News 4 all Rahmaniac

Shreya Ghoshal Singing Munbe Vaa in front of A.R.Rahman (Filmfare Awards)

2008-09-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

I dont think remix is a bad word - AR Rahman

2008-06-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

"A.R.Rahman - He has revolutionized Indian film music and now he is nurturing young talent."

Rajeev Masand: I also know that you were committed to doing Kamal's film Dasavatharam, which you couldn't because time constraints did not allow you.

AR Rahman: Yes at that particular time, I was doing many things. I was travelling and Kamal ji wanted me to give the music immediately and it was a huge film. I knew the kind of work it would require. I knew I could not do justice in that short period.

Rajeev Masand: You were replaced then by Himesh Reshammiya. Were you insulted?

AR Rahman: No, not at all. Himesh did the songs but I think Devi Sri Prasad did the background music.

Rajeev Masand: Have you heard the music?

AR Rahman: No, I have not heard the music.

Rajeev Masand: He has also sung in Tamil.

AR Rahman: I would love to listen to it.

Rajeev Masand: What do you think of him as a singer? You have used so many Bombay voices. You have introduced so many people in the music industry. How come you haven’t found anything for Himesh?

AR Rahman: I think he has got a particular style. I have heard him very closely and I think he is capable of much more. In fact we were co-judges in a show for a channel. So, I am waiting for the right song for Himesh. I like him as a person and I wish him all the best.

Rajeev Masand: You know that he is a movie actor now as well.

AR Rahman: Yes I know. Awesome.

IBN Live Videos

Rare honor for Rahman - IIFA

2008-05-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

A rare honor for the Maestro of Music - A.R.Rahman

Acclaimed music composer A R Rahman will be presented with a life time achievement award by International Indian Film Academy (IIFA). The award would be presented to Rahman on 6 June at a grand function to be held at Bangkok.

The award is being presented to Rahman for his immense contribution to promote Indian film music abroad and also making a mark internationally.

Source: indiaglitz.com

Lagaan Deleted Scenes - Awesome BGM

2008-05-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

These are 3 deleted scenes in movie Lagaan with nice pieces of BGMs.

1) Chhoote Lagaan Song is really mind blowing. Its a kind of cinematic masterpiece. This scene is of a category of V. Shantaram or Raj Kapoor.

2) Rachel helping the villagers with the cricket kit.

3) Bhuvan's Prank & Gauri's jealousy.

Chhoote Lagaan MP3 Download
http://rapidshare. com/files/ 115343559/ Chhoote_Lagaan.mp3.html

ADA.. A Musical Journey By A. R. Rahman - A Journey To Track

2008-05-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

♪♪ Track listing ♪♪

ADA - A Musical Journey By A. R. Rahman

1. Ishq Ada (Male Version)
Rashid Ali
Raquib Alam

2. Ishq Ada
Parul Mishra
Raquib Alam

3. Gumsum
Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam
Nusrat Badr

4. Hawa Sun Hawa
Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam
Nusrat Badr

5. Gulfisha
Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, Viviane Chaix
Nusrat Badr

6. Hai Dard
Udit Narayan
Nusrat Badr

7. Milo Wahan Wahan
Alka Yagnik, Jayachandran, Chorus
Nusrat Badr

8. Tu Mera Hain
Chithra, Sukhwinder Singh, Naresh Iyer,
Nusrat Badr

9. Maherbaan
A. R. Rahman
Raquib Alam

10. Maherbaan
(Instrumental Solo Guitar - Sanjeev Thomas)

Images :

The times of India ( Blore edition ) Wrote about A.R.Rahman Fans Group

2008-05-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Mad about Rahman, dil se

These fans live and breathe A R Rahman's music, finds Sharmishta Koushik

It was the year 1992. The film Roja was released and with it, a new music sensation blossomed in the Indian film industry, attracting droves of fans, mesmerized by his melodies. Their chotti si asha is simply to have the pleasure of listening to A R Rahman's music and perhaps, watching him perform live, and if they were really lucky, say a few words to the musical genius in person. Meet the A R Rahman Fans.

