Dedicated to "Isay Puyal" A R Rahman

A R Rahman's Position Internationally

2008-03-21T10:42:00.010+05:30

A r rahman is rated 56 among all the artists in the world. Check out the rating of top 100 artists in the world.

Last Week	This Week	Top 100 Artists	Peak Pos.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100	1 2 42 4 6 3 7 5 9 10 8 11 16 15 14 12 13 458 18 19 25 23 17 21 20 24 26 22 28 30 29 34 27 31 33 36 32 39 37 35 53 48 40 41 43 50 51 38 49 44 60 45 117 52 86 56 46 55 66 88 76 57 61 59 54 62 58 64 75 95 71 77 63 72 81 91 69 159 47 83 85 82 79 80 65 73 89 68 194 70 108 102 106 78 773 100 87 132 74 92	Lil Wayne Soulja Boy Tell Em System of a Down Chris Brown Flo Rida The Rolling Stones Rihanna Eminem T-Pain Britney Spears Linkin Park Akon Mariah Carey Snoop Dogg Michael Jackson 50 Cent Paramore Serj Tankian Usher Nickelback The Beatles Beyoncé Lil' Boosie Avril Lavigne 2Pac Jonas Brothers Celine Dion Alicia Keys Backstreet Boys Bob Marley Mary J. Blige Elvis Presley Metallica Sean Kingston RBD Gucci Mane Bow Wow Ne-Yo J. Holiday Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Fergie R. Kelly Three Days Grace Lil Mama Guns N' Roses AC/DC Enrique Iglesias Kanye West Green Day Kenny G Jay-Z Taylor Swift Brooke White South Park Mexican Jordin Sparks A.R. Rahman Lucky Dube Janet Jackson Pretty Ricky Bryan Adams George Benson Hannah Montana Simple Plan Chris Brown U2 Insane Clown Posse Wisin y Yandel Pink Floyd Plies Weird Al Yankovic Jennifer Lopez Lupe Fiasco Red Hot Chili Peppers Timbaland Slipknot Korn Amy Winehouse The Dave Clark Five Luther Vandross Shawty Lo Mario Ciara Three 6 Mafia Iron Maiden Buckcherry Garth Brooks Nelly Vicente Fernández Rick Ross Foo Fighters Elton John Marilyn Manson Evanescence Wyclef Jean Playradioplay! Jack Johnson Keyshia Cole DJ Flex Webbie Shania Twain	1 1 1 2 5 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 3 18 1 9 1 4 10 2 4 12 1 3 1 17 4 6 1 2 1 31 6 1 18 4 2 3 37 29 3 1 22 5 2 38 2 30 53 48 55 16 1 1 6 30 7 56 6 59 1 13 58 6 31 7 6 41 2 26 1 1 25 39 5 80 4 5 15 9 45 10 2 68 64 2 2 2 4 23 95 49 27 98 74 4

This rating is from artistdirect.com.

Adda

2008-03-21T10:16:00.002+05:30

Rahul Roy is determined to re-invent himself for another innings in Bollywood.

He last surfaced for the small screen’s hit reality show Bigg Boss, won it and then disappeared again. Now Aashiqui boy Rahul Roy is ready for a comeback to the silver screen with Tanvir Ahmed’s Adaa. The film has a pretty good USP as well — music by AR Rahman. While he’s hoping that the film re-establishes a place for him in the industry, he insists that it’s more about re-inventing himself than just getting work.

“I certainly don’t want to repeat the mistakes I’ve done in the past,” he said, adding, “After you’ve been bitten by the film bug, it becomes almost impossible to adjust yourself back into normal life. I can see that all around me — personal lives in shambles, landing in hospitals for all the wrong reasons. And even when you’re riding success, most people are unable to enjoy it. This film is a lesson in Sufi values for all such people.”

The film itself he sums up in a single line: “Spiritual father, religious mother, gangster son.” Rahul and Ayesha Jhulka play the parents who slowly try to bring around their rebel son.

Just like the character in his film, Rahul himself has strengthened the spiritual connect in his life - he’s a dedicated follower of Gajanan Maharaj’s ashram, which is now led by Rajabhau Maharaj.

“It has given me sanity. If I was able to survive those weeks on Bigg Boss without cracking up, it’s also because of what I’ve learnt at this ashram,” he revealed.

Gallery

2008-02-24T19:42:00.003+05:30

A R Rahman album posters

Rare A R Rahman pics

ARR's concert Chennai

Filmfare awards 2008

2008-02-24T07:32:00.009+05:30

A R Rahman bags 2 filmfare awards for Best Music & Best Background Score.

The 53rd Fair One Filmfare Awards has begun with the guests paying homage to the souls of artistes who departed in 2007.

A. R. Rahman wins the award for the Best Background Score. The music director has come himself to take the award which is being presented by Abbas-Mustan. He says, "The Filmfare Award is like an ornament for a lady; the more you have, it enhances the charm."

Bappi Lahiri and the ever-green Poonam Dhillon arrive to present the award for Best Music. It goes to A. R. Rahman. The musician bagged the award for his music in Guru. This is the singer's second award for the evening.

Filmfare Award winners:
Best Actor: Shahrukh Khan for Chak De India.
Best Leading Actor (Female) Kareena Kapoor for Jab We Met.
Best Director Aamir Khan for Taare Zameen Par.
Critics Best Film Shimit Amin for Chak De India.
Critics Best Actor Darsheel Safari for Taare Zammen Par.
Critics Best Actress Tabu for Cheeni Kum.

Lifetime Achievement Award Rishi Kapoor.
Power Award Yash and Aditya Chopra.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role Irrfan Khan for Life In A Metro.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) Konkana Sen Sharma for Life in a Metro.

Best Music A. R. Rahman for Guru.
Best Background Score A. R. Rahman for Guru.

Best Male Singer Shaan for 'Jabse Tere Naina' from Saawariya.
Best Lyrics Prasoon Joshi for 'Ma' from Taare Zameen Par.
Best Female Singer Shreya Ghoshal for Barso Re' from Guru.
Best Story Amol Gupte for Taare Zameen Par.
Best Screenplay Anurag Basu for Life In A Metro.
Best Dialogue Imitiaz Ali for Jab We Met.
Best Male Debutant Ranbir Kapoor for Saawariya.
Best Female Debutant Deepika for Om Shanti Om.
Na-Real award Vidya Balan for Hey Baby.
Fresh Face of the Year Award Deepika Padukone for Om Shanti Om.
Best Editing Amitabh Shukla for Chak De India.
Best Action Rob Miller for Chak De India
Best Art Direction Samir Chanda for Guru
R. D. Burman Award Monty Sharma for Saawariya.
Best Sound Leslie Fernandes - Johnny Gaddaar
Best Special Effects Red Chillies Entertainment - Om Shanti Om
Best Costume Award Sujata Sharma for Gandhi My Father.
Best Cinemtography Award Sudip Chatterjee for Chak De India.

AR Rahman on Filmfare nomination

2008-02-21T16:40:00.004+05:30

In an exclusive interview with Times Now, AR Rahman , the music maestro spoke about his first ever nomination as a Playback singer for the 53rd Filmfare awards. Filmfare awards may crowd AR Rahman's mantelpiece, but the 53rd Filmfare Awards will be extra special as he has been nominated in the Best Playback Singer category for the first time for Tere Bina from Mani Ratnam's Guru.

Rehman will compete with the best in the industry. The other nominees in the same category are:

K K - Aankhon Mein Teri (Om Shanti Om)
Shaan - Jab Se Tere Naina (Saawariya)
Sonu Nigam - Main Agar Kahoon (Om Shanti Om)
Sukhawinder Singh - Chak De (Chak De! India)

AR Rahman said, "Guru is not an ordinary film for me. It is an extraordinary one. I feel good that people are acknowledging me as a good singer. I was not well when the song was recorded. So, it sounded shaky. Filmfare has become almost like a home for me now. "

So, the question remains whether Rahman will have yet another award to add to his collection. One will have to wait for February 24, 2008 to find out who bags the coveted Best Singer Award.

ARR ranks 6 in Filmfare Power List

2008-02-21T11:46:00.006+05:30

Filmfare Power List 2008

1.Chopra’s
2.Shahrukh Khan
3.Akshay Kumar
4.Hrithik Roshan
5.Salman Khan
6.A R Rehman
7.Amitabh Bachchan
8.Aishwarya Rai
9.Rani Mukherjee
10.Karan Johar

Proving once again that the golden levers of power in Bollywood are really behind the screen and not on it, the father-son team of Yash and Aditya Chopra have, for the third year in a row, come out at the top of the Filmfare Power List.

The Filmfare Power 2007 survey was conducted by AC Nielsen-ORG MARG, the largest market research and information company in South Asia. Respondents included actors, technicians, financiers, distributors, exhibitors and photographers. The results have some major surprises and some rude shocks in store.

Following the Chopras is Shah Rukh Khan, who maintained his No 2 position, riding largely on the success of his home production Om Shanti Om and the Chopras' Chak De , the two biggest grossers of the last year. At No 3, in a surprise elevation is Akshay Kumar, who had not two but four hits in 2007 - Namastey London , Heyy Babyy , Bhool Bhulaiyya and Welcome .

Amitabh Bachchan, No 3 last year, has slipped four notches to No 7, and is now only one ahead of his pretty daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Bachchan. Between Akshay and Amitabh is the solid bankable quotient - Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan and A R Rahman. Aishwarya, who leads among the heroines, has pipped Rani Mukerji, who is a hair's breadth below at No 9.

