As Oscar award winner A R Rahman's new international film '127 hours' have been nominated for the year's Golden Globe and Oscars, the world famous musician has decided to take a break from his busy schedules with films. He will be working on more serious non filmi compositions in 2011, after the work on his latest film 'Rockstar' will get completed. The movie will have Ranbir Kapoor in the lead. To read more:http://www.indiaglitz.com/
He may be a mega superstar but A R Rahman doesn't believe in resting on his laurels.
Recently, at the music launch of his next film RAAVAN, A R Rahman stole the audiences pulse with a breathtaking composition which has been penned down by Gulzar.
What is interesting is the fact that Rahman composed this song in the night before the event was due to happen. Rahman was awake all night to give final touches to this song which mesmerized the gathering and impressed everyone around.
Though, this particular song is not part of RAAVAN'S music album as yet, but the makers are keen to add this composition to the album at a later stage.
It'll be a melodious.. and memorable reunion. As per close sources, A R Rahman is gearing up to be a bigger 'Millionaire'. With Danny Boyle, that is. Reportedly, the duo are collaborating on their second opus … after the super duper winning trail of 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
Says an insider, "Rahman has been approached by a very big studio abroad for a big budget English film and most probably, he will be teaming up with Danny Boyle for this film which has quite an urban feel to it."
Earlier, Rahman had gushed in an assortment of inter phews stating, "I thank Danny Boyle for giving me such a great film like 'Slumdog Millionaire'. I'm looking forward to working on another movie with him soon."
Besides, it's being reported that the London Philharmonic Orchestra will team up with Rahman to strike some top drawer notes for the European leg of the 'Rahman World Tour' and will also team up to compose tunes for a few Hollywood ventures.
No plans for Valentine's Day? Well then chill out at home and create a perfect atmosphere by listening to some of the best romantic songs of the deacade like 'Mere Khayalon ki Mallika' and 'Suraj hua madham'.
IANS selected the following songs from the last decade (2000-2010) for this day of love.
'Mere Khayalon ki Mallika' - You can make a good start with the beautifully composed song that boasts of equally good lyrics and as soon as you play it the romance hits the air. You can sing along with playback singer Abhijeet. It was picturised on Aishwarya Rai and Chandrachur Singh in 2000 release 'Josh' and was a chartbuster.
'Tum dil ki dhadkan mein' - Another soothing romantic number. Crooned by Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik, this melodious rendition from 2000 film 'Dhadkan' sets the right mood and even today it strikes a chord with the listener. Instruments like piano and violin are used in prominence.
'Suraj hua madham' - This Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer song from hit film 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2000) pulls at one's heartstrings. Melody, rhythm and emphatic vocals are its trademarks. Sung by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik, it is one of the best romantic tracks of all times.
'Suno na' - In 2003 another brilliant composition in 'Suno na' from the film 'Jhankaar Beats' rocked the charts. Crooned by Shaan in his soft and soothing voice, the slow-paced number makes one groove in harmony.
'Hum tum' - The title track of 'Hum Tum' (2004) is very well written and amazingly sung by Alka Yagnik and Babul Supriyo. The enticing song is slow, soothing and pleasing to the ears. It's a pleasantly syrupy ballad that sure does appeal and is perfect for a romantic outing.
'Bheege honth tere' - The song from the 2004 movie 'Murder' fetched singer Kunal Ganjawala instant stardom. It has a more R&B feel to it, but the soft rendition does well to keep the listener in tune with the song.
'Laagi tumse man ki lagan' - This refreshing number sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan straightaway touches the heart. Released in 2004, the rustic and enticing vocals give the song an edge and its Sufi influence keeps you swaying in an enthralled trance.
'Tere liye' - Yash Chopra's cross-border love story 'Veer Zaara' was full of romantic numbers but the one that stood out was 'Tere liye'. Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar lent her voice to the love song along with Roop Kumar Rathod. The song beautifully describes the feelings of two lovers who meet after more than two decades. A perfect number for a lovers reunion.
'Jiya dhadak dhadak' - Another gem in Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's voice is 'Jiya dhadak dhadak' from the 2005 film 'Kalyug'. The subtle, romantic track is a smooth sailing and wins hearts with exceptionally humble and delightful melody.
'O saathi re' - The song is distinct and out of the ordinary. The track exudes a feeling of intimacy and deep love and is impressively sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Vishal Bhardwaj. From 2006 film 'Omkara', it is a must hear owing to its emotionally rich composition.
'Tere bina' - One of the best songs of 2007, 'Tere bina' from the film 'Guru' is a lovers' delight. One of the finest offerings of the album, it is addictive to the core and pure musical bliss. It is crooned by A.R. Rahman with ample support from Chinmayee.
'Ajab si' - Shah Rukh Khan's 'Om Shanti Om' (2007) is known for the romantic offering 'Ajab si' by KK. A soulful rendition, 'Ajab si' is an irresistible piece of melody that lingers. The unconventional tune makes the song even more delightful.
'Tum se hi' - The soundtrack of the 2007 film 'Jab We Met' had a number of hits but love ballad 'Tum se hi' is the perfect song for a day of love. Mohit Chauhan's soul-stirring voice combined with subtle orchestration made it a song to remember forever.
'Bol na halke halke' - Another melodious and honey-tucked composition, 'Bol na halke halke' is fit for a day like Valentine's Day. Mahalaxmi Iyer casts a spell with her rendition and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan adds an edge. With a catchy rhythm, the track from the film 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' (2007) has surpassed many songs of the same genre.
'Kahin toh' - The same year 'Kahin toh' from the film 'Jane Tu...Ya Jaane Na' was released. With minimum orchestration, the love song soaked in melancholy is a winner in all spheres. Sung by Rashid Ali with Vasundara Das, 'Kahin toh' carries an Indi-pop feel to it.
'Khuda jaane' - 'Khuda Jaane' from 2008 hit film 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' grows on you. Shilpa Rao teamed up with KK behind the mike for the song that seems even better when KK takes the high pitch. It's a mesmerizing number.
'Pehli baar mohabbat' - 'Pehli baar mohabbat' starts off slowly and reaches its crescendo one minute into its duration. A Mohit Chauhan number, this song brings out the true meaning of soulful owing to its slow pace and free flowing nature. A beautiful romantic number.
Even as the world was jubilating over A R Rahman's double Grammy whammy at Los Angeles, history was being created at the New York Stock Exchange: NASDAQ (National Association Of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations).
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol rang the gong at NASDAQ, the world's biggest stock exchange, illumining a momentous moment for Indian cinema. By doing so, the pair became the first Bollywood stars to be invested with this honour, an honour usually reserved for CEOs of major corporations.
"Earlier, I stayed away from stock exchanges because I felt that they were scary places," admits SRK in a newspaper quote. "But now I like it here. When Kajol and I entered NASDAQ we were told that the market is green, meaning it's flourishing. I can't tell you how happy the news has made me." Incidentally, SRK also holds the distinction of being the premier Hindi cine icon to give away a trophy at the Golden Globes.
The sterling highlight, however, has also been marked with a deep twinge of sadness. The recent controversy sparking off a spat between the Shiv Sena and global Indian SRK has distressed the actor. Nevertheless, Khan doesn't mince words as he states to the scribe tribe, "The controversy is with me and my statement. It has nothing to do with Karan (Johar), Kajol or the film. I stand up for my comments... there is no excuse for having said what I said and I am proud that I have a take like that. There should be no place for mob law in India." SRK's stance has been strongly endorsed by Aamir Khan too, who has also been a target of the Sena ire.
A channel byte showcased Gulzar gushing differently. "I told him not to make a habit of getting twins!" remarked the Oscar winning lyricist of 'Slumdog Millionaire'." Rahman has already won two Oscars for 'Slumdog… and now he has also bagged two Grammys for Danny Boyle's film. I told him to be careful." (laughs)
India twirled tunefully under the spotlight once again, and an elated A R Rahman was beside himself with joy. "This is insane…. God is great again!" remarked the Mozart of Music as he strode onstage the esteemed dais of the Grammys at Los Angeles to win his duo of golden honours.
His double triumph of Grammys ('Best compilation soundtrack for a motion picture category','Best Motion Picture Song Category') has melodiously put India on the global map. "I can safely say that the next rockstar after Michael Jackson and 'The Beatles,' will be Rahman from India," remarked Oscar winner Resul Pookutty in a newspaper chat.
The 36 year old Rahman is going to be watched all the more closely now. His Chennai office has been flooded with calls and offers, post Oscar success… and with the Grammy glee, Rahmania is now slated to assume bigger proportions.