What started off as an e-group, set up by Gopal Srinivasan, a Bangalore-based consultant, is, today, a veritable database of all things Rahman. From several media interviews to rare recordings of his tracks and the inside information on when a new album will be released, these die-hard fans are truly connoisseurs of Rahman's art. "The intent behind establishing this group was straightforward — to use the power of the internet to network with Rahman's fans around the world so that we could share the joy of listening to his music. In many ways, it is Rahman himself who is responsible for the popularity of this group — his music and his appeal cutting across barriers. I am guilty of initially under-estimating the global reach of his music — little did we realize that we would have people from so many countries across the world joining in," says Gopal Srinivasan. And indeed, today, the e-group has over 13,000 members.

On a rather sultry Sunday evening, a few members of the group in Bangalore gathered in front of the rose garden in Cubbon Park to talk about their passion. Quite befitting, considering that for most of them, their love affair with A R Rahman's music began with the film Roja (rose), and like his music, their devotion to his talent has only increased from strength to strength. Says Kangan Upadhyay, who works in a software company, "We heard the songs of Roja before they were officially released. And although I didn't know the language, I could relate to those songs.''
And she gives credit to the music director for her superb scores in her II PU exam. "At that time, the music of Alaipayuthe was released, and I kept listening to it all the time while studying. I scored 99% in Maths. I kept humming the songs in my mind even as I was writing the paper,'' she recalls with excitement.

The way Rahman's compositions revolutionized Indian film music is something the fans immensely respect. "He brought in a whiff of freshness,'' says Balaji Rajagopal, a chartered accountant. "He brought to Indian films a sound which was, until then, only heard in jingles,'' says Chandrashekhar Ganesh, a techie. "Earlier, viewers would walk
out of the theatre for a smoke when the songs would come on. Rahman's music changed all that,'' says Gomtesh Upadhyay aka Gomzy, a techie.
"He's even a good singer,'' says Vithun Kumar, a BE student. Adds Shahnawaz Gaffoor, a techie, "His music is international.''
Not surprisingly, Rahman's concerts are always a grand event, akin to international acts performing in India. And these fans ensure they are there to watch Rahman live. Most of them took off to Chennai recently, when Rahman performed there for a concert organized by The Times of India. In fact, it was during the 2005 concert in Bangalore when the city's fans met each other in person. They volunteered backstage and even had T-shirts created especially for the event.

Rehearsals are when they get to interact with the maestro. Some of the members have even met him at his residence in Chennai. "Once, I went to meet him at his place. As he was busy he told me to come the next day. He asked me if I was a non-vegetarian. Since I wasn't, he ensured that vegetarian food was ordered for me,'' says Prabhu Krishnamurthy, a techie.
During the 2005 concert, they even gifted Rahman a montage of all his album covers, about 94 — both film and non-film scores. It now adorns a wall in his studio. And needless to say, if a fan wants to meet him at the studio, those from this e-group are allowed right in. Rahman has even dedicated a colouring book for children, released during the Pray For Me Brother tour, to the e-group in November, 2007.

The members definitely deserve such a token of appreciation, considering they have taken pains to count the number of musical genres he has explored. According to them, his music spans about 36-38 genres.

The Bangalore-based fans meet up from time to time, if someone gets hold of the latest copy of Rahman's album or a rare DVD of his work. They recently met to watch a behind-the-scenes DVD of the musical Bombay Dreams, which shows Rahman actually composing some of the tunes.
"We upload rare tracks on to the website. But it's strictly for non-commercial and private use. We always buy the original CDs of his albums,'' says Prabhu. "And, of course, we would be the first ones to buy those albums on day one,'' says S Radhakrishnan, a techie. At times, members have heated debates. An unresolved one is about whether Rahman was the first music director to use a bass guitar in his compositions.

What sustains their immense passion is not just Rahman's music but also the person he is. As Radhakrishnan puts it, "He has never let us down.''

RAHMANIACS: These fans are devoted not just to his music but also the man behind it

http://www.arrahmanfans.com/

Group Picture Archive: http://www.flickr.com/photos/arrahmanfans
Group Video Archive: http://www.youtube.com/group/arrahmanfans

arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com

Explore, Experience, Enjoy A.R.Rahman- the man, his music and its magic.

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A.R. Rahman announces a tie-up of 'Ada' with Nokia & Big Music

2008-04-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, Nokia in association with Big Music came up with an innovative way to promote the music of director Tanvir Ahmed's forthcoming film Ada-a way of life. The film's music has been composed by music maestro A.R. Rahman and die-hard Rahman fans not just have a chance to enjoy his music but also play around with it.

