Rahmaniac's Reflections

Vellai Pookkal - Orchestral Version

2012-01-06T18:49:00.000+05:30

Was planning to do something special for ARR's birthday this year. And this idea cropped up a few weeks back - an orchestral version of Vellai Pookkal.

So, here it is - My tribute to Rahman sir on his birthday:

If this doesn't work, here's the direct soundcloud link: http://snd.sc/yRwF3F
If that doesn't work either, mail me or post a comment.

AR Rahman Quiz 02

2011-12-21T11:24:00.003+05:30

3 Months back, Harish (http://magixncurses.blogspot.com) and I conducted A.R.Rahman quiz on Twitter, to celebrate Rockstar audio launch. Harish is the brain behind most of the questions.

(you can access the previous quiz here: Part1 and Part2.)

~~Here are the questions. Post your answer in comments. Will post the answers and results on 26th Dec (Monday).~~
You can find the answers below each question. Hover over smudged/blocked text to reveal the answers. If it doesn't work, just select the text, and you'll be able to see the answers.

Q1. What’s the significance of what you see here?

A1. Haji Ali Dargah (Mumbai), Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer), Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah (Delhi) - Each of them has inspired AR to compose an evergreen qawali- Piya Haji Ali, Khwaaja Mere and Kun Faya Kun (of course it'll be evergreen!)

Q2. We've known directors to pen lyrics (Shankar, Mani Ratnam, Tyrewala). Give us an instance of a lyricist lending his voice in a Rahman song.
A2. Mehboob in Dhakka Laga Bukka (Yuva), Raqeeb Alam in Jiya Se Jiya (Connections)

Q3. Identify the singer of this song

A3. Shreya Ghoshal! That’s the female version of Aaromale. Should’ve been Aarofemale. No? Ok.

Q4. Paarthale Paravasam, Ada, _________, Blue, Jhootha Hi Sahi. Fill in the blank.
A4. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Rashid Ali is the connect.

Q5. Identify the voice in this clip

A5. Sivamani. Palakkad sriram did the jathis (bols), while the Love Check, 1,2,3,4 were in Sivamani's voice.

Q6. Connect Naan Eppodhu (Sakkarakatti), Dekho Na and Kalvare.
A6. The original versions of all of them (Yeh Rishta, Baba Kichu Tha, Khili Re) were sung by Reena Bhardwaj

Q7. Grandchild of the 1st CM of what is now Kerala, she sang jingles for AR before her career was revived in a spectacular fashion. Who?
A7. Sujatha Mohan

Q8. Listen to the 2 clips from Jhootha Hi Sahi and put fundae!

A8. Before naming it JHS, Abbas called it “1800-Love” and later “Call me dil”. AR included them all. The beeps were 1800 punched on a phone! (beep-beep-beep-beep-Love = 1-8-0-0 Love)

Q9. Two people featured here share the same birthday. One is Kamal. Who's the other?

A9. Singer Srinivas

Q10. Two BGMs fused in to this Rock piece. Identify the songs :)

A10. Pachai Kiligal (Indian) and Vennilave (Minsara Kanavu). Fresh off AM (Aravind) Studios :D
Here are the original interludes, from the songs.

Q11. Give us Indai Haza's twitter handle.
A11. @Chinmayi - Rahman gave the name “Indai Haza” to her Arabic singing alter ego :) In “Miss You Da” she’s credited with both names!

Q12. Connect: Boom Boom Robot da, Pudhiya Manidha, Maja Maja, Chikku Bukku Rayile, Eechi Elumichi.
A12: Sung by people whose parents have sung for ARR too! (Swetha->Sujatha, Khatija->ARR, Charan->SPB, GVP->Raihana, Manoj->Bharathiraja)

Q13. Identify the voice

A13. Karthik

Q14. Name a Rahman song picturised on a couple of tamil comedy artists (No, Nee Marilyn Monroe will not be counted as a valid answer!)
A14. Coimbatore Maanukutti picturised on Vadivelu and Kovai Sarala

Q15. Ahora conmigo, tu baila para hoy.. Por nuestro dia olvidas, los problemas que sean.. Salud! Baila Baila! Identify the lyricist.
A15. Tanvi Shah

Q16. a) Name the 1st song that Rahman composed and sang in English. b) Name the 1st song that Rahman composed and sang completely in English.
A16. A) Musafir (Vande Mataram) B) Pray for me brother

Q17. Identify the lead male singer in this clip

A17. Benny Dayal. It's the Tamil version - There's a clear difference in the interludes in Tamil and Hindi.

