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A R Rahman was conferred the Life Time Achievement award by Rotary Club of Madras for his contribution to Indian music. Man of simplicity and nobility, Rahman said, ‘ I still have a long way to go’.

The man who carved a niche for himself coming out with back to back hits ever since he was introduced in Mani Ratnam’s Roja was at his usual best. ‘If you can start playing the piano at four, you can accept a Lifetime Achievement Award at 40,’ said Indra Subramanyam, President, Rotary Club of Madras, summing the musical lifespan of the genius, thus far.

A God-fearing individual, Rahman said, ‘ Whenever I’m confident about something, I know I am wrong. It is when I’m insecure that I produce something special.’ Rahman said he listens to music from different genres, from The Carpenters to M S Vishwanathan and compositions of Kannadasan and Naushad.

The music genius added that he did a lot of research for ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and didn’t use any of it in the end.

The award bestowed upon A.R. Rahman is one among the three special recognitions of IIFA, the other two being ‘Outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema’ and ‘Achievment in Indian Cinema’. The other two have been won by eminent director Shyam Benegal and Mumtaz respectively.

Shyam Benegal is considered as one of the best filmmakers of India. He marked his debut with Ankur, the impact of which can be felt even today. Shyam Benegal has a very simple but unique style. At the moment, the director is busy storyboarding for his film on Buddha. He is also working on a comedy subject which has received a lot of attention and is on the verge of completion. It is about a postman of a small village full of illiterate people, who becomes the confidant of everyone by reading them their letters.