Yes, you heard it right for the first time ever Nokia along with Big Music and A.R. Rahman gives listeners a chance to remix two tracks from this film. The winner of this contest (who will be chosen by the music legend himself) gets a chance to spend one day with him and remix two of the songs of Ada in Rahman's studio.

Gallery :

Complete Interview of ARR on Radio City ( with Download Link)

2008-04-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the link for ARR's interview which was broadcast on 28th April on Radio City Chennai.

http://www.mediafir e.com/?r51mb1tsz xz

Thanks Aravind ( from arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com) for recording this in a high quality.

The Transcript of interview is below :
(Hope it will benefit non-tamil fans)

Q :- Rahman always means technology. Actually, he has brought a lot of technical aspects into Music. Do you feel that technology is a must in current day Music ?

ARR :- I think, nowadays a Musician cannot be a musician alone. He needs to be know technology. Nowadays, people owing a type writer have started owing a computer. So its a necessity. Whetever we type goes into the computer, and not by its own. So in music also, there are automatic generating Software, but melody cannot be done with that. I think its a small step. Just like driving a pig; a car. What you need is to take care that you dictate it, and not get dictated by it. If we do music out of the limitation that exists from th software, we would also become limited. So we need to change stuff, whatever it takes us to.

Q :- if we listen to a line from a music, we are able to grasp the fact that its an A.R. Rahman Music. There is an unique speciality about it. Is this a planned effort ?

ARR :-No. I used to keep playing in Film Industry in the beginning. At that time, I wanted to do an album. I had something in my mind , that I should do something non- filmy, out of the film arena. The Filmy stuff started boring me. So, when I returned back to the filmy music, instead of doing it seperately, I thought of using it in film music. So those influences came into Filmy Music.

Q :- Rahman. Sometimes, when we turn the chapters of life, it astonishes us, and that too, your life has been a miracle altogether. Today, the ful world knows A.R. Rahman. There are a lot of people, who have been driven mad by your music. Did you ever think, your life would have been this much succesful. ??

ARR :- NO. ( Straight away replies ) . Basically what happened was, I went into a spiritual phase of life, where I met this Murshad, who blessed our family. He said, that " You are your family are going to see something amazing". At that time, I was thinking he was just telling lies ( ARR uses very local tamil word " Peela" for lies. ). But with due respect, when things changed, we started believing. he said something, and its happening. Its a blessing from him. After that, it went step by step. I always take the situation little by little. That makes life more easy. Then , after Bombay Dreams, I could have made up by mind that I am not going to do any more regional Films, as I have been recognised in the West. But, I do respect all the fans from the South. or North, Indians all through. , who supportd my music. Thats one of the reasons to do the stuff. I did do some silly pictures in between, just to keep the thing going.

Q :- ( A personal Question ) Right from the time, you came to the Film Industry, till now, you have always stayed young. Hows that possible. ?

ARR :- ha ha ha . I think most of the musicians look young. Because they cannot have two things in their mind. It is Spiritual and Music. hatred and jealousy. If you have all that and worries, you become old. You just have to take all that off, and live life at that moment. Think Good.

Q :- Rahman , I should not ask any Music Director this question, but still. Which song is very close to your heart ?.

ARR :- Only when you listen to it back. Some days back, I was listening to the song , " Sowkiyamaa " from Sangamam. Then I realised, thats its a good song. Because, we forget the song, after finishing it. Otherwise, you cant go. If you take a luggage with you alwaysm you cant go anywhere, and you would not know whats ahead of you. Whats the new sound. So to do all that, you need to forget the stuff. and go, Keep watching.

Q :- Your Thai Manne Vanakkam was a scintillating song. Today, you are famous world wide. Whever you go, your roots are in Chennai. So, what does Chennai mean to you ?

ARR :- Its where I was born. So, there is an attachment. Chennai is a part of me, and my music also. So, you cant deny that. We invested so much of money for the studio here. , which gives more the reason to stay here. All the kids love here.

Q :- Everyone says, " A.R. Rahman is down to earth; down to earth". We also know that well. We realised that, when you came to our studios, as we were tensed that there was a delay in the lift. But you were very cool. How did this character come to you ?

