AR Rahman returns to a rousing welcome

He came, albeit one-and-half hours late, apologised to waiting mediapersons, and conquered everyone’s heart. What followed was a 30-minute free-wheeling conversation with Allah Rakha Rahman that left everyone gasping for more. D Ram Raj was among the select few print journalists who spoke to Rahman at a hotel in Chennai on Thursday. Excerpts from the interaction.

What clinched the award for Jai Ho?

As I said previously, if a beautiful woman wears a lovely ornament, the value of the jewellry ehances. The movie was beautiful and the music became the crowning jewel. 

How do you feel after winning the Oscar?

It is an award for Indian artistes and their aspirations. I’m simply their representative. I dedicate these awards to all my fellow artistes. Hollywood is a world stage where Italian, Japanese and Chinese artistes have won awards. The time has come for India. I expect more Indians to win this award in the future. 

Will the Oscar change Rahman the person?

No. I’ll try to be what I am. I’ll continue to think and do whatever I am doing now.

What does the award mean to Indian artistes?

The award legitimises our music and our place in the world. Americans are listening to Indian music with interest. It is now my dream to connect people with music.  

Do you think Slumdog Millionaire shows India in a bad light?

It is a movie about an underdog who redeems himself. As an artiste, I look at the movie in that way and don’t see it as a negative portrayal of India. But people are free to have their opinions. 

Why did it appeal to western audience?

It was something new for them. Like say we eat Chinese food and find it interesting as it is different from what we eat everyday. For the western audience, Slumdog Millionaire was like a holiday, which they savoured.

Will language be a barrier for your work?

Music has no language. I’m prepared to work in any language if the film is good. My priority will be to work

in good films without language prejudice. 

What kind of music interests you?

Devotional music attracts me as it is close to my heart. Any spiritual or religious music helps one relax. 

What about Gulzar’s role in Jai Ho?

The success of a song is in its sound and phonetics. Even if the language is not familiar, people should be able to relate to the music. Phonetics is Gulzar’s strength and that made all the difference. 

Did you expect to win the Oscar?

No, I only had 5% hope of winning the award. My mind was focused on the stage show as Indians were performing on a world stage. 

How did you feel on Sunday, hours before the awards were announced?

I felt like a zombie as I hardly slept for four hours. We had rehearsed for the stage performance the previous evening and the next morning we had a final rehearsal. I was worried about the stage show. 

Did you feel nervous before the award?

No, I hardly had time to be nervous as the suspense lasted only 20 seconds. I was only thinking of changing and getting on to the stage to perform. 

What do our movies lack?

They lack the motivation to do something extraordinary. They are also not planned. Just look at how the photographers behaved here. I think with a little planning we could have avoided the near fight (laughs). 

D Ram Raj/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication