A.R.Rahman's first authorized biography to release on April 6!
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news...529/index.html
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A.R.Rahman's first authorized biography to release on April 6!
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news...529/index.html
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._4078058_n.jpg
"AKON is a really nice guy and we might collaborate in future," says AR Rahman at the Press Conference held in Marina Bay Sands last week. Stay tuned to OLI 96.8FM and www.facebook.com/arrahmansg for the full interview! (Photos of AKON and AR Rahman from the album Freedom)
On 6th April, 2011 Om Books International will be launching 'AR
Rahman: The Spirit' of Music which provides a fascinating window into
the world of the great artist. Rahman's honesty, intelligence and
unpretentiousness shine through as he talks about everything you
wanted to know about his life and his world of music. The book launch
will be attended by some well-known celebrities and will have renowned
film maker and producer Mani Ratnam doing the honours.
The book has been written by renowned film historian, Nasreen Munni
Kabir, who has also made over 80 documentaries on Indian cinema for
Channel 4 TV, U.K. In this book, she provides rare insights into
Rahman's private life and his music. There are photographs from his
personal archives as well as a gratis CD of music composed by him (8
tracks).
Says Ajay Mago, Publisher, Om Books International, "It is indeed a
rare honour to publish this book. AR Rahman's journey, like that of
most great artists, is one that moves and inspires. Nasreen Munni
Kabir has recorded this journey, over the last three years. This book
also has a CD with AR Rahman's compositions for free distribution with
the first edition."
A two-time winner of the Academy Award (Oscars), the BAFTA and the
Grammys, AR Rahman is popularly known as the man who has redefined
contemporary Indian music. He started his career composing commercials
for cinema and television. But after ROJA (1991), Rahman's musical
genius caught the attention of Andrew Lloyd Webber who invited him to
compose music for the stage production of BOMBAY DREAMS. He is now
familiar to the audiences in the West as his song Jai Ho from the film
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE topped the charts all around the world. His film
soundtrack albums have sold over 150 million copies across the world
and he deservedly enjoys iconic status in India.
The students at Global Indian International School Singapore were thrilled and overjoyed to perform in front of the Living Legend AR Rahman. God bless them :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fb...3056&aid=39112
His message to aspiring young singers there: Just believe in yourself and you will find endless possibilities of success in your life.
-A.R. Rahman
Mani Sir to release the authorized autobiography
http://www.sify.com/movies/mani-ratn...wtujhbbdd.html
Pretty poetic
http://www.mmail.com.my/content/67805-pretty-poetic
http://www.mmail.com.my/sites/defaul...BW_fullrez.jpg
Quote:
HIS music has touched many hearts but his extraordinary talents gained an even bigger international attention in 2008, thanks to the success of Slumdog Millionaire. Now, Bollywood composer A.R. Rahman is soaring even higher.
With countless memorable Tamil and Hindi tunes decorating many films from India, Rahman has long been a legendary figure within the region.
His song Chaiyya Chaiyya from the award-winning Hindi film Dil Se is an example of the many songs that have remained unforgettable, and cherished by music lovers until today. Songs by A.R. Rahman have also broken language barriers.
Recently, the maestro was in Singapore as part of his latest project - 'The Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour'. It is no surprise that this world renowned composer/singer attracted not only Indian locals in Singapore but also foreign fans. They just could not miss the opportunity to experience his music live.
Since music is universal and language is out of the door, that's definitely the case with Rahman's concert.
The concert proved to be a psychedelic experience as it showcased his various influences. Fans were entertained with a range of sound - from classical-influenced tunes, to songs that are laced with hip hop, reggae, as well as dance beats and ballads.
His ability to fuse Eastern classical music with Western sensibilities is evident at the concert, that would definitely be the reason for Rahman to cross over easily as a great composer from Mumbai's own Bollywood, to Chennai's Kollywood and most recently all the way to Hollywood.
Those at the concert were obviously in awe of his talent in concocting his massala of music. The songs presented in the Singapore gig were catchy and upbeat, and some of the 'tear jerkers' really made the audience emotional. The entire experience was pretty dramatic.