ARR :- Down to earth Down to earth..... I have been in earth only since beginning... .....We need to be absorbing. Its like a camera. Just take the good things, and leave the bad things. So that is a part of I think, learning. and even in music, its like that. You have to wait for good music to come to you. Wait for that particular state of mind. Need patiennce for everything. So thats very important.

Q :- You have been part of a great movement of taking Indian Music to International Arena. whats our Future plan regarding this ?

ARR :- I think , to develop something very unique. Nowadays we are always switched on and aware about technology, youngness , freshness and everything. That will be very intersting to see a unique piece of music. Music becoming the leader for the full world. we could do that, if we all put our minds together.

Q :- Whats your message to Radio City Listeners ?

ARR :- Thank you all Radio City Listeners. For being a part of my music, and also part of my life so far. And I hope you continue to that so.

( Transcription prepared by Vithur, from arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com)

Remix A.R. Rahman's ADA on your Nokia mobile

2008-04-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

As a part of its endeavour to connect people to their passions, mobile phone major Nokia has joined hands with A.R. Rahman to give young Indians a chance to remix two tracks from the maestro's forthcoming film "Ada... A way of life".

click here to enlarge

The announcement at a press conference Monday marks the first time the composer is allowing listeners to remix his creations.

As a part of this initiative, Nokia and leading music house BIG Music will run a month-long contest where participants can remix the two "Ada" soundtracks - "Gulfisha" and "Gum Sum" on Nokia's newly launched Nokia XpressMusic mixer application.

This is an online music mixer available on www.nokia.co.in/XpressMusic that has pre-loaded "Ada" tunes.
More information in http://www.remixrahmansada.com/

Users can remix the soundtracks by clicking on their favourite music genre such as Jazz, Folk, Punjabi, Hip-Hop and Rock amongst others. Participants also have the option to download the Ada tracks from the Nokia XpressMusic website and remix with their own professional music equipment.

The winner, to be chosen by Rahman, will get an opportunity to spend a day with the music legend and compose the remix soundtrack with him at his studio.

This remix would be released through a music video that would profile the winner and Rahman along with the top 10 finalists.

Elaborating on the concept, Rahman said: "India full of talented young people and this contest is my way of unleashing their creativity.

"Nokia and BIG Music have come up with a very interesting concept and I am looking forward to see how the listeners interpret my music and give it a new form," he added.

According to Raghuvesh Sarup, head of programme portfolio of Nokia India, "we share a very special and long-term association with Mr. Rahman and we treasure this relationship.

"We are very grateful to him for agreeing to this initiative and giving youngsters an opportunity to express themselves through music," he added.

Bombay Dreams to be staged in Pakistan

2008-04-01T23:17:00.000-07:00

An adaptation of "Bombay Dreams", Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical that unravelled the romantic Bollywood to the world on Broadway, will be staged in Pakistan next week.

Directed by Sharabeel Shah, the musical extravaganza is believed to have cost Rs 3 million, making it the most expensive stage show put together in Pakistan. The play, which had a run for a select audience in the federal capital last year, will be staged at the Alhamra Art Council in Lahore during April 6-20.

"Bombay Dreams", which comprises a huge cast of 75 Pakistani actors, is expected to run to full houses in the country's cultural capital.

"The play has been coloured in a local fashion to make it look real. Though the play is in English, it proceeds in a fashion that a person not familiar with English can very well understand it. The actors have been working hard and we hope to have a big crowd," Sharabeel told the Daily Times.

The original Broadway musical starred London-based actors Preeya Kalidas, Raza Jaffrey, Raj Ghatak, Ayesha Dharker and Dalip Tahil. The music was scored by India's A R Rahman.

"The play is known for its rhythmic tones composed by A R Rahman and will definitely cheer the audience," Sharabeel said.

The story revolves around an ambitious young guide, Aakash, who is brought up by his mother and lives in the slums. He fantasises about being a Bollywood star. A young lawyer's fianc offers him a shot in Bollywood and takes him to Mumbai, where he experiences a side of the city he had never imagined.

For the Pakistani version, actors have been drawn from various elite educational institutions of Lahore.