Rahman will wield his magic for Mani Ratnam's 'Ravan', Shankar's 'Enthiran' and Ashok Amritraj's 'Street Dancing.' "I am being selective about the kind of films that I want to do," confesses the Tsar of Tunes, even as news trickles in that 'Na Na' his song number from the Hollywood flick 'Couples Retreat' has been shortlisted for the Oscars, this year.
Apart from the Oscars and Grammys, the esteemed maestro has been also been lavished with the Padma Bhushan and four national awards. Deserved consolation for the 11 year old schoolboy from Chennai who hopped from one studio to another at the bidding of composers…..
An Oscar ain't enough for the "Mozart of Film Music." Among the truckloads of trophies lining his shelves, another honour will soon occupy pride of place. The Padma Bhushan!
A R Rehman earns the third highest civilian honour of India for his exemplary contribution to music. Incidentally, Rehman shares this honour with Ilayaraja, his mentor!
A visibly thrilled Rehman stated in a newspaper inter phew, "I'm overwhelmed that I have received the honour at the same time that Raja sir has got it. It is a great personal statement for me . He has played for my father Sekhar and I have played under Raja sir. It is a family thing for me."
It's raining accolades and awards in the Khan backyard. '3 Idiots' raked in a whopping Rs 382 crore worldwide (grossed Rs 100 crore within four days of its release!).
Even as Aamir Khan's news about Robert Redford extending him a personal invitation to attend his plush party, and the excitement over his 'Peepli Live' making it to the Sundance Film Festival and Berlin Film Festivals has barely died down … a national glory chugs right in!
Aamir Khan will soon be lavished with the 'Padma Bhushan' …
"When I received this wonderful news, my mother's smiling face flashed in my mind," declared Khan in a SMS message from Utah, US where he is presently attending the Sundance Festival.
Expressing a twinge of regret over not being in India in person, the 44 year old Khan, already a Padma Shri recipient, declared to the scribe tribe, "Firstly, my film 'Peepli Live' receives a superb response at the Film Festival and then the news about my Padma Bhushan reached me. I only wish I was back home right now. I would like to thank God for all these happy moments."
Incidentally, Khan shares the Padma honour with A R Rehman, the redoubtable colossus of Indian film music. Two much, what say?
Composers A.R. Rahman, who shone at the Oscars last year with his double golden statuette win, and Ilaiyaraaja have been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the nation's third highest civilian award, on the eve of Republic Day.
Rahman, who started his career in 1992 with Mani Ratnam's Tamil film 'Roja', made his debut in Bollywood with the hit soundtrack in Ram Gopal Varma's blockbuster movie 'Rangeela'.
Some of his hit numbers are 'Chaiyyan Chaiyyan', 'Roobaroo', 'Tere bina', 'Jai ho' and 'Masakali' and 'Kabhi kabhi Aditi'.
In a career spanning almost two decades, Rahman who has his own music label called KM Music, achieved many milestones.
In 2008, Rahman scored the music of Danny Boyle's rags-to-riches drama 'Slumdog Millionaire' for which he won a Golden Globe. He also bagged two Oscars the same, becoming the first Indian citizen to do so.
Apart from the Oscars, Rahman has also been awarded with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award, four National Film Awards and 13 Filmfare awards.
The 44-year-old musician has also been nominated for two Grammy Awards, the results of which will be announced Jan 31.
While Time magazine referred to him as the 'Mozart of Madras', in 2009, the magazine placed him in their 100 list of 'World's Most Influential People'.
Ilaiyaraaja has been a prominent composer in the southern film industry since 1976. He debuted with 'Annakkili' and is known for integrating Tamil folk lyric with Western music. He won the Indian National Film Award thrice for the movies - 'Sindhu Bhairavi', 'Rudraveena' and 'Saagara Sangamam.
Bollywood veteran Rekha, 55, has been conferred the Padma Shri, the fourth highest honour, after four decades in the Indian film industry.
The daughter of late southern star Gemini Ganesan, Rekha bagged overnight success with her debut film and went on to become India's sex symbol.
Rekha has acted in over 150 films and maintained versatility in films like 'Do Anjaane' (1976), 'Ghar' (1978), 'Muqaddar Ka Sikander' (1978), 'Khubsoorat' (1980), 'Silsila' (1981), 'Baseraa' (1981), 'Utsav' (1984), 'Khoon Bhari Maang' (1988), 'Ijaazat' (1988), 'Kama Sutra' (1996) and 'Zubeidaa' (2001), et al.
It was Muzaffar Ali's period drama 'Umrao Jaan' that catapulted Rekha to unprecedented success and even won her a National Award.
