The article which appears below, was originally published on Manorama Online in September 2009. ©The rights to this material are reserved to the owner. If you have any concerns or comments, please send an email to info@rahmaniac.com.
One early morning in Chennai, an autorickshaw heads toward Rajendra Colony in Saligramam. The passenger? Malayalam composer Ouseppachan with his violin. The surprising driver? None other than A.R. Rahman – years before he became a global music sensation.
Why was Rahman driving an auto at dawn? The answer lies in their creative process.
Rahman preferred working through the night. He and Ouseppachan would spend hours making music in Rahman’s room in Swamiyarmadam, completely lost in their creative world. They’d only realize morning had arrived when they heard the local milkman’s bell.
Back then, Rahman owned a private autorickshaw – his humble vehicle of choice. After their all-night music sessions, he’d drive Ouseppachan to the studio himself.
Their musical friendship began in the 1980s. A teenage Rahman (then still known as Dileep Kumar) played in the orchestra for “Devadoothar Paadi,” a song from Ouseppachan’s debut film Kathodu Kathoram.
Even at just 15, Rahman showed extraordinary talent. His mixing and editing skills made songs sound better than composers had imagined possible. This special touch made the young musician highly sought after throughout the industry.
Ouseppachan can’t remember exactly when they first met, but he clearly recalls the band featuring Rahman, drummer Shivamani, guitarist John Antony, and an international musician. This group quickly gained popularity in Chennai’s music scene.
Rahman and Ouseppachan went on to collaborate on more than 25 films. Their partnership created beloved melodies for movies like Ulladakkam with the haunting “Maayatha,” Witness featuring “Poovinu” and “Thumbamellam,” and Thoovalsparsham with the beautiful “Sugandham.”
Even after Rahman’s breakthrough success with Roja made him famous across India, he continued inviting Ouseppachan to play violin on his compositions.
Their creative partnership extended beyond films. They worked together on an album called “Welcome 1990.” They composed these songs on the harmonium of Rahman’s late father, R.K. Shekhar – an instrument that Rahman now keeps as a treasured memento that no one else can access.
Here’s something most people don’t know: Ouseppachan was among the violinists who performed on the “Slumdog Millionaire” soundtrack – the film that won Rahman two Oscars. Interestingly, Rahman had composed parts of that music years before the film was even made.
From early morning auto rides to Academy Award stages, the friendship between A.R. Rahman and Ouseppachan reveals the human stories behind the melodies we love.