Source : The Hindu News Update

A.R.Rahman scores Rank 42 in ARTIST Direct Top 100

2008-03-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

This week A.R.Rahman got a rank 42, previous week it was 56

A.R. Rahman

Get the list of ARTIST Direct Top 100

An interesting article on "Copyright Violations"

2008-03-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

Copying happens all the time in the creative industry, be it in flicking the music tunes or the movie concept (and mentioning it as an inspiration or not even mentioning it if not for the critics to figure out) or in the technology or fashion or manufacturing if not in mining and oil exploration industries. :) I was wondering if it happens only in India or all over the world. Putting my little knowledge in a more quantitatively in this post.

Yes, movies and music has highest copying in India, ‘remake’ of good Hollywood movies by Bollywood and in turn by some regional Indian film industry. Most of the Music composers are copycats, with exceptions of the genius AR Rahman and few others. Pritam beats the copycat-king Anu Malik in recent times, with tunes of his hit numbers like Ya Ali, Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai and many other tracks being copied shamelessly, and not even mentioning about it. Maine Pyaar kiya had some of the best songs of last decade, with most of its tracks had been ‘inspired’ from other good music of 80s. You could have a look here for more on copying in Indian music industry.

A.R.Rahman images - ASCII art

2008-02-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Harshal Chavan, have made boss's pic using only text (this art called ascii art) which is made of using name of tamil films composed by him. If you observed the page you can find out all film names from Roja to JA.

Have a look at the html version. You can copy paste that film names in your notepad. Just click below link

http://www.carnbikesdesign.com/arr/arr.html

Jodhaa Akbar collected Rs 385 million worldwide

2008-02-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

MUMBAI: Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Jodhaa Akbar has grossed Rs 385 million worldwide in its opening weekend (inclusive of paid previews on Thursday).

As per information available from UTV, the film has grossed Rs 28 million ($ 713,000) in the UK, Rs 64 million ($ 1,600,000) in the US, Rs 18 million ($ 460,000) in the Gulf, Rs 5 million ($ 135,000) in Australia, Rs 250 million in India ($ 6,250,000) and Rs 15 million ($ 380,000) in other territories across the world.

In the US, the film has had the second highest opening ever, after Om Shanti Om. United Motion Pictures (UMP) director Siddharth Roy Kapur says, "Jodhaa Akbar has performed and exceeded our expectations. We are thrilled with the response from audiences and critics worldwide. These collections are testimony to the fact that a great movie will find its audience."

Rahman plans Broadway style musical in India

2008-02-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

God of Music - AR Rahman, making a self-confessed "U-turn" after his success with the Lord of the Rings musical on London's West End, is now planning to bring a mega Broadway-style musical to India.

"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 on 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 IANS 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 (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 Gold Age and is now looking at India. "I've been given great respect in India. It's time for me to give back," he said in the interview.

His biggest projects at the moment are his music production company KM Music and a music school that he launched in Chennai on his birthday, January 6. Looking at India again, he said, has had "a liberating effect" on him.

With American and British musician-friends ready to fly to India to help with his project, Rahman said his school is designed to teach "the minutiae" of music to young Indians, adding: "That's what every kid wants to do - learn music the right away.

"Some of this stuff is beyond money - it's about changing people's perspective on things. This can only be done if you have a musical vision. It might not give instant gratification, but in the long run it's going to help shape up a lot of things."

Jodha Akbar Tamil/Telugu versions to release on latter date

2008-02-14T00:52:00.000-08:00

Jodha Akbar Tamil/Telugu versions to release on Mar 6

It is informed you that the Tamil and Telugu versions of Ashutosh Gowariker’s historical JODHAA AKBAR were slated for release simultaneously with the Hindi version of the film on 15th February. But now, UTV has decided to release the Hindi version on the scheduled date and push the Tamil and Telugu versions to a latter date.

Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV confirms, “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, 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,” Siddharth adds.

Jet Airways Partners The Launch Of The Lord Of The Rings Musical Album

2008-02-14T00:26:00.000-08:00

Jet Airways, India’s premier airline supported the Launch of Lord of the Rings Cast (Musical) album on Monday, February 11, 2008 at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London, U.K.

The album features the 70 strong cast and orchestra, has lyrics by Shaun McKenna & Matthew Warchus and music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale.

