Allah Rakha Rahman, 43, the Mozart of Madras, thanked god in Tamil soon after receiving his Oscars. “Ellapugazhum Iraivanukee” he said, meaning “May all praise be to the almighty”. It's a line the music maestro has been saying at numerous awards.

Rahman spoke to Shubha Shetty-Saha a few hours after receiving his two Oscars for best original score and best song. Excerpts:

How does it feel?

I am really excited. I am grateful for the good wishes and love that Indians and Americans have given me. I just didn't expect to win. So I was concentrating more on performances. When they announced the first award, I was feeling neutral. It was when they announced the second award that I felt the impact...

The Oscars will help Indian talent...?

I think it's a great bridge….it is the starting point for Bollywood and Indian talent. Americans (earlier) had an aversion to any other culture. Now we are probably making our culture more acceptable, we are setting a trend…. I loved the way the kids came in (the Slumdog child actors walking the ramp)...it was so moving.

What does 'Jai Ho' mean to you now?

I always believed that words have power…so I would always fight with lyricists if I felt that there was something negative about the words. Words are like prayers. It was Subhash Ghai who gave the idea of Jai Ho! And as luck would have it, it went to Slumdog Millionaire. It had its own destiny…

Did you expect this?

No, never. That's incredible. Without any expectations, when you do something and you get it, it's amazing. Just do things for the sake of art and trust in god. That's a great lesson. When you have strings attached, there is corruption…You have to be true to the film and emotions, which is great….

A big party once you are back?

I am planning on honouring all the musicians, singers and lyricists who have worked with me since my 'Roja' days. I will do it very, very soon. I was waiting for the Oscars. Every musician who has been a part of my music will be there.

You spoke about your mother in your thank you speech….

It is absolutely fun having her here. I was not afraid at all. It is great to have her in LA and her being happy.

How has the experience been at the Oscars?

Everyone treats us like equals here, which was never the case before. Like Penelope (Cruz), Angelina (Jolie), Speilberg congratulating us about how they loved the music. It is a great start for original and incredible work.

…I just have one request. I need all your support but don't make people get irritated of me. People shouldn't get irritated of me. They shouldn't think, “Oh god, this guy again. I want them to feel good when they see me.”