Q18. Connect Roobaroo, Rozaana, Saiyyan (Nayak), Munbe Va, Omana Penne
A18. Sung by singers who were popular music reality show contestant! (Naresh Iyer, Viva, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Benny Dayal)

Q19. Find the odd one out in this clip.

A19. Irumbile. Everything else was sung by Suzanne. She sang the hindi version of Irumbile.

Q20. Identify the voice in this clip.

A20. Conductor Srinivasa Murthy

Q21. Connect!

Hint: Focus on the names.
A21. Lakshmi Narasimha Vijaya Rajagopal Sheshadri Sharma Rajesh Raman - aka Blaaze!

Q22. Connect Aalalakanda, Semmozhi anthem, Ballelakka, Oh Maria
A22. Music composers have lent their voice in these songs.

Q23. Something strange happened in 2004 and 2006. It had never happened since 1993 and has not happened since. What?
A23. The only years since his debut when ARR did not get any Filmfare awards.
(Another interesting answer came from Bharat KV - Those are the only two years in which ARR performed Haj)

Q24. Okay, this question is a little tricky. Go through all the odd numbered questions and the answers till now, and make a note of people related to each question. Find a connection (please note: order is important)
A24. A.R.Rahman, Shreya Ghosal, Sivamani, Sujatha Mohan, Srinivas, Chinmayi, Karthik, Tanvi Shah, Benny Dayal, Suzanne D'Mello, Blaaze, A.R.Rahman. The 12 of them feature in AR Rahman Foundation Official Calendar 2011, in that same order :)

Q25. Rockstar achieved a feat that was missed by Duet, Lagaan and Swades thanks to Yesudas, ARR and Vijay Prakash respectively. What?
A25. Given the number of voices Rahman experiments with, it's very rare that the lead actor lip-syncs to the same singer. Duet missed out with Yesudas singing one, Lagaan with Rahman/Srinivas and Swades with Vijay Prakash. Rockstar has Mohit all the way!

Here are the scores:

Bharat KV - 15.5^*
Maanasaa & Envyram - 14 ^{† ‡}
Kanchna Subramaniam - 12.5 ^‡
Kranthi Chand - 10
Sandeep - 9
the hyper enthusiast - 5

Clearly, Bharat tops the quiz, followed by Maanasaa & Envyram and Kanchna.

Congrats guys!!

*Q23 - We'd asked for a "strange" occurrence. Haj can't be labelled as strange. Hence, partial points.
^†Q22. The parents of the singers are not just film personalities, but they themselves have sung for ARR. That was the connect we were looking for. Hence, partial points.
^‡ Q17 - The clip is from the tamil version and not the Hindi version and hence, Benny is the correct answer. If both Benny and Sukhwinder are mentioned in the answer, I've given just partial points.

AR Rahman Quiz 01 (Part 2)

2011-10-10T17:09:00.000+05:30

This is part two of the ARR Quiz. You can find part 1 here.

~~Pls post your answers in the comments section. I'll post the answers and the points scored, on 16th Oct 2011 (Sunday).~~
You can find the answers below each question. Hover over smudged/blocked text to reveal the answers.

Here we go:

Q 11: Which performance was this? Name of the place will do.

A11: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Q 12: Clip 3 - Identify the song from this manipulated clip.

A12: That was "Satrangi Re" (Dil Se) played in reverse

Q 13: Dream, Desire, Buddy, Sizzle, Little One - What are these?
A13: Names of the Ringtones created by Rahman for Airtel

Q 14: Who's this "Black Sheep"?

A14: Vanessa Mae. The track is Raga's Dance from her album Choreography.

Q15: Something interesting happened after Sabaq Aisa (Tehzeeb) and before Sandai Kozhi/Kabhi Neem(Aayitha Ezhuthu/Yuva). What?
A15: Sujata Bhattacharya's name changed to Madhushree. Rumour is that it was Rahman who selected the name!

Q16: What AR Rahman connect makes these two movies special: Kandukondain Kandukondain & Kadhal Virus.
A16: AR Rahman appeared on screen in both these movies.