This unique partnership between the production team of The Lord of the Rings and Jet Airways means that travellers flying to India on Jet Airways flights will be able to enjoy music from the show and watch an interview with India’s most renowned composer A.R. Rahman. In addition, all passengers travelling to the UK on Jet Airways are entitled to a free single price category upgrade on presentation of their boarding card. Other benefits include free show programmes and discounted merchandise for the airline’s platinum loyalty cardholders.

As India’s premier airline that embraces the spirit of new India, Jet Airways found a synergy between themselves and the high quality production – The Lord of the Rings - which takes theatregoers on a musical, mysterious and adventurous journey.

Said Raja Ségran, Regional Vice-President UK, Europe and Americas, “We are delighted to be partnering with The Lord of the Rings for the launch of their cast album. Since opening in June 2007 the show has won countless plaudits throughout the West End for its quality, innovation and for giving people a great experience – all the attributes that as an airline Jet Airways embodies.”

The album features Malcolm Storry as ‘Gandalf’, James Loye as ‘Frodo Baggins’, Laura Michelle Kelly as ‘Galadriel’, Michael Therriault ‘Gollum’, Peter Howe ‘Sam’, Jérôme Pradon ‘Aragorn’, Brian Protheroe ‘Saruman’, Richard Henders ‘Merry’, Owen Sharpe ‘Pippin’, Michael Rouse ‘Logolas’, Sévan Stephan ‘Gimli’, Steven Miller ‘Boromir’ and Rosalie Craig ‘Arwen’, with Andrew Jarvis as ‘Elrond’, Terence Frisch ‘Bilbo’, Tim Morgan ‘The Steward of the Lands of the Men’ and Kirstie Malpass ‘Rosie’.

NAIR SAN -THE LEGENDARY INDIAN PATRIOT IN WORLD CINEMA

2008-02-11T22:20:00.000-08:00

click to enlarge

NAIR SAN: THE LEGENDARY INDIAN PATRIOT IN WORLD CINEMA

1964 Japan Olympics. It was a thrilling moment for India when Indian Hockey Team won the Gold. But when the National anthem was being played at the medal distribution ceremony one among the crowd began shouting at the Japanese Government only because of the fact that instead of India's National Anthem the authorities played Pakistani National Anthem. Even though there were many officials and great personalities from India who were witnessing the incident none raised their voice other than this great Indian. That was the Indian legendary hero Ayyapan Pllai Madhavan Nair famous as Nair San in Japan. This is only one of the incidents which show the patriotism of this great man who became the reason for ending the Asian exploitation by the British during the freedom struggle.

For those who know Nair san personally he is special in different ways. Nair San had to leave his native land Kerala at the age of 18 as he campaigned among the students and led protests and marches against the social injustices of the British. He rebelled against the Education tax polled by English rulers. Being settled in Japan he struggled hard to root out the imperialism in Asian Countries. At the same time freedom fighters in India assembled men against English rulers. His efficiency in Japanese, Chinese and Spanish languages lifted him above all other Indian freedom fighters in Japan such as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Rash Behari Bose, Pratap Singh, Barkathullah etc. Thus Nair San became an ever lively presence in the strong and well arming agitation organized by Indian National Army and Indian Independence League.

Many thrilling moments in the life of Nair San are unknown. His strange experiences and dangerous encounters taking the roles of a trader, a Holy lama and a Soofi during his one man expedition and exploration through the deserts and Plateau of Manchukia, Ala Shaan, Mongolia, Tibet, and China in 1933 paved the way for ending the illicit wool trade of the British which contributed the major source of their income.

When a renowned film Director from Kerala like Albert honored with awards for his debut film decided to take up the story of Nair San for his next film it is a prestigious moment for the whole of India as the film is being designed in such a way so as to attract the aesthetics of the International audience. Albert's passion and vision on Nair San is complemented by his tremendous urge to discover new eras on the subject and to create a truly international class Asian film spanning different cultures, languages and religions. The adventurous life of Nair San lighted the flame in Albert's mind to create such a film where the Director's creative concept is used more than the mere historical approach. The story is based on 'Memories of Nair San' the biography of A.M.Nair and the creative concept is developed by Albert himself.