Bollywood star Aamir Khan and celebrated Tamil composers A.R. Rahman and Ilayaraja were Monday named for Padma Bhushan, the nation's third highest civilian award, While actors Rekha, Saif Ali Khan, Arundhati Nag and sound engineer Resul Pokutty got Padma Shri.
Aamir, 44, who struck gold at the box office with his latest outing '3 Idiots' that grossed over Rs.375 crore worldwide, is already a recipient of the Padma Shri.
Allah Rakha Rahman, who shone at the Oscars last year with his double golden statuette win, seems to be on an award winning spree post the success of 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
In 2008, Rahman scored the music of Danny Boyle's rags-to-riches drama 'Slumdog Millionaire' for which he won a Golden Globe. He also bagged two Oscars for the film, becoming the first Indian citizen to do so.
Apart from the Oscars, Rahman has also been awarded with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award, four National Film Awards and 13 Filmfare awards.
Tamil composer Ilayaraja has been a prominent name in the southern film industry since 1976. He debuted with 'Annakkili' and is known for integrating Tamil folk lyric with Western music. He won the Indian National Film Award thrice for the movies - 'Sindhu Bhairavi', 'Rudraveena' and 'Saagara Sangamam.'
And now Ilayaraja gets the Padma Bhushan.
Bollywood diva Rekha, 55, has been selected for the Padma Shri, the fourth highest honour, after four decades in the Indian film industry.
The daughter of the late southern star Gemini Ganesan, Rekha bagged overnight success with her debut film and went on to become India's sex symbol.
Rekha has acted in over 150 films and maintained versatility in films like 'Do Anjaane' (1976), 'Ghar' (1978), 'Muqaddar Ka Sikander' (1978), 'Khubsoorat' (1980), 'Silsila' (1981), 'Baseraa' (1981), 'Utsav' (1984), 'Khoon Bhari Maang' (1988), 'Ijaazat' (1988), 'Kama Sutra' (1996) and 'Zubeidaa' (2001), et al.
After being awarded with the 2008 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, now Arundhati Nag, a well-known name in the theatre world, wins Padma Shri. She was recently seen in 'Paa' as Amitabh Bachchan's grandmother.
Saif Ali Khan, one of the top notch actors in Hindi film industry, has been honoured with the Padma Shri. He became a sought after name after the success of 'Dil Chahta Hai' (2001). After that there has been no looking back for the actor who also bagged the National Film Awards for his performance in 'Hum Tum'.
Sound engineer Resul Pokutty, who won Oscar last year for his work in 'Slumdog Millionaire', is honoured with the fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri
Here is a good news for all Rahman fans. Some latest reports suggest that the audio of the much awaited Endhiran will be released in April. They also add that the Mozart of Madras has in fact finished composing the theme music and the rest is in progress. Endhiran (also spelt as Enthiran) brings back the famous duo of Superstar Rajinikanth and director Shankar after their blockbuster Sivaji, the boss. The movie will also see Aishwarya Rai after a long gap in Tamil paired opposite our superstar. Endhiran is also is special for its choreography by Prabhu Deva. Lyrics by Vairamuthu, art direction by Sabu Cyril and cinematography by Ratnavelu comprise a regular Shankar team. The stylish director has also roped in Oscar winner Resul Pookutty for sound effects; it is also said that a unique sound effect has been created for the film. Sources say that the story of Endhiran is set in the future, when new and bizarre fashion fads would come into existence. And that is the reason Rajinikanth walks the sets of Endhiran in costumes that are quite hard to initially appreciate, but look absolutely great on him. Envisaging future fashion fads, costume designer Manish Malhotra and Aalim have worked extensively on Rajinikanth's look in Endhiran. There are also reports that the film will be a Diwali treat
After winning Oscar for the soundtrack he composed for the film SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE last year, the music genius has once again earned a nomination at the 82nd Academy Awards. But this time around it's for a Hollywood film.
As per the latest reports doing the rounds, Hollywood film COUPLE'S RETREAT has won Indian musician A R Rahman a nomination in the Oscar shortlist for the 'Best Original Song' category. And the song in question is, the Tamil number 'Na Na', which is very special to Rahman as it marks his six-year-old son Alim's debut as a singer. This is the first time A R Rahman has composed music for a Hollywood film.