Karan Johar may have sat the year out as far as film-making goes but his natty turn as television anchor in Koffee With Karan has won him the hamper at No 10, ousting in the process the more productive competition. Sanjay Leela Bhansali Saawariya and Vidhu Vinod Chopra Eklavya don't seem to have cut the mustard, with their lavish productions having failed to stir the box office.

According to Filmfare, the criteria that decides the winners include factors like their box-office draw, their ability to generate funds for others, and their ability to call the shots no matter what.

Which perhaps explains why Yash and Aditya Chopra, who gave the country an anthem of sorts of with Chak De India , were catapulted to top spot despite four damp squibs - Ta Ra Rum Pum, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Aaja Nachle .

Last year the poer list looked like
1) Yash and Aditya Chopra
2) Shahrukh Khan
3) Amitabh Bachchan
4) Hrithik Roshan
5) Rani Mukerji
6) Sanjay Leela Bhansali
7) Salman Khan
8) Karan Johar
9) A R Rahman
10) Vidhu Vinod Chopra

A.R. Rahman's Broadway-style musical in India

2008-02-21T11:21:00.004+05:30

MUSIC composer A.R. Rahman now wants to make waves in India after the huge success of the Lord of the Rings musical in London¢s West End.

"Yes, it will be very soon," Rahman said at the Jet Airways-sponsored gala launch of the 'Lord of the Rings' compact disc in London Monday.

Rahman said his plan is to create an original musical play - of the kind seen in London and New York - to be put up on an Indian stage, most probably in Haryana, near Delhi.

The staging will hinge on plans by Indian events management and entertainment company Wizcraft to develop an entire town near Delhi, patterned after Las Vegas, Rahman told in an interview.

"There will be a big theatre, that's all good news. It's good to see people opening up," he said.

Although Rahman is keeping his plans tightly wrapped, it is aimed at linking Indian tourism with a modern musical stage, just as London's West End attracts millions of international tourists.

"A lot of things are too early to say, let's hope for the best."

Whether the original musical will be on the scale of London's musicals remains to be seen - Rahman himself prefers something on the scale of "Lion King", based on a popular Disney film.

"Lord of the Rings", the most expensive West End production, is an eye-popping spectacular that cost 12 million pounds (about Rs.950 million) to put up. On any given night there are 226 people - from computer programmers to actors - involved in the show, which brings British author J.R.R Tolkien's fantasy epic to life.

But Rahman, who has breathed life into the cult classic with his music, said he has made a "u-turn" after his stint with West End and Hollywood - he scored the music for 'Elizabeth: the Golden Age' - and is now looking at India.

Rahman wants Indian audiences to feel the thrill of a Broadway musical play. So the music maestro will soon start working on an original story for a mega Broadway to be shown to Indian audiences, before taking it aboard. It will have international standards and participants in terms of cast and crew. But Indians will probably be in the lead.

"I've been given great respect in India. It's time for me to give back," he said in the interview.

Rahman, who had launched his music production company K.M. Music and a music school in Chennai, has never lost an opportunity to repay his countrymen for his success.

Stars turn up for Jodhaa Akbar

2008-02-15T22:38:00.005+05:30

The stars came out in full attendance for the premiere of Ashutosh Gowariker's epic romance, Jodhaa Akbar at Mumbai's IMAX theatre, on February 14.

Jodha Akbar - Movie review

2008-02-15T10:27:00.005+05:30

Film : Jodhaa Akbar
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Poonam Sinha, Ila Arun.
Director : Ashutosh Gowarikar
Music Director : A R Rahman

Ashutosh Gowariker goes two more centuries back from his Lagaan era to deliver another magnificent masterpiece by weaving a gripping narrative around the Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rajput Princess Jodhaa.

Jodhaa Akbar "The Eternal Love Story", Ashutosh Gorwarikar's fifth movie after setting a record of giving 2 back to back hits "Swades" and"Lagaan".

The movie starts of with an Amitabh Bachchan voiceover, giving an introduction of the Mughal Empire.Young moghul emperor Jalaluddin (Hrithik) sets out to bring the entire India under his flagship and deploys orders to the neighbouring states to either accept his honour or face his wrath. In order to prevent further violence, the King of Amer proposes a marriage of convenience with his beautiful daughter Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai) to the Emperor. He agrees in order to increase his foothold over Rajasthan and ultimately the rest of India.

Jodhaa insists on maintaining her religion, cooking vegetarian dishes for her man and singing bhajans (Hindu devotional songs) in her specially constructed bedroom mandir (temple).

Her loyalty is tested when a vial of poison is discovered in her personal belongings. Is Jodhaa a Hindu spy? He gets increasingly suspicious of his wife’s motives.

As we've seen in several serials and movies, the story becomes a mother in law vs wife fight. Akbar also thinks wife is cheating. He soon realizes his mistake and calls her back. Then the story starts on how she influences him into becoming the people's king.

The film ends with a passionate plea for tolerance of all religions in India, a resonant message for modern India.

About Music : Only few directors know the best way to exploit A R Rahman's excellence. AR Rahman does it again. The music is of an extremely superior nature, and the background score accentures the grip over the drama. The maestro seems to be in his best form when working with Gowariker.

One of the highlights of the film was the choreography of the song 'Azeem o shaan shehenshah'.Hours after watching Jodhaa Akbar, the song keepshaunting you with its lilting melody and breathtaking picturisation.

Jodhaa Akbar is a spectacular watch. Jodhaa Akbar is a clear winner, but it isn't the kind of movie that would knock off your socks. But if you sit through the first half an hour, you will be rewarded with perhaps the most spectacular film India has ever made.

Rating : 8/10

Various Artist's on ARR

2008-02-14T07:20:00.012+05:30

Madhushree : as she is popularly known in the music industry has sung for films like Saathiya, Swades, Kisna, Paheli, Mangal Pandey and Rang De Basanti to name a few….
You work mostly with A.R.Rahman?
Yes, but I sing for others too. I enjoy singing for A.R.Rahman. He experiments very well with the songs he asks me to sing. I believe his songs are very different. I really thank God and A.R.Rahman whenever he calls me to sing for him and we have been giving good songs together so far.

Kailash Kher : Title song in Mangal Pandey, including the qawwali. I recently recorded a song in Kannada for Rahman. Whether I work with him or not, I feel it is my fortune to know him. If I were to sit next to him, even without knowing he was a composer, I would still get beautiful vibrations. It is a spiritual experience.I continue learning endlessly. I learn from his humility. I learn how to treat artists with respect, how to inspire singers and lyricists. I wish I had a teacher like him when I went from one guru to another in my early days.

Naresh Iyer : had the whole country swaying to songs such as `Roobaroo’ in `Rang De Basanti’ and more locally `Munbe Vaa’ from `Chillunu Oru Kadhal’. If you have heard of Naresh, then you have probably heard of the story about how A.R. Rahman gave him the good news-bad news line. This was at a national singing competition last year, where Rahman had to judge 25 finalists. The bad news: he was out of the competition. The good news: he would be working with Rahman. “Everyone thinks he is really serious but after one or two meetings, he is so warm. It doesn’t feel like a professional relationship, the atmosphere is so casual.”

Sukhwinder Singh : is the most renowned singer in Bollywood today. The voice behind “Chhaiya Chhaiya” has become the most sought-after in India’s tinsel town.
Which has been the most memorable moment in your career?
The most memorable moment of my life was when I met A R Rehman

Malgudi Shuba : I have sung " Yei Muthu Papa " song for ARR. There is nothing negative against ARR anytime. I know him since 1990. I met him during doing Jingles time. The key to my musical journey was in the hands of ARR

Pop Shalini - It was a very important stage in my life to have worked with ARR. I got the chance to sing with him for Fanaa song ( Yakkai Thiri ) and also Maram Kothiye chorus. Its always a fantastic experience , and feel proud of being a part of his team
Tippu : I like his simplicity and humility. I do not have any life without ARR. It was he who gave me a break. Simply said , " I LOVE RAHMAN".

Sivamani : We used to do a lot of jingles in Malayalam, Tamil, telugu. Then we started Roots. He is amazing. Till now I have been playing for him. I am honoured to be with ARR. I thank GOD, I thank Tamil nadu for giving ARR

Kavignar Muthu Kumar - I have written " Paravasam " song, Jodha Akbar Tamil song, chakkarakatti song, ATM song. ARR gives a lot of freedom, knows how to respect people. On the same night, i wrote Valayapaati song, and also for Chakkarakatti. He will ask us if we liked the song , and if we say yes, he will say Ok we will record. And At times, when the song goes out of beat, he will change the tune to fit the wordings. So flexible. He will always encourage saying good thoughts must be communicated well in the song . Today, worldwide ARR 's feathers are flying high. I pray that he reaches to much more heights . ARR being a tamilian, is a pride to all Tamilians

Kavignar Pa. Vijay - right from tenali, I have been working with him till ATM. He is a great Blessing to the Music World. His studio is like a holy spot, and it vibrates with spiritual vibrations . His tune mesmerises us and seduces us , and we feel motivated to write more and more

Karthik : I saw the staging of Bombay Dreams in UK, and it was an unforgettable moment. Its very difficult for a singer of Indian origin to compose universally accepted tunes to be easily accepted by people of different origins, an the credit goes to ARR.

JODHAA AKBAR - release on 15th FEB

2008-02-13T07:53:00.005+05:30

Directed by Academy Award nominated director, Ashutosh Gowariker, `Jodhaa Akbar` an epic romance, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan is set to release across 26 countries in USA, Europe, Asia and Middle East.The film will be dubbed in 3 languages - Hindi, Telegu, Tamil; and subtitled in English, Arabic and Dutch. In the biggest release ever for an Indian film, it will be viewed across 1500 screens worldwide.