Padmasree Mohanlal acts the lead role in the first Japanese film directed by an Indian. He was awarded PADMASREE, one of the Highest Indian Civilian honor (2001). Also he had won four National Awards and many recognitions and honors. His film ‘VANAPRASTHAM’ was screened in the 52nd Cannes Film Festival and won the National Award for his amazing performance as a ‘Kathakali’ artist. The other two famous actors in the film are selected from Bollywood. The leading Japanese actress is preferred to be the heroine of Mohanlal. As Nair San married a Japanese lady it is the perfect recreation by the director himself to select a Japanese actress as the heroine.

Discussions and attempts are moving fast to accommodate the world action hero Jackie Chan also in this film to play the role of a Cameo",

Music maestro A.R.Rahman will be doing music for the film. The traditional Mongolian & Japanese songs included in the film will be a different experience for the music lovers.

The $7.5 million budget film is said to be a different experience for the film lovers worldwide as it is the result of the hard work and enthusiasm of a handful of talented artists. As Japan is the second largest film market in the world the revenue calculated from the movie will be much more than the budget of the film.

The major location of the film is Japan, Mongolia and India. The schedule of the film is planned within 145 days and it is expected to release by the end of 2008. Albert had been in hazardous attempt to secure all the detailed knowledge for the perfection of the film.

JODHA AKBAR on top of list in bollyvista

2008-02-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

TOP 5 ALBUMS OF THE WEEK

1. JODHAA AKBAR
2. TAARE ZAMEEN PAR
3. WELCOME
4. SUNDAY
5. SUPERSTAR

link to bollyvista.com

Chat with A.R.Rahman

2008-02-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Allah Rakha Rahman burst on the national musical consciousness in 1992, with a score for the Mani Ratnam-helmed Indian hit Roja that was markedly different from the prevailing template of film music of the time.

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.

In order that Rahman can answer as much as humanly possible, the maestro has requested that you send in your questions ahead of time -- he will, at the appointed hour, appear live on the Rediff Chat to answer as many as he can.

Post your questions in the area alongside by 1800 IST Friday and watch this space for the link to the chat room, where you get to interact, live, with unarguably India's finest composer.

Hurray !!!

Got Add Your Question to The Lord of Music

Does fear of failure haunts A.R. Rahman

2008-01-28T03:51:00.000-08:00

click to enlarge

Rahman, who shot to fame with his compositions for "Roja" in 1992, is known for his musical versatility. He has innovated with different instruments and sounds to create some of India's best known musical hits for more than a decade.

"It does scare me sometimes (but) not about staying on top - first place or second place," Rahman told Reuters.

"It is about what I'm delivering, how good the music is always, how precise I have to be while composing as I might be putting my reputation of 15 years at stake."

Rahman has several big budget projects lined up for release in 2008, including Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodhaa Akbar", Subhash Ghai's "Yuvraaj", Rakeysh Mehra's "Dilli 6" and the Aamir Khan-starrer "Ghajini".

But he’s eagerly awaiting Tamil filmmaker Shankar’s science fiction venture “Robot”.

"Robot' is very futuristic and I am looking forward to composing for it," Rahman said. "I have never tried the genre before and it is an exciting venture."

Selecting the right project might be tough for some but for Rahman, instinct plays a key role.

"I often take quick decisions as sometimes I work with people whom I have worked with before and sometimes it's just out of pure instinct when I come across an exciting project."

From : Reuters INDIA

Music Review - Jodha Akbar

2008-01-24T01:08:00.000-08:00

Film: Jodha Akbar
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Music: A.R.Rahman

Track list:

Azeem –O-Shaan-Shahenshah
In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein
Jashn-E-Bahara
Khwaja Mere Khwaja
Mann Mohana
Jashn-E-Bahara Instrumental (Flute)
Khwaja Mere Khwaja (Oboe)

Read this review you will find it interesting

We Can Make it Better - Relief for those affected by the Pakistani Earthquake and Tsunami

2008-01-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

' We Can Make it Better ' by Donasian was released on Friday 11th November 2005 from HMV

Donasian was a charity project put together by, Internalmusic, Realtone Records, and Streetlife Productions. Donasian was a non-profit making organisation.

