The interview which appears below, was originally published on Outlook in June 2002. ©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.
How has it been to work on Bombay Dreams?
It’s been exciting. It’s been quite a change doing the music for songs in English. I’ve done music for commercials in English but this is the first time I have done whole songs. I think it’s not bad.
Was working in London a culture shock?
London is not a bad place (to be discovered by the West). It’s just eight hours from Bombay, six hours from New York, 10 hours from Chennai and one hour from Paris. I haven’t counted the time to Hollywood, but I have some offers there.
But don’t you think the East is East and the West is West and the twain will never meet?
I want Indian singers to go global. And go for the Grammy awards. Why not? We have fantastic singers but we need a new attitude that can bridge the gap between the east and west. Sometimes what is very good for us might not be welcomed outside, and so we need to do something about that.
But your first priority must be Bollywood, right?
Well, until Lagaan, there was no hope in Bombay films after Hum Aapke Hain Koun. People had thought that only those wedding films would click. I will tell you another thing: Aamir Khan might well have been starring in Bombay Dreams had he not been so busy with Lagaan. Also, singing-wise it was a bit difficult for Aamir. If it lasts, the musical will look to re-cast in about a year. Then, who knows.
Can you take Bombay Dreams to India?
India will need the right theatre to start with, and the proper technicians. But Bombay Dreams will be a big boost to the confidence of people in Indian theatre. Webber says the only place you could do it is the Opera in Bombay, but the theatre is too small. If it does very well here, and if it works well in America, then of course it would be lovely to take it to India. We are watching all this very closely.