'Jodhaa Akbar', the epic romance between Mughal Emperor Akbar and the fiery Rajput princess Jodhaa - a co-production between UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions - is set for an epic scale release worldwide on February 15, 2008.

In India alone the film is set to release in more than 1200 screens of which 500 will be through digital cinemas and 825 through physical prints. In the US, the film will be released on close to 122 prints, the highest ever for an Indian film.

Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV confirms that UTV is releasing the historical in approx. 1,500 screens in 26 countries. "It'll be the biggest ever release for a Hindi film in U.S. [125 screens], while U.K. will see around 70 screens. We're covering the domestic [India] market with 825 prints,

With this film UTV is reinventing Distribution in North American continent. In Canada for the first a Hindi film is being released simultaneously in 6 provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Alberta) for the first time. Additionally the film is being released in Bal boa Theatre, San Francisco and Culver Plaza Theatre, Los Angeles - 2 well known art-house theatres for mainstream audiences, first for a mainstream Indian film. On Feb 14, there would be special screenings Citibank screenings in New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco.

Siddharth Roy Kapur also said "We've decided to defer the release of Tamil and Telugu versions by 3 weeks. The Tamil and Telugu versions will now release on 6th March. The reason for the deferred release is, we want to promote the South versions further. Also, if the film works in a big way [which it should], the Tamil and Telugu versions would only stand to benefit."

Meanwhile, a lavish premiere of the film will be held on Thursday night at a suburban multiplex of Mumbai.

ARR concert - Live Life concert - chennai

2008-02-12T08:35:00.000+05:30

The concert had many singers including Mohammed Aslam , Chinmayee, Blazeee, Ujjayineee, Benny Dayal, Naresh Iyer, Chitra, Hariharan, Sayanora, Tanvi, Raihana & Israth, Dr. Narayanan

The concert started at about 7 : 30 Pm, with a Guitar Presentation by Prasanna & Keith Peters, along with their group of other instrumentalists.

ARR 's programme started at about 8 PM. He started with " Jaage Hain", followed by a list of wonderful songs
1. Khalbali
2. Loose Control
3. Maduraikku Pogadheee
4. Nee Maryln Monroe
5. Kannalane
6. Anjali Anjali
7. Uyire
8. Kaadhal Rojave , Tamizha Tamizha
9. Vaaji Vaaji
10. Sivaji ( Vaada Song ) :- Blazeeee
11. Azeeem O Shahensha
12. Jashn E Bahaara
13. Sahaana Saaral
14. Dil Se re

Some pics from the show

Javed Ali on ARR

2008-02-08T12:23:00.000+05:30

Born Javed Hussain, son of singer Hamid Hussain, Javed's talent was evident as a child. When he was five years old, ghazal legend Ghulam Ali happened to hear his voice and felt the boy could become a great singer. The maestro not only guided him, but also gave him a chance to sing.

Javed then changed his name to Javed Ali."I am a student of Ghulam Ali, who was like my guru. I changed my name in his honour," Javed says.

Before he sang Jashn-E-Bahara for the Ashutosh Gowarikar film, he went through a lot hard work. It all started with a phone call in 1994 when Javed was 15 years old.

The caller was music director Kalyanji (of Kalyanji-Anandji fame). Kalyanji, who had heard Javed sing, promised to help Javed be a singer in Mumbai.

So instead of completing his graduation in 1994 in New Delhi, Javed packed his bags and headed for the city of dreams."It was an opportunity that I thought I could not miss," he tells us.

Q. Tell us how did u got the chance to sing in JodhaAkbar?
Well aashutosh sir had once heard me for rahman sir. He liked my voice and said my voice could be tried out in his movie. And so i got a call from rahman sir. I am really thankful to rahman sir and aashutosh sir for the song.

Q. Its a dream for a singer to work for a r rahman. How did u meet him?
Mr.Brijbhushan had recommended me to rahman sir. So i went there and sang some songs. He liked it but at that moment i felt he wont be calling me again. I got the call from him when i was holidaying. I was on top of the world. It was my dream to sing for him. I couldnt tell how i was feeling. I immediately rushed to chennai to record the song. I feel blessed to sing for him.

Q. How it is working with him?
He is very easy to work with. The comfort level that he shares with u is great. That makes u feel calm and u can do ur work. So overall it was a great experience to work with him.

A.R. Rahman acquires land for his dream project

2008-02-07T10:07:00.001+05:30

Music maestro A.R. Rahman is ready to build a music conservatory in Chennai for young talents who want to learn Western classical music. He has already acquired land for it.

The maestro has reportedly said that, "I feel young talented musicians in our country, especially those who want to learn Western classical music, have nowhere seriously creative to go. We need to cultivate a taste for Western symphonic music so that an average musically-inclined young musician would be as enthused about learning the violin as the sitar."

The land purchase puts Rahman's dream plan into third gear.

"We'll soon be working round-the-clock. I want it to be one of the best music schools in our country."

Chat with A R Rahman

2008-02-07T07:50:00.000+05:30

For A R Rahman the year 2007, was rich with soundtracks as varied as Guru (where he collaborated yet again with director Mani Ratnam), Shivaji (the Rajnikanth starrer for which his music sold in the millions) and co-composer alongside Craig Armstrong for Shekhar Kapur's Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

2008 promises to continue the trend of quality married to quantity: The soundtrack of Jodhaa Akbar is already racing to hit status; coming up are his scores for big banner films like Yuvraj, Gajini, Delhi 6 and Rockstar.

Audiences know him, love him, from and through his music alone; the reclusive genius has been reluctant to engage in extended interviews or appear in live interactions with his fans.

That is set to change at 11 pm IST/0930 Eastern, Saturday, February 9, when A R Rahman will appear, live, on the Rediff Chat to interact with millions of his fans around the world. The audience will inevitably be 'standing room only', the questions will certainly be voluminous.

Post your questions by 1800 IST Friday.

To post your questions visit http://www.rediff.com/movies/rahman08.html

a r rahman album posters

2008-02-05T11:34:00.001+05:30

Javed Ali to sing in Yuvraaj

2008-02-01T12:32:00.000+05:30

He believes in going slow and steady and so he kept on singing and waiting for that big song. A fresh voice that doesn’t resemble anyone else's and a current favourite with A R Rehman.

Ali’s voice is across the music channels these days. After his first song with music composer A R Rehman congratulatory calls have been pouring in. For 29-year-old Javed Ali, it’s been a long struggle since he first sang for an easily forgettable film called Beti No 1 in 2000.

“After I sang for Beti No 1, there were no offers for me. I thought I can’t become a playback singer. However I kept on trying anyway,” Ali recalls.

Born and brought up in Delhi, Ali started singing since he could remember. He started out with his dad — a popular qawwali singer, Ustad Hamid Hussain. Music composer Kalyanji once heard him at a stage show, and impressed with his voice asked him to try his luck at playback singing. From jingles and title track for TV soaps, he gradually moved to films.

But that big song never came his way or even if it did, his voice was later replaced with someone else's voice, which is quite the norm with many new singers.

“It’s frustrating but after sometime you get used to it. Sometimes your voice doesn’t suit the actor and there are many other reasons. There is no way out,” Ali says.

So, he waited for lady luck to smile at him and continued singing for films like Kyun Ho Gaya Na, Haasil, Paagalapan, Chameli, Bunty aur Babli and more recently in Golmaal and Malamaal Weekly.

It was in 2007 that he struck big time with Jab We Met’s Nagada Nagada and then followed it up with Ek Din from Naqaab. And when AR Rehman asked him to sing for Jodha Akbar he could not believe his luck, because to sing for Rehman was his ultimate dream. And now in spite of singing for chartbusters, there is someone who is still very difficult to please.

“Daddy keeps on correcting my singing. How to do, what to do, but mom is always happy with whatever I sing,” Ali adds.

Like many others, Rehman is surely impressed with him, as the maestro has repeated Ali in Sivaji's Hindi remake and Subhash Ghai's musical Yuvraaj.

Rajputs threaten to boycott Jodhaa Akbar

2008-02-01T07:19:00.000+05:30

Ashutosh Gowariker's historical epic Jodhaa Akbar is facing trouble, with the Rajput community of Rajasthan threatening to stall the release of the movie in the state.

The community says Gowariker has distorted facts in his magnum opus which is to be released on Feb 15.

Narendra Singh Rajawat, head of the Rajput Sabha, said Gowariker is presenting Jodhabai as Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar's wife, which is factually incorrect. He also said that Jodhabai was not the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber near Jaipur as shown in the film.

Jodhabai was the daughter of Motaraja Udai Singh of Marwar and was married to Akbar's son Salim alias Jehangir. And Mughal king Shahjahan was her son, he added.

Rajawat said such distortion of historical facts had hurt the feelings of the Rajput community. He urged the courts to restrain Gowariker from showing Jodhabai as the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber.

He said the name of Raja Bharmal's daughter was Harkabai alias Heera Kunwar.

"You cannot make your own history and Ashutosh Gowariker is making his own history. He is projecting Jodhabai, who is Akbar's daughter-in-law, as his beloved and making a love story out of that. He is totally distorting historical facts," Rajawat said.

He said that the community would boycott the film. "We are also approaching the high court against this," informed Rajawat.