Q17: Connect:

A17: Songs from these 3 movies made it to the Oscar longlist, but didnt get nominated.

Q18: What's common between these two songs:

A18: Star and Alli Arjuna had songs dubbed from other languages. These were only original compositions in the albums.

Q19: Which movie connects Kadhalukku Mariyadhai and Jodi.
A19: Doli saja ke rakhna. Kadhalukku Mariyadhai was remade as DSKR. All of DSKR songs were reused in Jodi.

Q20: Connect: Rehna tu (Delhi 6), Acid Darbari (127 Hours) and Phir Mile Sur.
A20: Rahman played Continuum Fingerboard in all of these.

Results

Radhakrishnan Subramanian and Aditya Nataraja top the quiz with 9 points each!

Followed by:
sandeep18march - 5
Rahmanic (Prasannavenkatesh) - 4
Abhinav - 2

Congrats!

Will post the next quiz shortly!

AR Rahman Quiz 01 (Part 1)

2011-10-02T17:02:00.004+05:30

On 5th Jan, Harish (http://magixncurses.blogspot.com) and I conducted A.R.Rahman quiz on Twitter, to celebrate AR Rahman's birthday (Jan 6).

Posting first 10 questions here for everyone to attempt. The next 10 will follow.

We conducted a tougher quiz recently to celebrate Rockstar audio launch (but we're still awaiting the CDs as I write this, thanks to T-Series and their unprofessional ways of running the business). Will post that quiz too, later.

~~Now, post your answer in comments. Will post the answers and results on 10th Oct (Monday).~~
Answers posted below each question. Hover over smudged/blocked text to reveal the answers.

Pls post ur bouquets and brickbats too in the comments. Harish and I will pick them up :)

Q 1: Clip 1: Whats special about this interlude?
A 1: It's not a flute. It was actually whistled by ARR.

Q 2: Name the first ARR song to be sung by someone from the Raja family.
A 2: Semmozhi - Yuvan

Q 3: Connect Pudhiya Manidha (Endhiran) and Na Na (Couples Retreat)
A3: ARR's kids sang in these songs. Kathija in Pudhiya Manidha and Ameen in Na Na.

Q 4: Clip 2: Name the two instrumentalists.
A 4: Raju and Kadri Gopalnath

Q 5: This was for a UN campaign. What campaign?

A 5: Stop TB campaign

Q 6: SPB : Kumar Sanu :: Chitra: ?
A 6: Alka Yagnik. Kumar Sanu has sung only one song for ARR - Mil Gayi (Kabhi Na Kabhi) which is a hindi version of Anjali Anjali (Duet)

Q 7: Connect: Bombay, Fire and Lord of War
A 7: All 3 movies featured the soulful "Bombay Theme" music.

Q 8: Apart from Sreenivas and Nithyashree, who are the other singers who have sung in Minsara Poove (Padayappa)?
A 8: Hariharan and Palghat Sriram. Apparently, 8-10 mins of Harijis aalaps was recorded for this song!

Q 9: Connect: Pettai Rap (Kadhalan), Veera (Raavanan), Noor-un-Ala (Meenaxi)
A 9: Lyrics for these songs were penned by the directors of the respective movies.

(Hint: We wanted to include songs from JTYJN and Jhootha Hi Sahi, but then we'd have had to include all songs from these albums)

Q10:

PS: Shankar mahadevan is a singer by profession is a trivial fact. We're looking for much a much more interesting answer :D
A 10: All of them have sung for ARR, but only Simbhu did not appear in the video of the song which he sang (Baila More-Kadhal Virus)

Here are the scores:

Arvind - 8
Arun KB - 7
Bhargavi Sekhar - 7
Vijayan - 6

Congrats guys! Hop on to part 2 :)

The failure named Ismail Darbar!

2011-06-01T23:33:00.005+05:30

After Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, the media called composer Ismail Darbar the next big thing in Hindi film music. And, I should say that was well deserved. The music was indeed very good. After a couple of not-so-good albums, he again came back with another good album - Devdas. After that, no-one hears of him except when he judges reality shows or when he makes ridiculous statements.

A few years back, he mentioned that he considers AR Rahman, his Guru.