The stage for the concert was simple with band members framing the stairs in a very laid-back style. The same stairs were also utilised by dancers and singers as they made their entrances and exits.
The mood changed accordingly as suggested by the creative and colourful visuals on a huge screen that became the backdrop for the entire evening. As a result, the concert was a total audio-video sensation for viewers.
It was a remarkable moment when legendary veteran Hindi singer Lata Mangeshkar appeared on screen to sing a duet with Rahman. Their song was Luka Chuppi from the film Rang De Basanti, an Academy Award nominee for Best Original Song in a film in 2006.
The audience were 'assaulted' with hits after hits, and no one was complaining for sure!
Another interesting segment was when the troupe did a medley which compiled all Rahman's classic hits from various films. As the singers lined the steps, Rahman walked on stage to begin the 'journey through films'.
In another captivating segment, Rahman performed a composition of songs based on prayers that represented his Hindu and Muslim background, which was pretty spiritual.
Over 20 songs were performed including many in medleys. Rahman and his supporting singers also sang some of his electro-infused tracks such as Nanan, Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera, Rang De Basanti, Latikka's Theme, Barso Re, Dil Se, Bombay Theme and Ringa.
That night, Rahman did everything. If he didn't sing the lead, he'd be playing an instrument *- the piano, keyboard, guitar as well as the accordion. Song number 21 was Chaiyya Chaiyya, and that got the crowd even more excited.
As he left the stage after finishing the song, the crowd just stood still in anticipation for the biggest hit of all. And yes, the maestro knew that too, and immediately appeared with the entire cast to complete the concert with Jai Ho - the song that was part of the Slumdog Millionaire craze. That really got the crowd even wilder as they sang and danced along.
The end of the concert was also like watching a movie. During the opening, Rahman made an entrance through a huge 'brass door' projected on the background screen. That was also his exit.
HONOURED FOR HIS MUSIC
According to Wikipedia, In 2009, for his score in Slumdog Millionaire, Rahman won, among others, the Critics' Choice Award; the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score; the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music and two Academy Awards for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song at the Oscars.
His work for the film 127 Hours garnered him Golden Globe, BAFTA and two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song this year.
A R Rahman is the Sachin Tendulkar of music and Sachin is the Rahman of cricket. And ace director Mani Ratnam has brought these two legends together, for a short film.
The film shot for Shakthi Foundation, which works for the rights of the differently abled, has Sachin in front of the camera, with Mani Ratnam wielding the megaphone.
The Oscar-Grammy winner has taken care of the background score and he has provided soul-stirring music, we learn. "The short film is a shot in the arm for the physically challenged who successfully cross all hurdles in front of them," sources say
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/t...cle/65374.html
Rahman fought suicidal thoughts
The world knows about the genius of Oscar-winner Allah Rakha Rahman but very little is known about the enigmatic musician’s private life. Now, his first-ever official biography, A R Rahman The Spirit of Music, published by Om Books International, promises to let fans the world over know what makes the reserved Rahman tick.
The biography, written by Nasreen Munni Kabir, will release on April 6. It talks about how he approaches work, and more importantly, how he understands
his own life. The book also talks about how his spiritual leanings have helped him develop a balance and how his irrepressible spirit fought demons of suicidal
thoughts. He says in the book, “I live from day to day now. I believe that everything will be taken care of. It gives me a sense of stability instead of me
feeling that I need to act or react to everything around me.”
However, this sense of tranquility and faith didn’t come overnight. In the book, Rahman gives a detailed account of how at one time he didn’t want to live and how 1989 was the turning point in his life when his mother sold all the gold jewellery kept aside for the marriage of his younger sisters.
Rahman says, “With
that money I bought my first Fostex 16-track mixer/recorder. In those days, film
music in Chennai was recorded on single mono track and here I had 16 tracks. All
those years of struggle, humiliation, being ordered around by other people,
seeing worry on the faces of my family, remembering the feeling of being
overwhelmed by an inferiority complex, the lack of self-esteem, and even at
times, fighting suicidal thoughts – all that seemed to fade away. Sitting in the
music studio that night, and staring at my new recorder, I felt like a king. The
new me was born and the future seemed glorious.” Nasreen says she was shocked
when Rahman spoke of suicidal tendencies and asked him if he really meant it,
and he told her, “It felt so hopeless and I often wondered how I was going to
get out of all that.”