The president of the Rajput Karni Sena, Lokendra Singh Kalvi, is also up in arms against the director. He said the Sena had apprehended the distortion of Rajasthan's historical facts in Jodhaa Akbar , which is based on the Jodhpur royal family.

"The Karni Sena would watch the movie when released and, if required, it would not allow the screening in the state," said Kalvi.

Mahaveer Singh Sarwadi, a leader of the Shatriya Yuvak Singh, said: "We would oppose the release of the film if it shows the community in bad taste."

A number of scenes for the film, which features Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles, were shot in and around Jaipur. Gowariker has consulted several eminent Mughal historians for his movie.

KEITH PETERS experiences with ARR

2008-01-27T11:48:00.000+05:30

Keith peters , has been a famous base guitarist and has been assosciated with ARR right from Roja till Sivaji.

1. When did you meet ARR ?.
I met Rahman in 1988, when I was working for Music Director Raj Koti. At that time, he was around 18 years old. In 1990, when he was doing jingles, he had called me for doing jingles. He has always been a very quiet boy. We used to have lot of discussions about music. I have played a lot of ad jingles, themes with Rahman. I was working in a Five Star Hotel, and used to play base guitar every night. One night he called me and asked me to come and play for a song in 1991. That was for Chinna Chinna Aasai ( Roja ) . I asked him what was this for, for which he replied " I am doing a movie, and hopefully it comes out well". I told him that it would definitely be a hit, and not to worry.

2. What are the songs that you have played for Rahman ?
First of all, all songs I used to play in the night. Rahman was the cause behind me leaving the Hotel. he told me " leave the hotel; Play for me". I thank him a lot for getting me out of that hotel.

3. What was your experience of working with Rahman during Roja ?
Each song of Rahman is a different experience. He is a very great and good composer, and hence each song is a unique experience. It seems Keith's speed of playing is so much, that Rahman used to tell him " You should wait more than you play ".

4. What is your experience in doing Live Programs ??
They are totally different from recordings. You have to be really alert especially for Rahman songs. Its because you have to duplicate the same thing thats on the record. My experience has been a different experience playing for his concerts. we have to practise nicely and deliver

5. Which are the programs that you have enjoyed a lot ?
I play all different styles of music, like pop, jazz, rock and of course for Rahman for Tamil Songs. I like little bit of Jazz. Even rahman loves that. My kinf od Jazz is little modern. Each person on the band improvises on a particular theme.

6. which song of Rahman did you love playing ?
All his songs are so beautiful. Esp Chinna chinna Aasai, Pudhu Vellai Mazhai. Then came July Madham ( Pudhiya Mugam ) , Netru Illadha Matram ( Pudhiya Mugam ) . My base guitar was prominent in Kaadhal Rojave ( Roja ) and even Kadhal Sadugudu ( Alaipyudhey )

7. what are the different styles of Base Guitar ?
The style that we play with fingers is called peeking style. Then is the slab style with the thumb and the forefinger. Then comes the walking base( swing pattern )
Swing Pattern :- Kannum Kannum ( Thiruda Thiruda ) ( Fast running base )
Slab Base - Kadhal Sadugudu ( Alaipayudhey )

8. Is there any song that you have not played for rahman ?
( Laughs) That we have to ask him. Before, when Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu recording were done at the same place, I used to play for 3 songs the same day. But I can play for 10 songs in the same day.

9. How many Children ?
MY wife is a housewife. I have two children. But all the support for me comes from my wife. My daugther is studying in her Final year in Stell Marrys ( Chennai ) and my son is in his eighth standard. My son is learning rhthym guitar. Daugther was learning some piano, but stopped now . I come from a family of musicians. My father used to play any instrument. Just take and play. he was not full into music. My brothers are all musicians. One is a Base guitarist. he is in Mumbai . His name is Carl Peters, and the other one is in Delhi. he is also a guitarist. Carl plays for films. The other brother plays in Hotels. Basically, we are all Anglo Indians . and hence can't speak Tamil fluently.

10. Is there any song which was recorded the entire night with Rahman ?
Yes. The song " Oh Maria Oh Maria " from Kadhalar Dhinam. we played it . But Rahman didn't like it . So we were trying different patterns. Then we did Roja Roja from the same film, and these two songs took the entire night for us. I came home the next evening.

11. Have you ever thought why I am wasting my time and energy the entire night and my skills are getting minimised here ??
No. I love working with Rahman. Its really wonderful to work with. So pleasing and he is open to ideas. when we are working with Rahman, we do not think abt sleeep . I am excited to do my best and make Rahman happy.

12. What kind of relationship do you share with Rahman ?
I respect him a lot as a good musician. Good friend and for his level headedness. He is so big but nothing has happened to his head. and I admire him for that. I keep telling this to everybody. Look at RAHMAN.

13. How much are you religious ?
I fear GOD. I thank God for all the blessings that he has showered on me.

14. Which praise can never be forgotten in your life ?
Rahman has praised me by saying " God Bless your hands ". Once I hurt my thumb while recording. That time Rahman's incharge Samydurai had called me for recording. I said I cant come. When I showed my thumb to Rahman, he said " There are lot of evil eyes on you. People have casted eyes on you. Take care ".

15. Why everybody calles you as UNCLE ? ( Fun part )
Because they are mad. There was this guitarist player called Johnny who started all this. He used to play for Rahman at times. Then it was continued by H. Sridhar ( Rahman's Engineer ), and the entire team started calling me as Uncle

16. Which place do you like in the world ?
I like America a lot. Thanks goes to Rahman. First , we went to Malayasia, Dubai. Its only because of Rahman, that I have seen the whole world. I have travelled a lot with Rahman. I like the US because of the music, country and the place. I buy Base Guitars in New York in Guitar Centre, New York Elley. My children are my best fans. They keep praising me and telling me and my wife . Once in chicago, there was a boy who was running all along the stadium telling that he was a fan of Keith.

17. Which are the songs which you feel has come out wonderfully with Rahman ?
July Madham, Chaiyya Chaiyya, Aiyoo Pathickicchi, Snegidhane .

18. You have seen so many music directors come , right from 1984 . How is the industry progressing ?
I feel everybody is following Rahman's style, the patterns. But even if anybody comes, Rahman goes a step ahead. He is the man who comes with new sounds always. HE IS THE BOSS.

19. Has Rahman asked you for any new sounds anytimes ?
Sometimes, I take a process. But he says No. he always says " Take it dry", and then he processes it. he always calls me last before he is going to mix the sound to the song. he has got his own reason, and he knows best . He knows what he is doing. I get the full feel of the song when I play. He lets me play and do whatver I want. generally, he likes whatver I play. It synchronises well with his thought. Because he knows what he wants. Rahman revolutioned the Music sound. in 1990s, and he gave a lot of importance to base guitar. It was he who brought this forward, as introductions for songs.
For eg :- Alaipayudhey - Kadhal Sadugudu ( the initial guitar bit comes in front of the song )
Dil Se re song ( the pattern follows before )
Chaiyya Chaiyya ( there is a pattern )
Akkadu ( Indian ) He plays and shows all the patterns )
Kadhal Rojave ( roja )
chinna Chinna aasai ( Roja )
Rangeela ( Haire Haire pattern )

BBC Interview of ARR

2008-01-27T11:46:00.000+05:30

Ghajini Remake - Cast & Crew

2008-01-24T12:57:00.000+05:30

Language - Hindi

Shooting Locations (City & Country) - Namibia

Shooting Studios - Filmcity

Producer - Allu Arvind, Madhu Varma

Director / Story / Writer / Screenplay - A.R. Murugadoss

Music Director - A R Rahman

Star Cast - Aamir Khan, Asin, Mohit Alawat ,Jiah Khan

Cassettes and CD's on T-Series

Lyricist - Prasoon Joshi

Cinematography - Ravi Chandran

Choreography - Ahmed Khan

Sound - Resul Pookutty

Rahman to sing for his nephew G.V.Prakash

2008-01-23T18:01:00.000+05:30

It is known to everyone that the young music composer G V Prakashkumar is related to the music maestro A.R. Rahman. Prakash is the son of Rahman’s elder sister.

Though the young man has won several hearts by his youthful and imaginative tunes, he is yet to receive any appreciation from his uncle.

Rahman, however, has the habit of uttering a few words of appreciation on his nephew, while talking to his sister.

Prakash has recently asked Rahman to sing a song in his composing and Rahman is said to have accepted the request. It is believed that the uncle would sing in his nephew’s music soon.

G.V.Prakash is one of the young talented musician capable of giving more number of hits. For the film Kuselan Prakash is going to give music and hopefully Rahman is going to sing a song in the film.

