VISITOR COLUMN

ARR music makes my day, I get engrossed in his melodious numbers like mantras for the morning breakfast, his high beats energises me for lunch and his romantic numbers makes a peaceful dinner and this 3 course meal continues every day. From Chhaiyya Chhaiyya, Arabic Kadaloram and Mukkabula to Mersalaiyitten and Ladio ladio every peppy song makes me shake a leg for his pulsating tunes. Kannodu Kanbathellam, Mettu podu, Anbendra Mazhaiyile, Nadhiye Nadhiye, Margazhi Thingal, Aaromale and Azhagana Ratchashiyae is my adored classical list for my morning walk. Mannipaya, Kadhal Rojave, Munbe Vaa, Ena solla pogirai, Poongatrilae, Snegithane and En veetu thotathil gives a romantic end to my day and these masterpieces of ARR travels through my veins with several emotions running up and down.

Rahmaniac....

I still remember the day when I tried singing Humma humma with a mouthful of popcorn which my father still imitates with a loud laugh. That was the day my first encounter happened with ARR. Bombay was the first movie I watched as a child. I knew music only through this icon and listing my favourites is always difficult like any AR Rahman fan. His perfection and commitment to excellence is certainly witnessed through his moving compositions.

The brand name AR Rahman has reached nook and corner of this world and directors queue up for this label. AR Rahman was the first of his kind to change the trend of people thronging the theatres for his contagious numbers.

AR Rahman, back then...

Born as AS Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1967 in Chennai, he started his musical training under Master Dhanraj after his father’s death. Later he began playing in the orchestra of Malayalam composer MK Arjunan and his work progressed with assorted icons like M S Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, Ramesh Naidu and Raj-koti. 

Allah Rakha Rahman (ARR) started his journey with Roja in 1992 which became a massive hit and then followed his notable albums like Gentleman, Kizhakku Cheemaiyile, Thiruda Thiruda in 1993 and Kadhalan in 1994. His compositions swept the hearts of many with his monumental music numbers.  

Accolades follow him...

Music Maestro ARR has been awarded with four National Film Awards, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a golden globe and twenty eight Filmfare Awards. Rahman received a Kalaimamani in 1995 from the Government of Tamil Nadu for his excellence in the field of music. He earned honorary awards like Padma Shri in 2000 and Padma Bhushan in 2010 from the government of India. Recently ARR was awarded an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music on October 24^th 2014 during a concert and no wonder ARR and awards go hand in hand.

Ella Pugalum Iraivanukke...

Proud moment of any Indian would be our ‘Isai puyal’ receiving 2 Academy awards for Slumdog Millionaire for his brilliant composition. The words uttered by him on the stage still rings a bell and inspires me always-“All my life I had a choice of hate and love and I chose love and I am here, God bless”. Rahman has never been carried away by his success; He is still humble, simple and his work shows his success stories.

AR Rahman and 2014

‘Mozart of Madras’ has never limited himself with a single genre, he has touched all styles including classical, western classical, Hindustani and qawwali. AR Rahman spiced up 2014 with his astounding scores for Million Dollar Arm, The Hundred- Foot Journey and Highway whereas Tamil movies like Kaaviya Thalaivan, Lingaa, I and Kochadaiyaan topped the music charts for its outstanding music numbers.

The man who redefined world music is sure an idol for millions all over the world and to end up with, my 3 course meal is all set to enlarge in 2015 with his mesmerizing music and here’s my wish, “Happy Birthday ARR”.