Source - http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4178926.cms?prtpage=1
"Pray for my brother!" she says, when asked about what's in store for A R Rahman, the winner of two Oscars a feat that superlatives fail to describe, particularly for an Indian. She has been giving interviews since when the words "And the Oscar goes to...." for the best original score and original song ended in "...A R Rahman", on Monday morning. She is Rahman's sister Fathima, the first in the line of three, all of whom have given their voice to their brother's scores at various times. The family, though much awaiting the award, was hardly prepared for it when it came. Breathless and euphoric, they cheered him on. "There was a time, when Lagaan did not win this recognition, that we have been disappointed. It was one of his most heavenly creations," Ms Fathima said. But, now, the family is so excited that it hasn't even planned a celebration for him! "Of course, everyday is a celebration, with the wonderful music Anna (big brother in Tamil) creates. And when he arrives at the airport, his fans are bound to have planned something big for him," she said. While this was happening inside the quiet house, hidden on a non-descript lane in Kodambakkam at Chennai, the scene outside the house and Rahman's studio nearby was a study in contrast. Jubiliant students of Rahman's music school KM conservatory were dancing away their high spirits, bursting crackers. "We were keeping our fingers crossed yesterday. But, today, it feels like we had known all along that he would win!" said Shalan, a student at the school. "We learn western as well as Indian classical forms, and most of us aspire to be composers in the Indian film industry," said Sathosh, another student. "This win has told us that anything is possible, right from Indian filmdom!" The 'gates opened' phenomenon has caught on like wildfire, exciting the music industry across Chennai. Says Faizuddin, the project manager for Rahman's A M recording studio, "Our studio was inaugurated in 2005, and we have already received a fair share of foreign clients, particularly from UK. The oscar win is bound to attract more number of foreign clients to the technical capabilities that our studio boasts of." According to KPMG media analyst Nandita Da Cunha, the gates have been opened both ways. "While on one hand the Indian film industry bollywood or kollywood, will attract more foreign investment, there will also be significant talent export," she said. Renowned carnatic singer cum modern musician Bombay Jayashree agrees. "There was a time when all that Indian musicians could aspire for was a film fare award. Now, not only can they explore international arenas, but also win laurels there!" Ms Nandita said, "This is an opportunity for sound technicians as our unique blend of IT skills, musical creativity and cost effectiveness will boost our position in the entertainment outsourcing arena, particularly in post production works." While Chennai has traditionally been a hub for the sound industry in the south, North Indian films, including Bengali, Bhojpuri, Marathi ones have been going to Mumbai for their sound processing. "This scenario has slightly changed now with each state becoming self sufficient with its own audio studios," said Jayendra Panchapakesan, director of Real Image, a Chennai based post production company, which has done recording projects for Beatles George Harrison in the late nineties, and for a number of Asian and European projects. "But, our industry also needs to learn a lesson, in organizing and disciplining itself, to materialize the opportunities that may open up for us," Mr Jayendra said. Moserbaer India entertainment division COO G Dhananjayan echoed the point when he said, "There is no doubt the international entertainment industry is likely to view Indian talent with a wide open mind now. Outsourcing of sound engineering works is all set to come. But, attracting foreign investments is dependent on how the industry acts together as a whole, rather than on one genius winning the oscar!"