Jodha Akbar - Posters

2008-01-21T11:25:00.001+05:30

Jodha Akbar - Lyrics

2008-01-20T07:55:00.000+05:30

Jashn-e-bahaara - Jodhaa Akbar
Singer: Javed Ali
Lyrics: Javeed Akhtar

Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai
Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai
Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulsan mein
Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein
Sare sehmein nazare hain
Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain
Aur dil mein koi khoyi si baatein hain
Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai
Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulsan mein
Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein
Kaise kahen kya hai sitam
Sochte hai abb yeh hum
Koi kaise kahen woh hai ya nahi humare
Karte to hai saath safar
Fasle hain phir bhi magar
Jaise milte nahi kisi dariya ke do kinare
Pass hain phir bhi paas nahi
Humko yeh gum raas nahi
Seeshe ki ek diware hai jaise darmiyan
Sare sehmein nazare hain
Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain
Aur dil mein koi khoyi si baatein hain
Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai
Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulsan mein
Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein
Humne ne jo tha nagma suna
Dil ne tha usko chuna
Yeh dastan humen vaqt ne kaise sunai
Humjo agar hai gumgin
Woh bhi udhar khush to nahi
Mulakato mein jaise ghul si gai tanhai
Milke bhi hum milte nahi
Khilke bhi gul khilte nahi
Aankhon mein hai baharein dil mein khilza
Sare sehmein nazare hain
Soye soye vaqt ke dhare hain
Aur dil mein koi khoyi si baatein hain
o hoo Kehne ko Jashan-e-bahara hai
Ishq yeh dekhke hairaan hai
Phool se khusboo khafa khafa hai gulsan mein
Chupa hai koi ranj fiza ki chilman mein

In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein - Jodhaa Akbar
Singers: Sonu Nigam, Madhushree
Lyrics: Javeed Akhtar

In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Khamosh si hai zameen hairaan sa falak hai
Ek noor hi noor sa ab aasman talak hai
(Nagmein hi nagmein hai jagti soti fizaon mein
Husn hai sari adaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein ) —2
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanam tanam tanam tanana dom tom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tanana dom ta dom tanana dom ta dom
Tana dom tom tana dom tom tanana dom tom
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana dom
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana
ohhoo
Dom dom tom tana nana dom tom tana
Dom tom tana nana dom tom tana nana
Kaise yeh ishq hai
Kaisa yeh khwab hai
Kaise jazbaat ka umda salab hai
(Kaise yeh ishq hai
Kaisa yeh khwab hai
Kaise jazbaat ka umda salab hai
Din badle raatein badli, baathein badli
Jeene ke aandaz hi badlein hai) —- chorus
In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Female:
Samay ne yeh kya kiya
Badal di hai kaya
Tumhe mene paa liye
Mujhe tumne paya
Mile dekho aise hai hum
ke do sur ho jaise madham
koi jyada na koi kaam
Kise aag mein
Ke prem aag mein
Jalte dono hi the tan bhi hai maan bhi
Maan bhi hai tan bhi
Tan bhi hai maan bhi
Maan bhi hai tan bhi
Male..
mmmhhmmm
Mere khwaabon ke is gulistaan mein
Tumse hi tum bahar chai hai
Phoolon mein rang mere the lekin
In mein khusboon tumhi se aaye hai
[(Kyon hai yeh arzoo
Kyon hai yeh zustzu
Kyon dil bechain hai
Kyon dil betaab hai ) —-2
Din badle raatein badli baatien badli
Jeene ke andaaz hi badle hain ] —chorus
In lamhon ke daaman mein
Pakiza se riste hain
Koi kalma mohabat ka
Dohrate farishte hain
Khamosh si hai zameen hairaan sa falak hai
Ek noor hi noor sa ab aasman talak hai
(Nagmein hi nagmein hai jagti soti fizaon mein
Husn hai sari adaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein
Ishq hai jaise hawaon mein…

Man Mohana Man Mohana - Jodhaa Akbar
Singers: Bela Shende
Lyrics: Javeed Akhtar

Man Mohana Man mohana
Kanha sunona aaa
Tum bin paun kaise chaina
Tarsu Tumhiko din raina
Chodke apne kashi mathura 2
Aake Basao More nain
Tum bin paun kaise chaina
Kanhaaa
Tarsu Tumhiko din raina
Ek pal ujiraya aaye
Ek pal andhiyara chaye
Maan kyun na dhabraye
Kaise na Dhabraye
Maan jo koi dhara
Apni rahon mein paaye
Kaun disha jaye
Tum bin kaun samjhaye 2
Raas Rachiyan brindavan ke
Gokul ke basi
Radha tumhri daasi
Darshan ko hai pyaasi
Shaam Shalone Nand lala Krishna banwari
Tumri chab hai nyari
Mein to hoon tan man hari 2
Man Mohana Man Mohana Man Mohanaaaaa Man Mohana
Kanha sunona aaa
Tum bin paun kaise chaina
Tarsu Tumhiko din raina
Jeevan ek nadiya hai
Lehron lehron behti jaye
Ismein man ki naiyaa
Doobe kabhi tar Jaye
Tum na Khewaiya ho to
Koi tat kaise paaye
Majdhaar rehlaye
Tu tumri saran aaye
haan tumri saran aaye
Mein hoon tumhari
hai Tumhara yeh mere jeevan
Tumko hi dekhon mein
Dekhun koi darpan
Bansi Ban jaungi
In hooton ki ho jangui
In sapno se jalthal
Hai mera maan agan
Hain mera hmmm hmmm

Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah - Jodhaa Akbar
Singers: Mohd Aslam, Bonny Chakravarthy
Lyrics: Javeed Akhtar

Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah (2)
Furwa rawa hamesha hamesha salamat rahe
Tere ho kya bayain
Tu shaan-e-hindustan
Hindustan teri jaan
Tu Jaan-e-Hindustan
Marhaba Hooo oo
Marhaba
Marhaba Hooo oo
Marhaba
Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah
Furwa rawa hamesha hamesha salamat rahe
Tere ho kya bayain
Tu shaan-e-hindustan
Hindustan teri jaan
Tu Jaan-e-Hindustan
[Marhaba Hooo oo
Marhaba]2
Jalaludin Akbar
Sapna viran ma
Har agan ma
Prem hai tumhra
Har Har maan ma
[Ta ra re ra-Ta rare ra ]2
Jeet aaj tumhari
Mahabali hai
Desh ma sukh ki
pawan chali hai
[Chan chanan chanan chan]
Marhaba Marhaba
Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah
Marhaba
Deta hai har dil yeh gawahi
Dil wale hain Jil-e-elahi
Jau Kahi bhi Niklon jidhar se
Galiyon galiyon sona barsee
[Chan chananananana chanannaanan ]
Marhaba oohoo Marba
Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah
Tere Mazhab hai jo mohabat
Kitne dilon per terri hukumat
Jitna kahen hum utna kam hai
Tehzeebo ka tu sangam hai
[Chan chananananana chanannaanan ]
Marhaba ooohoo
Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah
Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah
Furwa rawa hamesha hamesha salamat rahe
Tere ho kya bayain
Tu shaan-e-hindustan
Hindustan teri jaan
Tu Jaan-e-Hindustan
Marhaba Hooo oo
Marhaba
Marhaba Hooo oo
Marhaba
Yahan bhi wahan bhi hai teri dhoom
Jalaludin Akbar

Khwaja Mere Khwaja - Jodha Akbar
Singer : A.R Rahman
Lyrics: Javeed Akhtar

Khwajaji, khwaja
Khwajaji, khwaja, khwaja ji
Ya gharib nawaz
Ya moinuddin, ya khwaja ji
Khwaja mere khwaja
Dil mein sama ja
Shaho ka shah tu
Ali ka dulara
Khwaja mere khwaja dil mein sama ja
Beqaso ki taqdeer, tune hai sawari
Khwaja mere khwaja
Tere darbar mein khwaja
Door toh hai dekha
Sar jhuka te hai auliya
Tu hai unalwali khwaja
Rutba hai pyara
Chahne se tujhko khwaja ji mustafa ko paya
Khwaja mere khwaja
Dil mein sama ja
Shaho ka shah tu
Ali ka dulara
Mere peer ka sadka
Hai mere peer ka sadka
Tera daaman hai thama
Khawajaji
Tali har bala humari
Chaya hai khumar tera
Jitna bhi rashk kare beshak
Toh kam hai ae mere khwaja
Tere kadmo ko mere rehnuma nahi chodna gawara
Khwaja mere khwaja
Dil mein sama ja
Shaho ka shah tu
Ali ka dulara
Khwaja mere khwaja dil mein sama ja
Beqaso ki taqdeer, tune hai sawari

Jodha Akbar - Music Review

2008-01-19T08:37:00.000+05:30

Film : Jodha Akbar
Director : Ashutosh Gowarikar
Composer : A R Rahman

Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah - 5:54
Sung by Mohd. Aslam, Bonny Chakravarti & Chorus.
This song is a paean to an emperor. The song is hummable and quite catchy even with its rustic and earthy feeling.
The song is backed with strong yet simple lyrics. A sure shot chartbuster!!!

Jashn-E-Bahaara - 5:15
Sung by Javed Ali.
The fourth track is the pick of the lot. Javed Akhtar hits the bull's eye once again. The desires of the lover, the thousand questions in his heart and his longing for his sweetheart are perfectly displayed in the song. A masterpiece from ARR.

Khwaja Mere Khwaja - 6:56
Sung by A R Rahman.
Its a qawalli in every sense. The song immediately stays alive in your memory without having listening to it for the second time. The ease with which Rahman hits the high notes gives the whole song an exalted feel.

In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein - 6:37
Sung by Sonu Nigam, Madhushree.
This song is the second track of the album. In this song Sonu Nigam once again proves that why he is called the best singer in the country. Madhushree supports him and she excels too. The lyrics are breathtaking and you feel curious about the happenings in the song.

Mann Mohana - 6:50
Sung by Bela Shende.
Mann Mohana is a bajan talking about RAdha-Krishna. It wont be a hit among the youth, but surely will catch the heart of the seniors.

Jashn-E-Baharaa (Instrumental) - 5:15
The main organ used in this track is flute. It's calm and intense and there is occasional use of high octave tunes.

Khwaja Mere Khawaja (Instrumental) - 9:51
The track is enjoyable but lacks the spark. Its quite lengthy so sit back and enjoy the quite low-key with patience.

Rating : 9/10

NDTV Indian Of the Year - A R Rahman (music)

2008-01-18T07:48:00.000+05:30

A R Rahman bags the NDTV Indian of the year for Music.