It took several meetings and interactions on Skype over a period of three years before the book was compete. The biography also talks about Rahman’s mentor Mani Ratnam, how he met wife Saira, and going through a depressing phase, as he was disturbed by 9/11, and the Iraq war. Rahman reveals this is when he met his spiritual teacher who also wrote the song Khwaja mere khwaja...(Jodhaa Akbar) under a pen name, Kashif.
“My teacher made me think in my small and humble way, that I could be a
bridge between the two divided worlds,” says Rahman. When asked if he still
suffers from self-doubt, despite all the fame, Rahman says in the book, “I have
tried to develop a balance over the years. Whether people praise my work or rip
it apart, I trust the possibility that a few months later they may like it.”
Things you may not know about Rahman
* At age five, he was a loner and stayed at home most of the time. He would
lock himself into a room and play the harmonium for hours.
* His father R K
Shekhar was a composer, arranger and conductor and worked in over a hundred
Malayalam films.
* His paternal grandfather was a bhajan singer in a temple
in Mylapore, South Chennai.
* He met Saira, his wife on his 28th birthday.
His mother and sister Fathima saw her at the shrine of Sufi saint Moti Baba in
Chennai.
* Rahman hopes to release an album with all his family members who
are into music.
* When alone, he likes to go for walks in The Regent’s Park,
London. In India, he spends his alone time in a 5x7 meditation room at his music
studio.
* Whenever he dreams of home, he sees his old house at Habibullah
Road where he spent 20 years. The house had a leaking roof.
* Him being
called the Mozart of Madras isn’t his favourite label and says, “Poor Mozart
should be left alone.”
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/Rahman...e1-678929.aspx
Didn't this happen long back? I remember reading this 3-4 years ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by directhit
Looks like Indiaglitz reporter read an old magazine this time..
yup old news :oops: about 6-7 months back... http://www.rahmanism.com/2010/08/sac...m-shakthi.html
Mani gave my career a boost: Rahman
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images...94212HiRes.JPG
AR Rahman’s mentor Mani Ratnam whom he fondly calls “Mani sir” will launch the music maestro’s first-ever official biography, written by Nasreen Munni Kabir, on April 6 in Mumbai, along with some high profile actors and directors. A source informs Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan and filmmaker Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra are some of the people likely to grace the occasion.
Nasreen reveals that in her book Rahman talks about working with Mani’s cousin Sharada and her husband Trilok on an ad and eventually meeting Mani through them. The director-composer duo went on to first work together in Roja (1992) and continue to work together even after their 20-year-long association. Rahman says, “I felt a kind of vacuum when the production of Roja ended and told Mani Ratnam, ‘I am not going to work on another movie or another director. Working with you has been so satisfying.’”
Rahman also says Mani prodded him to not limit his music to his films or him. “It should be for the whole world,” director had told him.
Nasreen says the success of Roja helped him gradually overcome doubts over his abilities. Mani Ratnam believed in him from day one and gave his ego and talent a huge boost till Rahman started believing that he could do something. Rahman also credits Roja’s success for giving him “a kind of status”.
Time Magazine listed his music for Roja among the ten best soundtracks of all time in 2005. He says, “People started to respect and take me seriously.”
However, Rahman disagrees when asked if he gives his best compositions to Mani. He says, “I don’t need to impress Mani sir with grand ensembles and elaborate arrangements. Sometimes, he likes simplest melody. He doesn’t think twice about experimenting. That’s a great quality.”
Published by Om Books International, AR Rahman The Spirit of Music offers foliomusic of The Bombay Theme and Cry of the Rose by Rahman and a CD containing unreleased sound recordings.
