At 6.45 am today, the morning raga from a tea shop at Kamaraja Nagar adjacent to music maestro A R Rahman's house in Chennai was a radio song composed by A R Rahman for the film Taj Mahal.
Yes, there was an air of hope and strong optimism even in the surrounding areas when the golden moment of Oscar announcement was in the offing. .At 7 am, Vishunath, a small boy, who usually disposes milk packets to A R Rahman's house on Dr Subaraya Nagar 4th Street, did his business as usual and told this reporter that 'I am expecting that good news!' At the same time in a studio at A R Rahman's KM Music Conservatory, behind his house, around 100 faces were curiously watching on a big screen where the live telecast of this years' Oscar announcement was taking place. They were close allies of Rahman's studio- sound engineers, technicians, students and their families. Whenever the name Slum Dog Millionaire appeared on the screen they all went up in an uproar mixed with enthusiasm. But when the final announcement which bestowed the great Indian music legend Rahman with two Oscar awards they were literally speechless. In a second they all stood up with fast beating hearts and burst out 'Jay ho..' Many of them hugged each other; some ran out of the studio to fix the fire crackers as if they did not have a single moment to lose for the much awaited gala celebration. Dr Subaraya Nagar 5th Street suddenly woke up in jubilation as many of them jumped and kissed other on the road while firecrackers were burst in the backdrop. 'I am so happy,' said an overjoyed Praveen, an office boy with A R Rahman's studio while running outside. Following suit was S R Kalesh, a foundation (vocal) student in KM Music Conservatory. 'We collected Rs. 50 from all in advance for the celebration and now comes the million dollar moment! We were sure that A R Rahman will make it,' said he. Swami Durai, a technician with the studio, failed to express his reaction as a mixed mood overcame him. 'We are so happy and excited to hear this news. I don't know how I can express my feeling now,' is what Janaki Sivakumar, a technician's wife in Rahman's studio, told New Today Ningal oru kadavul maathiri. What you predicted is now a reality,' said another exhilarated man to his friend over a mobile phone. 'It was a wonderful moment for me to witnesses all these celebrations. And I am happy about these awards. A R Rahman's deserves more recognition,' commented Will who came from U S to meet his sister, who is working as an assistant of A R Rahman. The crowd and neighbours were on their feet with 'Jay ho...' at 5th Dr Subaraya Nagar Street once again. 'I am proud to be his neighbor,' said a thrilled Dr Jayakumar. Chitra, who is residing behind Rahman's house, said, 'My husband Dr Ramamurthy is like Rahman's family doctor. We know them for many years and these achievements go to our family.' Cine actor-director R Parthiban, who happened to be a witness to all these celebrations, cut a cake with ' Jay ho..' on it and distributed it to the people down the street. And then once again the crowd said in unison: 'Jay ho..!' http://newstodaynet.com/newsindex.php?id=15182%20&%20section=12