NDTV presented awards to Indian heroes in a glittering function held at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The function was attended by dignitaries, celebrities and other prominent personalities.

Here's a roundup of the winners in various categories. The top prize, the NDTV Indian of the Year award went to the Indian soldiers.

A quick look at NDTV's Indian of the Year winners.

# Businessman of the Year award was given to Mukesh Ambani.

# The one and only boss Rajnikath was named NDTV'S Entertainer of the Year

# Vishwanathan Anand was named NDTV's Sportsman of the Year.

# A R Rahman, who continues to give one musical hit after the other was given NDTV's Music Award.

# The unsung hero, the Indian Soldier, an award that was accepted jointly by the three Chiefs.

# Global Indian award went to Dr R K Pachauri

# The big award- Leader of the Year Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accepted the award.

Screen Award's '08

2008-01-12T14:39:00.000+05:30

ARR bags two screen awards this year.

Best Music Director: A.R.Rahman, Guru
Best Background Score: A.R.Rahman, Guru

The nominees for these two awards were
Best Music :
AR Rahman (Guru)
Monty Sharma (Saawariya)
Pritam (Life In A... Metro)
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (Jhoom Barabar Jhoom)
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (TZP)

Best Background Music :
AR Rahman (Guru)
Raju Singh (Life In A... Metro)
Salim-Sulaiman (Chak De! India)
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (Taare Zameen Par)
Vishal-Shekhar (Om Shanti Om)

Moreover Shreya Ghosal bags the best playback singer award for Barso re (Guru)
Best Playback singer female: Shreya Ghosal, Barso Re (Guru)

The events when ARR bagged two awards in the same event include:
Filmfare Awards '03
Best Background Score - The Legend of Bhagat Singh (Hindi, 2003)
Best Music - Saathiya (Hindi, 2003)

Zee Cine Awards '03
Best Music - Saathiya (Hindi, 2003)
Best Background Score - The Legend of Bhagat Singh (Hindi, 2003)

Bollywood International Awards '00
Best Music - Taal (Hindi, 2000)
Best Song - Taal Se Taal Mila, Taal (Hindi, 2000)

International Indian Film Awards '07
Best Background Score - Rang De Basanti (Hindi, 2007)
Best Composer - Rang De Basanti (Hindi, 2007)

Global Indian Film Awards '07
Best Background Score - Rang De Basanti (Hindi, 2007)
Best Music - Rang De Basanti (Hindi, 2007)

Sahara Sangeet Awards '04
Best Music - Yuva (Hindi, 2004)
Best Music Arranger - Meenaxi (Hindi, 2004)

Channel [V] Awards '98
Viewers' Choice Award (1998 )
Best Producer - Vandemataram (1998 )

Jodha Akbhar - Credit list

2008-01-12T12:01:00.000+05:30

TRACKS & CREDITS

AZEEM-O-SHAAN SHAHENSHAN
MOHAMMED ASIAM, BONY CHAKRAVARTHY & CHORUS

JASHN-E-BAHAARAA
JAVED ALl

KHWAJA MERE KHWAJA
A.R.RAHMAN

INN LAMHON KE DAAMAN MEIN
SONU NIGAM & MADHUSHREE

MANN MOHANAA
BELA SHENDE

JASHN-E-BAHAARAA (INSTRUMENTAL - FLUTE)

KHWAJA MERE KHWAJA (INSTRUMENTAL — OBOE)

MUSIC CREDITS:

MIXED AND MASTERED AT
A. M. STUDIO BY H.SHRIDHAR
RECORDED AT PANCHATHAN RECORD-INN- CHENNAI
A. M. STUDIO - CHENNAI
NIRVANA STUDIO - MUMBAI

RECORDING ENGINEERS
S. SIVAKUMAR
DEEPAK P. A.
K. J. SINGH

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING
T.R.KRISHNA CHETAN

ASSISTANT SOUND ENGINEERS
MOHAMMED SAFIULLAH
KARTHIK VISWANATHAN

STRINGS ORCHESTRATED BY
J.SRINIVASAMURTHY

MUSICIANS

TAIKO AND SWORD RHYTHMS
SIVAMANI

FLUTE
NAVIN

PERCUSSION
VEDACHALAM
NEELAKANTHAN
T. RAJA
V.KUMAR
LAKSHMI NARAYANAN
RAJU

OUD
SEENU

OBOE
LEIGHANN WOODARD
AZEEM-O-SHAAN ADDITIONAL VOICES

MUMBAI
ARUN INGLE
CHINTAMANI SOHONI
R.N.IYER
HEMANT KULKARNI
UMESH JOSHI
MAYURESH MADGAVKAR
DEVENDRA CHITNIS
KAUSTUBH DATAR
MILIND KARMARKAR
NITIN KARANDIKAR
JYOTSNA HARDIKAR
VAIJAYANTI LIMAYE
KIRTI PAI
MANSI PARANJPE
SUJATA DABKE
AND APARNA NAGARKATTI

CHENNAI
DR.NARAYANAN
SENTHIL
ARJUN
RAHUL NAMBIYAR
GOOPIKA POORNIMA
FATHIMA
JANANI
MRINALINI

ADDITIONAL VOCAL SUPERVISION
SATISH CHAKRAVARTHY

MUSICIANS FIXER
SAMIDURAI

MUSIC COORDINATOR
NOEL JAMES

Hrithik Roshan on JA & ARR's music

ARR on JA

Royal release for JA music

2008-01-09T20:37:00.000+05:30

The Maharani of Jaipur, Rani Padmini will release JA music.

In an interview by Indiafm Ashutosh Gowariker said the music release function of JA is on the Jan 9 and on Jan 15, the music will be in stores. The Maharani of Jaipur, Rani Padmini, who's a direct descendent of Jodhaabai, and her husband are flying down to release the music. He also said the rumour that two songs are cut is not true and confirmed that there are only five songs recorded for Jodhaa Akbar and we've retained all of them.

For the question "When is Jodhaa Akbar releasing?" he said "We were very keen on Jan 25 but because of my back problem I was told to be in bed for 21 days. Now we are planning it on the valentine's week that is on Feb 15.

Jashn-e-Bahaara singer : Javed Ali

2008-01-09T16:50:00.001+05:30

The beautiful voice behind the song Jashn-e-Bahaara from the film Jodha-Akbar is none other than Javed Ali.

Playback singer Javed Ali, the voice behind the song, has been working in Bollywood for nearly a decade, finally finds fame knocking at his door.His rise to fame has been slow and steady. He doesn't regret it at all. What he wants is to be known as a good singer. He is not in the least bit bitter that although he played a part in the song ‘Kajraa re’ (Bunty Aur Babli), he was overshadowed by Shankar Mahadevan and Alisha Chinai. He admits that he got noticed only in songs where he had to 'stand in' for the final singer and dub his lines. Even in Naqaab, the original choice was Zubeen Garg. It is perhaps this very attitude that will help him carve a niche in the long run.

Javed Ali - Filmography

As Playback Singer:
Icy N Spicy (2007)
Naqaab (2007)
Zindaggi Rocks (2006)
Golmaal (2006)
Malamaal Weekly (2006)
Neal ‘N’ Nikki (2005)
Dil Jo Bhi Kahey (2005)
Bunty Aur Babli (2005)

Rahman@42

2008-01-06T09:14:00.000+05:30

For music lovers it's an especially great Sunday as it’s maestro AR Rahman's birthday, and as he turns 42 his music is still as fresh as it was when he started out 17 years ago.It's a journey that started in 1991 with Roja, nearly two decades on and Rahman is still going strong. With more than 100 films under his belt, his list of chartbusters is endless.

Rahman till date has bagged 18 Filmfare awards across languages and his talent is not restricted to Indian shores.His international foray started with Andrew Loyd Weber's Broadway presentation Bombay Dreams, and lately he's been credited for the soundtrack of Shekhar Kapur's Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Rahman has also composed the background score for the on-stage adaptation of the Lord of the Rings.

Meanwhile, 2008 has an interesting line up for Rahman fans in Bollywood – the historical Jodhaa Akbar, Subhash Ghai's Main Yuvraj and Rakeysh Om Prakash's Dilli 6. So will this be the year of Rahman? For now all we want to say is happy birthday to the maestro.

The musical journey of ARR - A CNN-IBN Special:

4 biggies for ARR in 2008

2008-01-06T09:03:00.000+05:30

Yuvraaj
Director: Subhash Ghai
Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan, Boman Irani and Katrina Kaif

The story is about three billionaire brothers who embark on a quest for happiness. Salman Khan in his characteristic manner woos Katrina Kaif, who plays an ace musician. The film is set to release during Diwali.

Jodhaa Akbar
Director: Ashutosh Gowarikar
Producer: Ashutosh Gowarikar
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Sonu Sood

Jodhaa Akbar is the untold love story of the greatest Mughal emperor who ruled Hindustan (now India), Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, and a fiery young Rajput princess, Jodhaa.

Ghajini
Director: A R Murugadoss
Cast: Aamir Khan, Asin and Jiah Khan.

A Hindi remake of A R Murugadoss's Tamil film Ghajini, this action-thriller releases in second half of 2008.

Dilli 6
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor

The film is loosely-based on filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's childhood spent at Chandni Chowk in Delhi.

ARR's Awards

2007-12-30T12:23:00.001+05:30

This page presents a list of awards and nominations awarded to film composer and instrumentalist A. R. Rahman.