This single has been composesd and produced by 'Mukhtar Sahota', and the string orchestration by A.R.Rahman. (starting and ending string composition)

Album Credit :

The single is in 3 languages, English, Hindi and Punjabi, and features 15 Asian artists from different music genres from Eastern and Western continents. The Artists featured are:

Artists

A R Rahman	Shaan	Jaspinder Narula	Sukhwinder Singh

Hans Raj Hans	Am’nico	Djinn	Mistri

Channi (Alaap)	Dhami (Heera)	Sumeet	UK Apache

Shahin Badar	E=MC	Surinder Sandhu	Shahbaz Khan

The charities involved were 'Islamic Relief' and 'Save the Children India', for those affected by the Pakistani Earthquake and the Tsunami affected children. Donasian will not recoup any costs from this project. All artists have appeared on this project free of any costs.

Ghajini Remake in Hindi. Title yet to be coined

2008-01-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ghajini Remake in Hindi soon. Expect to release on 2008 Diwali - Tuesday, October 8

After the stunningly hit film Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan’s next will be the remake of Tamil super-hit Ghajini. A R Murugadoss, director of the original version is helming the Hindi remake and the stunning beauty Asin will be essaying her part as well. Talented young actress Jiah Khan will be playing the other female lead. Music is by A R Rahman with lyrics by exceptional wordsmith Prasoon Joshi. This Diwali get ready for this movie.

Deepika Padukone will pair with Rajnikant - Robot

2008-01-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

Ayngaran International and Eros International will jointly be producing the film - ROBOT. Rs 120 crore is the initial budget allocated for this film. Investment will exceed money ever spent on any big-budget film from Kollywood, Tollywood or Bollywood. Money should not be a constraint for the grandest film in India.

The film will be produced in three Indian languages Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. It is talked in media that Deeepika Padukone who made a superb debut with Shahrukh Khan in film Om Shanti Om may now be pairing with Rajnikant in Robot.

Shankar is also reported to have roped in science writer Sujatha to write the dialogue for Robot. Sujatha is, in fact, a 70-plus-year-old male, who has become a celebrity in his own right in Tamil Nadu through his youthful style of science fiction writing.

Interestingly Deepika who is 22 years old had paired with Shahrukh of 40 plus and will now be with the Rajnikant who is of 57 years! But for superstar Rajinikanth who has acted earlier opposite to Shreya in ‘Sivaji the Boss’ who was almost Deepika’s age.

As of now Deepika is filming for Yash Raj Film''s Chandni Chowk to China, which is expected to hit the floors in February. Robot’s budget may exceed 100 crore probably may be the most expensive in Indian film history.

Rahman composes music for Puli - Telugu

2008-01-11T22:17:00.000-08:00

AR Rahman has given music to lot of Tamil movies which have been dubbed into Telugu and gone on to become good hits. A.R Rahman will be composing music for Pawan Kalyan starrer Puli movie. This movie is being directed by our very own S.J Suryah.

He has promised to compose and finish the songs by 2009. Pawan Kalyan will start with this S.J Suryah movie after he completes Jalsa and an home production in which he is acting as a hero too. S.J Suryah also has a couple of movies to finish including Vil in which he acts as a hero.

It is rumoured that a whopping amount was paid to Rahman to compose the music for this film. It is also said that the producer of Puli is willing to go upto Rs. 35 crore as far the films total budget is concerned.

Rajnikanth on Shankar’s mega-budget film - Robot

2008-01-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

Rajnikant will play the lead role in famous director Shankar’s mega-budget film ‘Robot.’ The budget of new film is said to be around Rs 100 crore.

Famous music director A. R. Rehman will create music for the film.

Eros multimedia and Ayngaran International would jointly produce the film. The film will use lot of graphics and new techniques. This is the reason the film has been terms as a hi-tech film. It would be made using state-of-the-art technology. The rest of the cast for the movie hasn’t been finalized yet.

“We are trying for someone like Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra to co-star with Rajni. Nothing is official as yet. The film is expected to have a lot of graphics and new techniques. Most of the film would be shot abroad,” the source added.

The film will be a fire combination of Rajnikanth and A. R. Rahman with Shankar. It will be in released in three languages Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Jet Airways presents 'The Lord of Music'

2008-01-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

A.R.Rahman interview from Jet Airways in their in-flight magazine [ Jetwings ] January 2008 edition, uploaded in the flickr for all rahmaniacz.

Read more
http://www.flickr. com/photos/ arrahmanfans/ sets/72157603634 927118/