Rhythm and Reason

After bagging the Oscar and the Grammys for Slumdog Millionaire,the musician experienced a low phase when Blue and Couple’s Retreat failed to appeal to the masses. But with the songs Beera and Behene De from Raavan topping charts,Rahman has established that he still holds a key to Indian audience’s heart.

At the same time,there is criticism too—of having revisited his earlier works in Raavan’s music. At the suggestion,Rahman is quick to reply,“Mani Ratnam was the boss.” The music composer adds that the vision for Raavan’s music was different two years ago. “It was a different interpretation but over two years,as the movie took its own course,so did the music. What we have now is what is right for the film,” the 44-year-old says.

One of the finer examples of success worldwide,Rahman,insists that the only change that recent accomplishments have brought about is that life has gotten busier. However,with three public appearances over three weeks—the concert at the IPL closing ceremony,the Raavan music launch and the launch of Rhymeskool — there is little doubt that Rahman is attempting to step out of his cocoon. “When you have a role to play,you might as well live up to it. I still don’t like giving interviews but I don’t mind it when I have something to talk about,” he smiles.

Rahman is all set to depart on his world tour covering 16 cities across the US and Europe from June 11. He even had to forgo two Hollywood films for this concert to work out. “I want to celebrate India through these concerts. The world will get to know what India is,” he says. Meanwhile,he recently signed a deal with American music producer Jimmy Lovine’s Interscope Records and will also be collaborating with British singer Dido and R&B star Usher. However,he leaves us to speculate about his collaborations with Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart.

Rhymeskool is Rahman’s attempt to provide the students of his music school appropriate exposure. Supervised by him,the album has 10 popular rhymes recomposed by the students and five new ones. “It is their first big step into the real world. I thank Saregama and Katrina Kaif,who is the narrator in the album.” Though he hopes to be able to provide the students more such outlets in future,Rahman is clear that he would not include any of them in his film projects. “The issue of favouritism can creep in,” he explains,“And when making music,purity of mind is very important.”