnivore: synthesizers meet flamenco guitar, rock 'n' roll rubs up against Indian folk and classical, and they all seem to get along. Rahman is also known for breaking new and untrained vocalists in a notoriously insular field. Finally an Oscar is an milestone achievement, another feather to his cap of achievements.Manohar, USA | AR. Rahman is the sure-fire hit maker whose unconventional compositions have inspired a sometimes stagnant genre. As a composer, Rahman's style is instantly recognisable and often imitated. He's a musical omnivore: synthesizers meet flamenco guitar, rock 'n' roll rubs up against Indian folk and classical, and they all seem to get along. Rahman is also known for breaking new and untrained vocalists in a notoriously insular field. Finally an Oscar is an milestone achievement, another feather to his cap of achievements.Manohar, USA |
| AR Rahman is the best-ever music itself that God has offered us. I am fully delighted and enthralled to live in the same country and having been born in the same state where he was born. The moment of receiving two Oscars in a span of ten minutes is not only his moment but also the whole India's moment. He made India a proud country. Indians look forward to listening to his best music numbers and scores which portray India's talents and make them come to limelight.Nagarajan S, India | AR Rahman is the best-ever music itself that God has offered us. I am fully delighted and enthralled to live in the same country and having been born in the same state where he was born. The moment of receiving two Oscars in a span of ten minutes is not only his moment but also the whole India's moment. He made India a proud country. Indians look forward to listening to his best music numbers and scores which portray India's talents and make them come to limelight.Nagarajan S, India |
| Fantastically written. I am marvelled at Mr Biswas's story-weaving facilities and vocabulary The article made for a very interesting read. Yogendra Kalavalapalli, India | Fantastically written. I am marvelled at Mr Biswas's story-weaving facilities and vocabulary The article made for a very interesting read. Yogendra Kalavalapalli, India |
| I am looking forward to watching this movie and after this story paying close attention to music.Clyde Driscoll, Chicago, US | I am looking forward to watching this movie and after this story paying close attention to music.Clyde Driscoll, Chicago, US |
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