I have been reading some interesting topics / discussions on this group regarding awards which Rahman got or didn't and a recent topic about his songs not known to westerners.
I find all this business of awards and international recognition very amusing. Music is such a personal matter, I can't force someone to like "A" particular music by giving an award, Can I ? I like Rahman's music and that is extremely personal thing to me. If he gets an award, fine ! If he does not get one, still Fine ! His music is invoking positive energy into so many lives and that is enough for me...... Rahman does have huge fan base here in India as well as through genuine music lovers across the world, and I don't think anybody from our group started liking Rahman's music because of particular award of because some westerner went gaga over his music ??? Do I or anybody in this group needs to reaffirm our faith in our GURU depending on the awards he gets ? Did I notice Rahman only because he won national award for Roja ? Was I disappointed when Rahman's songs did not get to Oscar Finals ? Was my liking of Bombay Dreams changed because they were not nominated for Grammy ? Does it concern me if Pray for me brother song is not known to westerners ? Do I need a foreigner / westerner to tell me how great my GURU is ? Do I feel worried if westerners are not able to understand the greatness of this simple man ? The answers are obvious....... NO ! Rahman has done some work in the Western world because HIS TALENT IN INDIAN MUSIC was noticed by the westerners which made the producers there INVITE Rahman to work with them. Having listened to virtually all his compositions ( thanks to my friends on this group ), I can definitely say that Rahman's music is very very different than other composers. I won't say difficult, more as CHALLENGING, and to those who get hooked to Rahman's compositions, the key lies in the fact that Rahman's music makes direct connection with the listeners heart and mind ! For a humble man he is, I think love and affection of his fans is the award he always likes to have more than anything else......... For MY GURU, we the PUNE based "The Wandering Souls" disciples will be performing a special edition of RAHMANIA in July to celebrate GURU-POURNIMA in that month ! Best regards Dinesh Vaidya Pune.