Shankar's Nanban is going to be released in October. So it's just a quickie. Especially for Shankar who usually takes 2 years to complete a movie. So it's understandable that they chose HJ as the music composer.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arrahmanfans/5580975655/
Rahman got Rs 5.4 crore for 'dud' song: Report
http://expressbuzz.com/nation/rahman...rt/261452.html
'Rahman is a genius’
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Rahman...e1-679825.aspx
intha news ingga romba avasiyama??!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by baba88
3I does not have gr8 scope for music. So it looks better with HJ.Quote:
Originally Posted by baba88
baba88,sandaikku vara poraru bro!avaru HJ bakhtar!Quote:
Originally Posted by ajaybaskar
Well I am a die hard ARR fan. But I also listen to good music by other MDs. I just wanted share this news because many people are still wondering why Shankar didn't choose ARR for this project. That's it
Chef arrested for trespassing into A R Rahman's studio
CHENNAI: Chennai city police on Friday night arrested a 30-year-old chef on charges of trespassing into music maestro A R Rahman's studio in Kodambakkam.
Afrose Rasel Khan (30), a native of Loria Bazaar in Bediya district of Bihar went to Rahman's studio on Fifth Street, Dr Subbarayan Nagar, Kodambakkam at 11.30pm on Friday, police said.
He knocked on the door and told the security guards that he wanted to meet Rahman immediately. The guards alerted Rahman's assistant H Faizuddin. Khan claimed he was the the original composer of the 'Jai Ho' song which won Rahman the Oscar award.
Police said Khan threatened to burn Faizuddin alive if he was not allowed to meet Rahman. Faizuddin said he was being threatened by the man for the last three days. He called the police who came and took Khan into custody. He was slapped with charges of verbal abuse, criminal intimidation and trespassing.
Police said Khan was employed as a chef in a private catering agency in Mahim, Mumbai. Khan was remanded in judicial custody after being produced before a magistrate court in Chennai.
நள்ளிரவில் ரஹ்மான் வீட்டுக்குள் புகுந்த பீஹார் இளைஞர் கைது
சர்வதேச புகழ் பெற்ற தமிழ் இசையமைப்பாளர் ஏ ஆர் ரஹ்மான் வீட்டில் புகுந்த இளைஞரை மடக்கிப் பிடித்தனர் போலீசார்.
ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் வீடு சென்னை அசோக் நகரில் உள்ளது. நேற்று இரவு 11 மணியளவில் இவரது வீட்டுக்குள் மர்ம இளைஞர் ஒருவர் உள்ளே நுழைந்தார். இதனால் வீட் டில் இருந்தவர்கள் அதிர்ச்சியடைந்தனர்.
இது குறித்து உடனடியாக போலீசுக்கு தகவல் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டது. அசோக் நகர் போலீசார் விரைந்து சென்று அந்த இளைஞரை மடக்கி பிடித்தனர். பின்னர் அவரை போலீஸ் நிலையத்துக்கு கொண்டு வந்து விசாரணை நடத்தினர். அவரது பெயர் ரஜுத் கான்.
பீகாரை சேர்ந்தவர். போலீஸ் விசாரணையில் ரஜுத்கான், 'நான் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மானின் தீவிர ரசிகர். அவரிடம் இசையை கற்றுக்கொள்ள விரும்பினேன். இதனால் அவரது வீட்டுக்கு வாய்ப்பு கேட்பதற்காக சென்றேன்,' என்று கூறியுள்ளார். இந்த இளைஞர் மும்பையில் ஒரு நிறுவனத்தில் சமையல் கலைஞராக உள்ளாராம்.
இது தொடர்பாக போலீசார் அவரிடம் தொடர்ந்து விசாரணை நடத்தி வருகிறார்.
In Conversation with A.R.Rahman
http://www.backgroundscore.com/2011/...-arrahman.html
Book Review: A R Rahman-The Spirit Of Music
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broa...-Of-Music.html
Launch Of 'AR Rahman - The Spirit of Music' Book
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/t...nts/26400.html
mani sir,rgv and arr
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/t...11/960144.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/e...ow/7898446.cms
Don't you feel too young for a biography?
No. I started working from the age of 11 and that's a long time back. The book explores the spirit of music, which is my being and I love to talk about it.