'Na Na' was written by Rahman along with rapper Blaaze and Vivian Chaix and sung by the trio along with Alim, Clinton and Dominic
Indian music maestro A.R Rahman's song 'Na na' from the film 'Couples Retreat' has been shortlisted for nomination in original song category for the 82nd Academy Awards.
It will be competing with 62 other songs from eligible feature-length motion pictures for nomination, which will be announced Feb 2.
'Na na' was penned by double Oscar winner Rahman, Blaaze and Vivian Chaix and crooned by Rahman, Blaaze, Chaix, A.R. Ameen (Rahman's son), Clinton and Dominic.
Directed by Emmy nominated Peter Billingsley, 'Couples Retreat' stars MTV winner Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman and Kristin Davis. It revolves around four couples who go to a tropical-island resort for a vacation.
The 82nd Academy Awards presentation will take place March 7 in Hollywood, California.
Indians nursing bruised ambitions and fear over the racial ruckus at Australia would love to tune into this one. Over 70,000 audience members present at A R Rahman's world tour in Australia were in for a sporting treat too as former Australian opening batsman Mathew Hayden hosted the mega song and dance extravaganza.
Known for his squeaky clean consistency with batting, Hayden is keen to prove that he's adept at being an anchor too. Incidentally, both Rahman and Hayden have a clear Chennai connection.
"Rahman was born in Chennai, a city that I have come to love and a part of India that I have come to love for many reasons," stated Hayden in an interview.
A posse of 40 Indian musicians and dancers shared the musical podium with Rahman to promote peace and harmony in Australia. Hayden has been reeling off a spate of Rahman compliments to the media. "I'm excited that many Australians will be able to enjoy and appreciate the music of the incredible Mozart of Madras." We're all ears, Hayden.
In spite of the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia, music maestro A.R. Rahman's much awaited Sydney concert at the Parramatta Park on January 16 will be taking place as per schedule. Australia Network will broadcast this mega concert live across 44 nations.
Rahman will perform with 40 Indian musicians and Bollywood dancers on stage. High-impact lighting displays, choreographed moving video screens and audience interaction are among the other highlights of this musical extravaganza. The live concert is conducted as part of Vivacity and the 2010 Sydney Festival.
The A.R. Rahman concert, co-hosted by Australian cricketing legend Matthew Hayden and ABC presenter Miriam Corowa, is a free event supported by the New South Wales Government.
Hayden, in a statement issued by the Australian Embassy in Delhi, said, "I am honoured and thrilled to be a part of A.R. Rahman's unique outdoor extravaganza and the Sydney Festival. Rahman was born in Chennai, a city that I have come to love and a part of India that is very special to me for many reasons. I am excited that many Australians will be able to enjoy what millions of people around the world have come to love and appreciate- the incredible Mozart of Madras and the amazing Indian musicians and Bollywood dancers."
Sydney (IANS) Referring to the news reports of recent attacks on Indians in Australia, music maestro A.R. Rahman, who is in Sydney for a free concert to bridge relations between India and Australia, says the media should act responsibly.
"We need more responsible media. Media's a great tool, but it can also be misused and provoke people and just one wrong can kill thousands of people. And that's happened in the past and we need to be extremely careful and strict about what we are - the truth," said Rahman at a press conference here Thursday.
"I was speaking to a lot of people, they were saying that some of them are racial killings, some of them are not. But everything gets painted in the same colour and we have to be very careful on that," he added.
Rahman's remarks came amid a string of attacks on Indians and Indian symbols in the country, the latest being a fire at a Melbourne gurdwara.
The Indian Oscar winner is slated to perform at the Parramatta Park as part of the Festival of Sydney, Saturday and he says it is a step forward to bridge the gaps.
"This country is re-affirming the friendship and I hope that this concert brings that and I'm sure it will, hopefully," said the 44-year-old.
"Australia has taken this first step, they called me. I think any art form, whether it's a movie or whether it's a concert, you see all kinds of people in one," he added.
Rahman, who is known internationally for composing the song "Jai Ho" from Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire", also gave safety tips to people.
"Regarding safety, I would advise not to go anywhere at night, especially in shady places where there are a lot of drug addicts and alcoholics and be careful, because they are going to be the main reason for any trouble in the future," he said.
One of the most regarded music composer, Oscar winner A R Rahman, who has been alluring us with his soulful and melodious music for over a decade now, celebrates his 44th birthday today.
So join us in wishing the music maestro a warm birthday. May the music genius continues to tug our hearts with his rich compositions for years
Posts
