The article which appears below, was originally published on Melodious Life Blog in February 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.
If you pick up any newspaper or see the web or watch the news, chances are that you will find an interview of A.R. Rahman. He is all over the place after his Oscar achievement and very deservedly so! I have been seeing videos of his arrival back to India and his press conferences and what strikes me is that apart from being a path-breaking musician, Rahman is handling the Oscar accolades in the most amazing manner. Here is what makes me adore him:
His Divine Connection
If you saw the Academy Award and Oscar award speeches of Rahman, you would see that Rahman thanks and praises God, conveying his gratitude to the Almighty! As Baradwaj Rangan said, it’s not just a superficial expression from Rahman but it’s a connection he has tuned into ever since his Roja days when he was establishing himself as a composer. His adversities during his younger days made him turn toward God and from that time, there was no looking back for this genius! He is a strong believer in the power of prayer and it has worked miracles for him indeed!
His Patriotism
Though Rahman acknowledges his accomplishment, he quickly points out that this is a collective Indian victory. He says he is more happy because this is the first Oscar for an Indian work and the whole country was waiting for this with bated breath and hence he wanted to get it. He says now, all Indian artists will be looked upon with more respect as we have shown what we are capable of.
His Remarkable Humility
I call it remarkable because Rahman has handled this with such maturity and selflessness that he attributes his success to others like his mother, his Indian musicians etc. He lovingly in a child-like manner acknowledges the role these people have played in his success.
His Respect for his Peers
I have always seen Rahman praising his fellow composers generously. In an interview after his return, he said (answering a question), even Ilaiyaraja sir can definitely get an Oscar easily if the music is promoted well as it was done by Fox Pictures for Slumdog Millionaire. He also said, Raja sir’s music is of an international standard from the earlier days as Raja sir has composed symphonies.
His Equanimity and Patience
Rahman has kept his feet firmly on the ground as he has not been swayed by his euphoric success. Also, I do not know how many interviews he has been giving after his arrival—I pity him, as he must be a tired man. But he has patiently answered the sometimes repetitive questions asked of him.
His Social Interests
Rahman is a UN ambassador for the campaign fighting against poverty and he has associated himself with many social causes. Just read his thoughts here while answering this question—Are you surprised by what all you have achieved? When you look back as a nine-year-old child, and look at what you have done today? A R Rahman: Well, I have not achieved anything. I have not ended poverty level. I have not stopped wars happening. These are achievement. And in my opinion, I am just a very small musician who has got an award that is it.
His Service to Music
Last but not the least, Rahman has done what no other music director has done for the cause of music—starting a music school, the K.M Music Conservatory. His objective for starting this school is to make Indian musicians have a global orchestra of their own. This is such an innovative idea and Rahman is spending a lot of time, money and energy towards realizing this noble musical mission.