Considering your hectic schedule, how long did it take to complete the book?
Guess Munni got down to writing, like she says, about four years ago. But I don't keep an account of time. But yes, I had to give her a deadline. And only deadline makes you stop procrastinating.
Any special part in the book?
Everything related to my life is special to me. But yes, the most memorable part in my life was 1989, a turning point in life. I finally got my own studio, but the only problem was that it was empty. There was no equipment in it. I would be sad and often go and sit there wondering how I would fill it up. I needed Rs. 4 lakhs which is equivalent to Rs. 4 crore today. My mother came to my rescue. She sold of all the gold jewellery that she'd kept for my sisters wedding. And with that money I bought my first Fostex 16-track mixer/recorder. Life changed for me.
You returned that money?
Of course! So much more than that...
You have also ventured into the Hollywood market. How comfortable you are there?
I am comfortable in both the environment. When I was scoring `Couples Retreat' there, it was little difficult as I was trying to coordinate from India with the production team in LA. But now I have a home there, thank God! I have met some wonderful people in the West. And I am glad that I have experienced the best of both the worlds.
How do you deal with the pressures considering your hectic schedules?
I visit a Sufi dargaah, located near Mahabalipuram which is next to the sea. I derive my sanity from there. Just stepping inside is therapeutic for me. It removes all my stress.
Anything specific you indulge in other music?
Music is the only passion I shamelessly indulge in. However, for recreation I enjoy watching movies. ' Wizard of Oz ' was the first film I ever saw, followed by the ` Bond ' movies. I also watch a lot of World cinema through DVDs mostly brought by one of my best friend who's now based in Toronto. I also like catching up with my old friends, walking all by myself and being with the family.
You are also starting a film company?
Yes. And my vision through the production house is to provide a platform for new ideas and change the perception of music implementations in films in such a way that it can bring back the old charm. Beautiful film music can be made relevant to any period. I am keen that we produce family entertainment that enriches our lives. I am also hoping that my vision will change the status of musicians in India. A musician is a professional, whether he or she is successful or not. The profession itself must be regarded as a stable job.
Mani Ratnam: Rahman had everything in him
April 8, 2011 07:30:08 PM IST
Pankaj Sabnani, Glamsham Editorial
Filmmaker Mani Ratman did the honours of launching A R Rahman's biography, 'A R Rahman The Spirit of Music'.
Recollecting the early days when he had met Rahman, Mani said, "Rahman had everything in him- the desire, the passion, the need for perfection and the resolve of not giving up. As much a fan I am of his music I am a larger admirer of him as a human being. That has not changed one bit."
view MANI RATNAM UNVEILS A. R. RAHMANS BOOK picture gallery
Rahman said at the lauch, "Everybody comes to a halt in live sometimes, like there's a wall and you feel that the whole world has ended. But in those cases, the wall moves. Don't end yourself at that time. There's a solution to everything if you look for it."
When asked about where he gets his thoughts, Rahman said, "When you are a creative person, there are different things which inspire. Mostly, I've worked with great teams. So all thoughts come from collaboration."
Nasreen Munni Kabir, who has written the book, revealed, "The process of writing the book started eight years back, but the film really came about together in the last six weeks."
The book launch was attended by Ram Gopal Varma, Ashutosh Gowariker, Imtiaz Ali, Anthony D'Souza, Subhash Ghai and other prominent people in A R Rahman's
Everything related to my life is special to me--A. R. Rahman
http://www.totalfilmy.com/feature/20...man-32759.html
Rahman was ready for criticism
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Rahman...e1-682680.aspx
‘Jai ho’ row gets chef boiling with anger
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...017&sec=nation
Cheerful ARR in Singapore :)
http://www.facebook.com/video/video....23056&comments
A.R. Rahman Launches His Biography
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAp4w...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwg2kV5ImSc
Rajeev Masand interview with AR Rahman (Part 1 of 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMGEuZ1zqXk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDBvJDgTBVg
Edited becoz file needs to be changed...
