| MUMBAI:
He’s sold hundreds of millions of albums and was recently named as one of
the world’s most influential people by Time Magazine: A R Rahman has risen
to global prominence with his work on Slumdog Millionaire, which saw him become
the first Indian to win two Academy Awards. The soundtrack also spawned the worldwide
hit “Jai Ho”, which was covered by The Pussycat Dolls. This
week, Talk Asia travels to Rahman’s home in Chennai, where the media-shy
composer sits down for an expansive interview with CNN’s Anjali Rao. He also
opens the doors to his recording studio, revealing the composing process which
has lead to a glittering music career. Finally, Rahman takes Talk Asia on a tour
of his new conservatory, where he hopes to create India’s first philharmonic
orchestra. The
star composer discusses his inspiration in writing the music for 'Slumdog,' discusses
criticism of the film in India and shares the experience of giving an Oscar acceptance
speech. He also introduces viewers to his two latest and most prized possessions
- his Oscar statuettes. Rahman
explains how his accolades are also recognition for India. He says, “I got
very emotional when saying this is for India, when you guys truly deserve it because
there are so many different film industries in India so many different markets,
Hindi film industry, Tamil film industry, Malayalam, then Bengali, so in a way
I think it culminates all their aspirations and so it’s here. He
is critical, however, of the use of “Jai Ho” in India’s election
campaigning. “I was like in the bed, I was dehydrated, exhausted, and then
all these things happened, somebody told me these people are using it. I hate
politics I just want people to serve the people. I want governments, whichever
government comes in to be unbiased and say there should be justice in the country
and that’s my purpose in life.” Rahman
also discusses his early years of writing radio jingles, before he shot to stardom
with the film “Roja”, which revolutionized film soundtracks. He has
since collaborated with music superstars like Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue
and shares the experiences. Anjali
Rao presses him on his next project, post-Oscars. “I have a couple of offers
from Hollywood. Pure American movies which I thought for the heck of it let’s
do it and a couple of other surprises that you’ll know very soon if it works
out. Big surprises I think.” Video
of the interview will be available online at www.cnn.com/talkasia after the first
airing. | 