* National Film Awards (India)
o 1993 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction - Roja
o 1997 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction - Minsaara Kanavu
o 2002 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction - Lagaan
o 2003 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction - Kannathil Muthamittal

* Filmfare Awards South (India)
o 1993 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Roja
o 1994 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Gentleman
o 1995 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Kadhalan
o 1996 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Bombay
o 1997 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Kadhal Desam
o 1998 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Minsaara Kanavu
o 1999 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Jeans
o 2000 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Mudhalvan
o 2001 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Alaipayuthey
o 2006 - Filmfare Best Music Direction - Sillunu Oru Kadhal

* Filmfare Awards (India)
o 1995 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Rangeela
o 1998 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Dil Se
o 1999 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Taal
o 2001 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Lagaan
o 2002 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Saathiya
o 2002 - Filmfare Best Background Score - The Legend of Bhagat Singh
o 2004 - Filmfare Best Background Score - Swades
o 2006 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Rang de Basanti
o He also won a "Filmfare R D Burman Music Debutant Award" for Roja's dubbed Hindi version.
o 2007 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Guru
o 2007 - Filmfare Best Background Score - Guru

* Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
o 1993 - Best Music - Roja
o 1994 - Best Music - Gentleman
o 1995 - Best Music - Kadhalan
o 1996 - Best Music - Bombay
o 1997 - Best Music - Minsaara Kanavu
o 2000 - Best Music - Sangamam

* Zee Cine Awards (India)
o 2000 - ** 2002 - Zee Cine Award Best Music Director - Lagaan
o 2006 - Zee Cine Award Best Music Director - Rang De Basanti

* GIFA Awards (Malaysia)
o 2006 - GIFA Award for Best Music - Rang De Basanti
o 2006 - GIFA Award for Best Background Music - Rang De Basanti

* IIFA Awards (India)
o 2007 - IIFA Best Music Direction - Rang De Basanti
o 2002 - IIFA Best Music Direction - Lagaan
o 2003 - IIFA Best Music Direction - Saathiya
o 2000 - IIFA Best Music Direction - Taal

* Star Screen Awards
o 2002 - Best Background Music
o 2008 - Best Music Director (Guru)
o 2008 - Best Background Score (Guru)

* Swaralaya Yesudas Award (India)
o 2006 - Swaralaya-Kairali-Yesudas Award for outstanding performance in music field

* 2000 - Padma Shri (India)
Screen-Videocon Awards Kadhal Desam (South - Tamil; 1997) Minsara Kanavu (South - Tamil; 1998) Vande Mataram (Non-film; 1998) Taal (Hindi; 2000) Other Awards was nominated for Laurence Olivier Theatre Award (2003) (The Hilton Award) for "Best New Musical of 2002" - Bombay Dreams Musical

A. R. Rahman has been nominated for the following awards:

* Laurence Olivier Awards (UK)
o 2003 - Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best New Musical - Bombay Dreams

* Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Canada)
o 2006 - General Theatre Division - Outstanding Musical Direction - The Lord of the Rings musical

Filmography

2007-12-30T12:17:00.000+05:30

Background Music Composer
Provoked (April 6, 2007) (Released)
The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (June 7, 2002) (Released)

Music Director
Yahan Ke Hum Sikander (2008) (Announced)
Jodhaa Akbar (October 12, 2007) (Under Production)
Provoked (April 6, 2007) (Released)
Water (March 9, 2007) (Released)
Guru (January 12, 2007) (Released)
Ghajini Remake (2007) (Announced)
Chamki Chameli (2007) (Under Production)
London Dreams (2007) (Stuck/On Hold)
Lajjo (2007) (Announced)
Rockstar (2007) (To Go On Floor)
Shivaji: The Boss (2007) (Post-Production)
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2007) (To Go On Floor)
Main Yuvraj (2007) (To Go On Floor)
Rang De Basanti (January 26, 2006) (Released)
Mangal Pandey - The Rising (August 12, 2005) (Released)
7Phere (July 29, 2005) (Released)
Bose: The Forgotten Hero (May 13, 2005) (Released)
Kisna (January 21, 2005) (Released)
Swades (December 17, 2004) (Released)
Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa (September 10, 2004) (Released)
Yuva (May 21, 2004) (Released)
Ayitha Ezhuthu (May 21, 2004) (Released)
Lakeer (May 14, 2004) (Released)
Meenaxi (April 2, 2004) (Released)
Tehzeeb (December 5, 2003) (Released)
Saathiya (December 20, 2002) (Released)
The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (June 7, 2002) (Released)
Baba (2002) (Released)
Nayak (September 7, 2001) (Released)
Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India (June 15, 2001) (Released)
One 2 Ka 4 (March 30, 2001) (Released)
Paarthale Paravasam (2001) (Released)
Zubeidaa (2001) (Released)
Fiza (September 8, 2000) (Released)
Dil Hi Dil Mein (April 21, 2000) (Released)
Alai Payuthey (March 6, 2000) (Released)
Pukar (February 11, 2000) (Released)
Thenali (2000) (Released)
Thakshak (December 3, 1999) (Released)
1947 (Earth) (September 10, 1999) (Released)
Taal (August 13, 1999) (Released)
Padaiyappa (1999) (Released)
Doli Sajake Rakhna (November 27, 1998) (Released)
Dil Se (August 21, 1998) (Released)
Kabhi Na Kabhi (April 17, 1998) (Released)
Daud (July 13, 1997) (Released)
Vishwa Vidhata (1997) (Released)
Kadhal Desam (March 6, 1996) (Released)
Hindustani (1996) (Released)
Rangeela (September 8, 1995) (Released)
Bombay (April 7, 1995) (Released)
Muthu (1995) (Released)
Duet (March 6, 1994) (Released)
Kadhalan (March 6, 1994) (Released)

Playback Singer
Guru (January 12, 2007) (Released)
Rang De Basanti (January 26, 2006) (Released)
Mangal Pandey - The Rising (August 12, 2005) (Released)
7Phere (July 29, 2005) (Released)
Bose: The Forgotten Hero (May 13, 2005) (Released)
Kisna (January 21, 2005) (Released)
Swades (December 17, 2004) (Released)
Yuva (May 21, 2004) (Released)
Saathiya (December 20, 2002) (Released)
The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (June 7, 2002) (Released)
Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India (June 15, 2001) (Released)
Fiza (September 8, 2000) (Released)
Taal (August 13, 1999) (Released)
Dil Se (August 21, 1998) (Released)
Daud (July 13, 1997) (Released)
Kadhal Desam (March 6, 1996) (Released)
Rangeela (September 8, 1995) (Released)
Kadhalan (March 6, 1994) (Released)

Biography

2007-12-30T12:04:00.000+05:30

A. R. Rahman (born on January 6, 1966 as A. S. Dileep Kumar in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) is an award-winning composer, record producer and musician.

Early life and influences
A. R. Rahman was born to R. K. Shekhar, a composer, arranger and conductor for Malayalam-language films. His father died when Rahman was nine years old, and his family rented out musical equipment as a source of income.

Personal life
Rahman (born Dileep Kumar) is the second of four children born to R. K. Shekhar and Kareema Begum (Kasthuri). He has three sisters, Rehana (Kanchana), Fatima Talat (Bala) and Israth. He is married to Saira and has three children - Khadija, Rahima and Amin. Rahman is an alumni of the PSBB Lake Area School, Nungambakkam, Chennai. His nephew G. V. Prakash Kumar, son of sister Rehana, is a composer in the Tamil film industry.

Film scoring and soundtracks
A. R. Rahman is the man who has redefined contemporary Indian music, the pride of the Indian nation and a role model for millions around the world. In a country where film music is the most popular form of music, Rahman is truly the emperor. A. R. Rahman, hailed by Time Magazine as the ‘Mozart of Madras' is one of the most successful artistes of all time and, according to a BBC estimate, has sold more than 100 million albums of his works, comprising of music from more than 50 movies.

Rahman started dabbling in music at a very young age due to unfortunate family circumstances by joining noted composer Ilayaraja's troupe as a keyboardist and computer programmer. After working with several renowned composers like Ilayaraja, Vishwanathan-Ramamurthy, Zakir Hussain and L Shankar, he set out on his own to compose jingles and scores for popular Indian television features. During this period, he also obtained a degree in Western Classical music from the Trinity College of Music, London and went on to set up his own in-house studio called Panchathan Record-Inn in Chennai, which is arguably Asia's most sophisticated and hi-tech studio.

In 1991, noted film maker Mani Ratnam offered Rahman a movie, Roja, which was a run-away success and brought nation wide fame and acclaim to the composer. The movie also led Rahman to receive the Indian National Award for the best music composer, the first time ever by a debutant. Since then, Rahman has gone on to win the Indian National Award three more times (for Minsaara Kannavu, Lagaan and Kannathil Muthamittal), the most ever by any music composer.

More recently, Time Magazine rated the soundtrack of Roja in the top ten in their compilation of the all time 100 best movie soundtracks of the world.

The Bombay Theme from the movie Bombay was most prominently noticed recently in the movie Lord of War starring Nicholas Cage. The track, Chaiyya Chaiyya from the movie Dil Se features in the new Spike Lee movie, Inside Man, starring Oscar winner, Denzel Washington.

Rahman is widely considered as the man who single-handedly revived public interest towards Indian film music in the nineties.