A R Rahman on Nasreen Munni Kabir’s biography ‘AR Rahman – The Spirit of Music’
April 13, 2011 (Calcutta Tube / IBNS):Ace musician AR Rahman has added one more feather to his hat, with filmmaker Mani Ratnam unveiling UK-based author Nasreen Munni Kabir’s biography on the music maestro titled AR Rahman – The Spirit of Music. The Oscar-winning composer in conversation with Sreya Basu. Read the interview at Calcutta Tube.
What made you interested in getting your biography?
In 2004, I met my teacher, who said I don’t read. But then, there’s something called knowledge heart-to-heart, which I believe in, for which I did this (biography). (Smiles). The book is a process of my life. I thought it’s the right time to see certain things which might inspire other people when they know about the path I went along, the odds I faced and overcoming of them. I had a good writer Munni (Nasreen) who has made the book readable for people.
How authentic is Nasreen’s biographic work- AR Rahman – The Spirit of Music?
The book is a combination of different meetings, video conferences. Most of the editing work happened a couple of months back. By the time, I would finish my work, it would be morning for her (Nasreen Munni Kabir). We would go for three-four hours transcribing. She would keep sharing photographs and other documents and ask if they are okay. That’s how we went about. But one thing, she was clear that she wanted me to check if all is okay. So, that’s why I can safely say that this book is more authorized one.
How much did you enjoy working on your biography (at times they turn very tiresome)?
I relived all the moments that was not possible otherwise. One of the biggest moments that I relived was the construction of my studio. I didn’t have money to buy any equipment. There was an AC (air conditioner), a carpet in the new-smelling studio…but no equipment. A couple of weeks later, my mom saw me sitting in that empty studio and she asked: ‘What do you want?’ I said I want to buy equipment that will cost Rs 4 lakhs, which was like Rs 400 crores at that time. And my mother immediately sold some of my sister’s jewellery and bought me the equipment to set up my studio. That was a huge, historic moment for me. Thanks to Nasreen that I could revisit the moment.
What is that one thing that has inspired you the most in life?
When you are a creative person, I think there are different things which inspire, it could be the lyrics, the script or the great persons’ team you are working with.
What took you so long to come up with your biography? Is it your reserved nature?
I am shy. Being shy is different from being reserved. Sometimes you want to hold your thoughts. Never reveal anything before it’s complete within yourself. So there are lots of things in process within me. And I want to let the process continue within me before I reveal it. It is very easy saying that ‘I will do this, I will do that’, but it has to be complete when it comes out.
What is the one thing that you want people to know about you through the book?
I dedicate the book to anybody who is suffering and wants to come up the situation. The whole idea is redemption; if I can, anybody can come out of darkness.
The idea of life is…there’s a wall and if you give up, that brings you to a dead end. If I would have given up hope, I would have missed all that are happening in my life now. Through the book, I want people to know that something extraordinary exists beyond the wall. So don’t do anything foolish like committing suicide. If I would have done that (suicide), then would have lost everything…may be, some people would have been saved from (my) bad music. (Smiles)
He doesn't realize how many lives he has brighten with his music. To quote Shantanu Moitra "Rahman’s music calmed me the way I’m sure it had done to millions of listeners over the years."Quote:
Originally Posted by ajaybaskar
Singer Chitra, who is in Dubai for an ARR-themed concert has tragically lost her only daughter Nandana aged 8. The little one apparently fell into the swimming pool of the villa that the family was staying at.
May The Almighty give Chitra and her family the strength and resolve to bear this irreparable loss!
yeah...
Chithra, We love you.
Please hang in there, before you know it, you will endure the situation & find ways to honour your kid's memories.
vinatha.
after days of waiting, wife just called and told that the courier has just arrived. waiting for office hours to get over, get home, and read the book!Quote:
Originally Posted by A.ANAND
Jinju,
A quick review pls :)
Magic of Ramu, Rangeela and Rahman to roll all over again!
http://spicezee.zeenews.com/articles/story85960.htm
ARR's music has a global touch - AKON
http://articles.timesofindia.indiati...onvict-hip-hop
Jamming with AR
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Jammin...e1-686351.aspx