The interview which appears below, was originally published on Tamil magazine Kumudham in July 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.
You have raised Indian music to International heights. Tell us how Bombay Dreams came about.
Everything started with Shekhar Kapur. Shekhar had given the CD of “Dil Se..” to Andrew Lloyd Webber and on hearing the song Webber wanted to meet me. I was completely surprised when I heard that Webber was interested in meeting me. We wanted to do an interesting project together. Shekhar came up with the idea of Bombay Dreams. When the idea of Bombay Dreams was fully developed I started working on the tunes. These were the best days of the project for me. Lots of magazines kept calling Bombay Dreams a “movie”. It is a drama. Meera Syal had written the script for it.
What was the reaction of critics world-over for this drama?
There were different types of reception for the idea. First of all, coming and working here in a musical involves breaking a lot of barriers. The culture is different here. It will take some time for them to understand our culture and music. I should stress that the music I made for the drama is not completely western. It is a mix of our music and theirs. I am happy that this musical has received a good opening. Also, it is really satisfying to learn that it has been sold out for the next two months.
What is the future of Bombay Dreams?
Disney’s Miramax is interested in taking the show to New York. Hopefully, the show will open in New York next year. The work on this is already underway.
What about Tamil films, you seem to have relaxed a little bit about them.
One can’t do all things at all times. I can’t accept all the offers that come my way. I like working with people who take their work seriously and work hard on their films. I am involved in only those kinds of projects and people.
Baba music has raised expectations. Can you tell us something about that?
Baba songs have really turned out well. The songs are different from the songs like “Vetri kodi kattu” and “En peru padayappa”. There are some soft and light melodious songs. But the Rajini fans need not be worried about this, all songs have been made to match the situation of the film. The songs will seem apt for the film.
Tell us how you worked with Rajini for this film.
Rajini is extremely talented. He has worked very hard on this film. He explained the situation to me and I gave him two or three tunes for each of the situations. He picked out the ones that would suit the movie and the situation. He knows what his fans will like. I am very satisfied with the music of the film. We have completed all the songs for the film. It will be released on July 15th.
How did you work on Baba from London?
It is quite interesting. There is a time difference between London and Chennai. We had to adjust ourselves accordingly. I used to instruct my assistants in the studio in Chennai. They would work on the score and will send the track to me over the internet. I would correct the track in London and send it back to them. Somehow all this worked.
Were there any rifts between Vairamuthu and you?
Vairamuthu has written three songs for Baba. Vaali has written the remaining two. I was trying to tell the tunes over the telephone to them. Vairamuthu did not like this method of creating a song. He found it difficult. I think he might have lost the patience to work with me in the future. I agree that Vairamuthu has done a lot for the industry, but he expects me to be with him all the time. Also, he feels that I should not work with anyone else other than him. This is too difficult for me.
What about Shankar’s “Boys”?
Boys songs are turning out really well. Shankar always wants to do something new in all his films. I like working with him. I have tried a lot of new things for this film as well. I have used several new voices and new styles in this song. You be the judge after listening to it!
What do you think about your sister becoming a music director?
She has all my blessings and well wishes. She will do extremely well.
How do you mix music and spirituality?
Everything works with his will. I try to work under his command. I think music comes from some divine source. Every time I sit to make music I feel like I take orders from him. After music, I will follow a spiritual path. I will try to go on that path before everything ends.
Success and failures are both burdens. How to handle these two?
Both are equally good. I think both are required in one’s life. I had a couple of failed movies in Telugu. I think that failure also decided the direction of my career. If they had clicked I would have gone in a different direction into Telugu films. The failures happened for a reason and I am where I am now. I am happy with all outcomes.
There is no control over what fate has in store for me. Today I am in London, tomorrow? Who knows what is in store for me? Sometimes failures comes because the music might be ahead of its time. For example when “Thiruda Thiruda” came out the movie and its music were not received well. But now people tell me that the music in this film is one of my best. Everything happens for a reason and always turns out to be good.
What was the reception in America for Lagaan for which you worked?
Lagaan has been welcomed all over the world. It has increased the horizons of our film industry. We have reached international markets. This is the time we have to be careful because all eyes are on us. I am also trying to create music keeping this in mind. There is a wider audience now and great scrutiny of our work.
What do you think about the nomination of Kalaam for the Presidency?
That makes us all proud. A scientist receiving such a great honor makes us all happy. Science and Technology in India will definitely get a boost from this.
Do you feel you are constrained by being born in India? Have any other thoughts about being in other countries crossed your mind?
No. I feel great pride in being an Indian and being in India. “Ma Tujhe Salaam!”