Rahman followed up Roja with Gentleman, Thiruda Thiruda, Kaadhalan, Bombay and Minssara Kannavu, all of which were huge chartbusters and were dubbed in Hindi as well. Other hits in Tamil include Alaipayuthey, Kandukondein Kandukondein, Jeans, Mudalvan, Kannathil Muthamittal, Boys, etc. His foray into Hindi movies started off with a big bang in the superhit Rangeela, followed by Dil Se, Taal, 1947/Earth, Pukar, Lagaan, Zubeida, Meenaxi, The Legend of Bhagat Singh,Yuva,Tehzeeb amongst others, all of which had huge album sales.

His more recent releases include Swades, Ah-Aah, Bose: The forgotten hero, The Rising, Water and Rang De Basanti, all of which have been critically acclaimed and well received.

In 1997, to commemorate 50 years of Indian independence, Sony Music signed up Rahman as its first artiste in South Asia. The result was Vande Matram, an album that instantly made Indian youth relate to it and succeeded in rekindling the spirit of patriotism.

In 2001, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the well-known composer of musicals like The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, etc., invited Rahman to compose for the musical Bombay Dreams, the first musical Andrew Lloyd Webber would produce that he had not composed. Bombay Dreams opened to packed houses in London's West End.The show had an unprecedented run for two years and later premiered on Broadway in New York. It brought the world's attention to all things Indian and put a focus on the musical talents of Indian composers - an important turning point in the history of Indian music.

Rahman also composed the score for a Chinese film, Warriors of Heaven and Earth, in 2003 and a piece for the award winning violinist/musician Vanessa Mae called Raga's Dance. He was also invited by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to conduct an orchestral rendition of his film scores in the same year.

Besides this, Rahman is also involved in charitable causes. In 2004, he was appointed as the Global Ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a project by the World Health Organisation (WHO). He also supports charities like Save the Children, India and does his bit to alleviate human suffering. As a producer of the single We Can Make It Better by Don Asian alongside Mukhtar Sahota, A. R. Rahman showed his charitable side again with all proceeds going to the Tsunami victims, as did his 2004 Tsunami relief concert in India.

Rahman's popularity can be judged from the fact that he has had three world tours of his concerts in the last six years and has performed to packed audiences almost everywhere from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Dubai, UK, Canada to the Hollywood Bowl in the USA.

Trinity College of Music, London and went on to set up his own in-house studio called Panchathan Record-Inn in Chennai, which is arguably Asia's most sophisticated and hi-tech studio.

In 1991, noted film maker Mani Ratnam offered Rahman a movie, Roja, which was a run-away success and brought nation wide fame and acclaim to the composer. The movie also led Rahman to receive the Indian National Award for the best music composer, the first time ever by a debutant. Since then, Rahman has gone on to win the Indian National Award three more times (for Minsaara Kannavu, Lagaan and Kannathil Muthamittal), the most ever by any music composer.

More recently, Time Magazine rated the soundtrack of Roja in the top ten in their compilation of the all time 100 best movie soundtracks of the world.

The Bombay Theme from the movie Bombay was most prominently noticed recently in the movie Lord of War starring Nicholas Cage. The track, Chaiyya Chaiyya from the movie Dil Se features in the new Spike Lee movie, Inside Man, starring Oscar winner, Denzel Washington.

Rahman is widely considered as the man who single-handedly revived public interest towards Indian film music in the nineties.

Rahman followed up Roja with Gentleman, Thiruda Thiruda, Kaadhalan, Bombay and Minssara Kannavu, all of which were huge chartbusters and were dubbed in Hindi as well. Other hits in Tamil include Alaipayuthey, Kandukondein Kandukondein, Jeans, Mudalvan, Kannathil Muthamittal, Boys, etc. His foray into Hindi movies started off with a big bang in the superhit Rangeela, followed by Dil Se, Taal, 1947/Earth, Pukar, Lagaan, Zubeida, Meenaxi, The Legend of Bhagat Singh,Yuva,Tehzeeb amongst others, all of which had huge album sales.

His more recent releases include Swades, Ah-Aah, Bose: The forgotten hero, The Rising, Water and Rang De Basanti, all of which have been critically acclaimed and well received.

In 1997, to commemorate 50 years of Indian independence, Sony Music signed up Rahman as its first artiste in South Asia. The result was Vande Matram, an album that instantly made Indian youth relate to it and succeeded in rekindling the spirit of patriotism.

In 2001, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the well-known composer of musicals like The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, etc., invited Rahman to compose for the musical Bombay Dreams, the first musical Andrew Lloyd Webber would produce that he had not composed. Bombay Dreams opened to packed houses in London's West End.The show had an unprecedented run for two years and later premiered on Broadway in New York. It brought the world's attention to all things Indian and put a focus on the musical talents of Indian composers - an important turning point in the history of Indian music.

Rahman also composed the score for a Chinese film, Warriors of Heaven and Earth, in 2003 and a piece for the award winning violinist/musician Vanessa Mae called Raga's Dance. He was also invited by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to conduct an orchestral rendition of his film scores in the same year.

Besides this, Rahman is also involved in charitable causes. In 2004, he was appointed as the Global Ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a project by the World Health Organisation (WHO). He also supports charities like Save the Children, India and does his bit to alleviate human suffering. As a producer of the single We Can Make It Better by Don Asian alongside Mukhtar Sahota, A. R. Rahman showed his charitable side again with all proceeds going to the Tsunami victims, as did his 2004 Tsunami relief concert in India.

Rahman's popularity can be judged from the fact that he has had three world tours of his concerts in the last six years and has performed to packed audiences almost everywhere from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Dubai, UK, Canada to the Hollywood Bowl in the USA.

ARR's Music Studio

2007-12-30T11:42:00.000+05:30

Panchathan Record Inn
The small studio called Panchathan Record Inn that he began is one of India's most well equipped and advanced recording studios today. Panchathan Record Inn studio is at Chennai, India and is said to be one of the best in the whole of Asia and houses equipment like the Euphonix System 5 Audio Mixing system.

A. M. Studio
In 2005, A. R. Rahman has built a new studio, called A. M. Studio. This studio is equipped with a 140 channel Euphonix System 5-M Digital Mixing Console with 2 cores . Having worked in several top studios in the UK , USA & Canada , Rahman had the opportunity to work with and evaluate all the large format consoles currently available in the market. He decided to go for the Euphonix System 5 as it gives him the speed, power and flexibility that he needs for his work which ranges from Music Recording & Mixing to 5.1 Mixing . Another important factor for Rahman was that the System 5 supports 24-bit / 96KhZ operation which allows him to work in the highest quality digital environment and to be ready for DVD Audio .

Lord Of The Rings - sample tracks

2007-12-29T21:59:00.000+05:30

The original cast album of “The Lord Of The Rings” will be available for general release from JAN 21st 2008.

The two disc release consist of a CD and a 5.1 surround DVD.

You can download the sample 7 tracks of LOTR from here.

LOTR-Cat n mouse
LOTR-Lothlorien
LOTR-music
LOTR-Promo
LOTR-shine forever
LOTR-star
LOTR-theme

A R Rahman's forth coming projects in 2008

2007-12-29T21:40:00.000+05:30

2008 is going to a busy time for ARR with at least 10 album releases.

Some of the awaited albums include
1. JODHA AKBAR starring hrithik & ash directed by ashutosh.
2. JAANE TU YA JAANE NA produced by aamir khan.
3. ADA starring AB.
4. MAIN YUVRAAJ directed by subhash ghai.
5. TAJMAHAL -IMax film by BaharatBala.
6. GHAJINI starring aamir khan.
7. LAJJO by maniratnam.
8. DILLI 6 starring AB.
9. BOMBIL and BEATRICE (Hollywood).
10. SAKKARAKKATTI (tamil).
11. SULTAN the warrior (animation).
12. MARMAYOGI directed by kamal hasan.

Javed Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar on A.R.Rahman

2007-12-27T16:32:00.000+05:30

Jodhaa Akbar music release

2007-12-24T07:31:00.000+05:30

Film : Jodhaa Akbar
Director : Ashutosh Gowarikar
Music : A R Rahman

The music release of Jodhaa Akbar has been indefenitely postponed. The release would not be there till Jan 2nd atleast.

Jodhaa Akbar is the untold love story of the greatest Mughal emperor who ruled Hindustan With Hrithik Roshan as Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa. Film is directed by Lagaan fame Ashutosh Gowarikar.

UTV is about to release 1000 prints of the movie, and are working hard for the music release in the first week of JAN.

It wont surprise me if the movie get postponed to Feb or March. It is said that A R rahman has done one of his best compositions ever in Jodha Akbar, so i think it worth waiting.

Rehman's devotion

2007-12-23T11:00:00.000+05:30

One needs a large heart to ascribe all of one's victories and fame to God.Isai Puyal AR Rehman has that. So many new voices have been introduced by him. However, till now, Rehman has not sung songs of other music composers. That situation is to be changed as Rehman is to sing for composer Kailash Kher. That name sounds familiar, does it not?

The song "veyilodu vilayaadi…" in 'Veyil' has been sung by Kailash Kher. Basically a singer, he turns composer for first time for a Hindi film and Rehman sings one of the songs. The main reason is, it's a devotional film titled 'Allah Ke Bandah.'

On knowing that the song extols the greatness of the lord, Rehman had no hesitation in accepting to sing it.

Source : http://www.cinesouth.com

A R Rahman's top 10 composition's

2007-12-23T09:17:00.000+05:30

Recently, A R Rahman was asked, by The Hindustan Times, to shortlist his 10 best compositions. These are the films he chose

Roja
Rangeela
Bombay
Dil Se
Taal
Kandukonden Kandukonden
Zubeidaa
Lagaan
Rang De Basanti
Guru

Source : http://rediff.com/movies