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The article which appears below, was originally published on Deccan Chronicle 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. Feb. 23: The day dawned with Jai Ho on the lips of several Chennaiites as the "Mozart of Madras" flew out for his concert of a lifetime. The streets of Chennai and the world filled with euphoric celebrations as early as six in the morning to witness history being made across the seven seas. Fans who had assembled at the KM Studio and Prasad Lab complex could not wait to see the Mozart of Madras win the coveted Oscar for Best Original Score and Best Original Song 'Jai Ho' at the 81st Academy Awards taking place in Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Rahman, who has obviously put a lot of thought into the celebrations surrounding the film that made Jai Ho a household name in the state, made special reference to the huge numbers of well-wishers on the road. "They had a huge horn blowing in the middle of the night on a Chennai road accompanied by drum beats, with children living in the vicinity who were quite playful," he recalled. Later talking to the media, Parthiban said "I can't find words to express my feelings. This is such a proud moment for the nation as one individual has put us on the world map and being launch to our success." A billion Indians will remember this day. K.M. Studio The chairman of KMH, the maestro's recording studio, Rahman won his second Oscar becoming the master for the East and West. After filming, AR's school began dancing in jubilation on seeing the results. Many of the KM Studio and the high priests of those present on the occasion were simply thunderstruck. Film actor Parthiban, an ardent fan of ARR, was dancing with joy as renowned engineer Siva had arranged for a large screen theater to watch the event live. A large gathering had watched the maestro collect the coveted award for 'Slumdog Millionaire'. The large number of A.R. Rahman fans present at the theater were seen weeping with emotion for Isai Puyal's greatest moment of all - becoming the first Asian musician to have been announced as winner for best score in the visual medium. They embraced and congratulated each other as if it was an award for India itself, and the occasion was no less than India winning the Cricket World Cup. Rehana's House A huge number of Rahman fans had gathered at his sister Rehana's house to share their happiness. Rehana glowed with pride as she hosted all and served tea for everyone. "We stayed in the house all day watching the Oscars," she said. "We were all happy dancing in a trance for more than 10 minutes when the awards were announced to Rahman. Speaking of those joyous moments, it was the most emotional moment for me. It is party time and I am taking the celebrations to later in the evening." Ameer's Office Award winning director Ameer had enthusiastically cancelled the shooting of his upcoming film Yogi for the month of February. Radio stations across the city played Rahman's music constantly, with All India Radio, Suryan FM, Radio Association, FM Rainbow, Chennai Live, Radio One, Radio Mirchi, 92.7 Big FM and Hello FM all joining in the celebrations. A grand function is planned to take place in Chennai next week to honor the maestro's achievement. Friends and family members of A.R. Rahman show the victory sign on his winning two Oscars for the film Slumdog Millionaire on Monday. A.R. Rahman's sister Rehana said she had been watching ARR Yogi, another film for which Rahman had composed all scores, which has been a dream come true for all after a long time in the making. On Monday morning, special screens in all star hotels were arranged for screening of the Award ceremony. About 20 minutes discussion time was allotted. Subaskaran who owns a chain of vision right itself to watch the programme. "Being a global phenomenon, A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty won their dream honours." City students wore masks of Rahman and celebrate his twin victory in Oscar. "When you have written the sound of love, the music would go on." R. Balkhandar, co-producer, Roja"I've been a fan of Rahman ever since the song Jai Ho (meaning 'let there be victory'). I listened to it again and again. Speaking to Mani Ratnam, I said 'take my word! These people will become a universal note today. He's not just a composer, today I am sending a letter of appreciation to Rahman and also meeting him when he returns to Chennai." Rajiv Menon, director of Minsara Kanavu which won Rahman the National Award for best music director"It's amazing and I am extremely delighted and I am going to watch Jai Ho. For Mani's amazing film I am just waiting for the day Rahman lands in Chennai. Till then my plans are confidential." Kamal Haasan, Actor"Oscars are normally given to movies made in the West. It's a real joy for me as A.R. Rahman has also worked in Tamil cinema and won these prestigious awards. Normally people look up to me as a prospect for Oscar and I feel honoured. As for Rahman commencing his speech in Tamil, it is welcome." Naresh Iyer, Playback singer"I was ecstatic when I saw him with the two Oscars; this is the perfect reward for him. It has been an honour for me to have worked with him." Benny, Playback singer"I can't express how happy I am seeing Rahman with the Oscars. It has been a dream ride for him and all music lovers in India. For me he deserves all this adulation and more." Mahalakshmi Iyer, singer"Slumdog is now synonymous with its best works in Indian music, musicians and singers have enjoyed and I enjoyed his Roja, Thiruda, Bombay and Delhi 6." Sivamaní, percussionist"He has created great albums to his credit and will have many in future too. He has not won the award just for Slumdog, he won it for all the songs." Mani Ratnam, Filmmaker"I am proud of the music maestro because he has been recognized internationally after the double Oscar win. He is special. That's all. It doesn't matter what's the topic. All that matters is that his work has been recognized internationally. We all should be proud of this achievement. Every step of time, every victory is good. Hopefully a second film, hopefully very soon, an Indian film will make it to the Oscars." Scan of a news article from Deccan Chronicle, dated February 2009. Archive credits: Gopal Srinivasan

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