A.R. Rahman is an internationally renowned, Grammy and Academy award winning musician and composer. The first Asian artist to be signed by Sony Music, Rahman has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making him one of the world's top selling recording artists.
His recent and prominent rise in the west came through his work on the film score for Danny Boyle's SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE which included the international hit "Jai Ho". Other popular and renowned work includes tracks featured in the Hollywood movies ELIZABETH, THE ACCIDENTAL HUSBAND, WARRIORS OF HEAVEN AND EARTH and the number one box office hit COUPLES RETREAT. A R Rahman performed at The White House for the first state visit for Prime Minister Singh, hosted by President Barack Obama. Rahman was also featured in the re-make of "We Are The World" alongside Wyclef Jean, Jennifer Hudson, Barbara Streisand and Celine Dion. We bring you the legend and his thoughts on some issues and projects that are not usually talked about in an exclusive two part feature! Being the most talked about personality from the Indian music world globally, what do you attribute it to? God has been very kind. Do you attribute it to the prayers and blessings of your mother too? Yes, definitely. Having worked with almost all the renowned directors is there anyone you would like to work with especially from Hollywood? I have been fortunate enough to have worked with directors like Shyam Benegal, Mani Ratnam, Ashutosh Gowariker, Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra. I feel blessed. What about directors in Hollywood? Anyone in particular that you wish to work with? Depends on what I am offered. We met Imtiaz Ali a couple of months back. You are composing for his upcoming film ROCKSTAR; can you tell us what kind of film is that? ROCKSTAR is a very character driven film. Imtiaz Ali's previous films like JAB WE MET and LOVE AAJ KAL had a lot of Punjabi sounds and settings. Will the music be basically the same this time around too? As I have said, ROCKSTAR is a character driven film, as one can guess from the title, there will be lots of guitar. In brief, the music will have very different vibrations. http://www.glamsham.com/movies/interviews/07-a-r-rahman-interview-071001.asp -- yes yes yes... lots of guitar.. looking forward to a smash hit rock album by boss. fingers crossed. /Jahanzeb