"I call him (A.R.Rahman) Guru. He also respects me..." "I remember he won at two different award functions; he went on to win for Taal and Saathiya. See the humility in him... he called me through lyricist Mehboob and said that I deserved both the awards (for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas). That's why I respect him"

(from http://www.flickr.com/photos/arrahmanfans/377089831/)

But, before this interview, came this interview:
"My work has always been better than his. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was better than Taal. Even Devdas was better than Saathiya.
But it is destiny that he got international fame. Angrezo ne uska haath pakad liya hai toh logo ko lagta hai ke yeh kuch zyada hi hai (Foreigners encouraged him so people think he is very good).
I am not saying this because of jealousy. This is the bitter truth. Whenever my work is good and he takes the awards, I feel bad.
I wonder why people run after name and fame, and not good work. Kyunki hamare yahan bahut kum akal ke log hai (we have very few intelligent people here). We see some foreigners holding someone's hand, and he becomes a big man."

(from http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/mar/08minter1.htm)

Now, that we have seen what a two faced person Mr Ismail Darbar is, let's come to the latest controversy!

His recent allegations are the most ridiculous yet from him, the allegations being AR Rahman buying the Oscars, AR Rahman "stealing" credits, the entire industry being behind Rahman though they are "aware" of all this, the national awards committee flouting rules just so that they can give an award to Rahman.

If you think these are too ridiculous to be true, here's the interview published in Mid-Day.Lets look at these one by one and we'll see how non-sensical Mr Darbar's claims are!

So, he talks about Oscars being bought. What about the two Grammys? What about BAFTA and Golden Globe? And, BFCA Critic's choice and all the numerous other awards that AR got for Slumdog Millionaire? Paid money to the jury of every single of these academies? Laughable isn't it? Mr Darbar, what do you have to say?

And, Rahman stealing credits? This must be the biggest joke. Everyone in the music industry knows it was Rahman who introduced the system of crediting all musicians and harmony singers. He gives credits where due. So very often, we see harmony singers and musicians thanking Rahman for crediting them and making them known to the world! Mr Darbar, what do you have to say?

He says Saathiya pipped Devdas at the National Awards, and Saathiya was chosen despite it being a dubbed film. First of all, Saathiya was NOT a dubbed film. Second, AR never won a national award for Saathiya. Mr Darbar, what do you have to say?

What could be the reason for this sudden? There's news that he's joining politics. May be he's trying to garner some attention before his plunge into politics! Only Mr Darbar can answer!

We can say only one thing -
He seems to be suffering from some serious mental disease.
So, get well soon, Darbar!

Changing Seasons!

2011-01-22T07:55:00.004+05:30

Woohooo! My fav song from Raavanan (Naan Varuven) has a proper music video now, featuring AR Rahman and Aishwarya Rai! :)

It feels great to know that work on this video should have been in progress, while I was writing a post about that song!

Manmadhan Ambu - what went wrong!

2011-01-15T16:55:00.007+05:30

*Warning: Could contain spoilers*

As a fan of Kamal's comedy movies, I was eagerly looking forward to Manmadhan Ambu. Reviews from my friends who watched it first, were not encouraging, but press/media reviews were mostly positive.

I went to the theater with an open mind. As the movie kept unfolding, I was being drawn into it. As Ambu realizes the truth, and the movie breaks for intermission, I was so in awe of the film. I felt, after such a lovely first half, nothing could go wrong to make it bad. I was wondering how this movie could get negative reviews! I was thinking to myself that it didn’t deserve the bad reviews it got.

Post the intermission too, it was all going fine. Till the last 20 mins, where Mannar and co, start making plans to stage a “drama”. That’s where the film lost track. To me, the movie till that point and post that looked like two different films. First, a very mature story, and then, a very childish slapstick episode.

I felt cheated. Totally. It was as though the filmmakers were making a mockery of the audience, for having en the first half so seriously and building up expectations.

It is not that I hate slapstick comedies. I loved MMKR. Hell, I love Kadhala Kadhala too. And, the last 20 mins of MA kept reminding me of Kadhala Kadhala. But, while similar strategy worked in KK, it didn’t work in MA. But, why would that happen? When you watch KK, you are prepared for slapstick for, it is slapstick from start till end. You go there for slapstick, you get slapstick. You are happy.

In case of MMA, there are very few laughs in the first half (though the ads and promos project this as a full-length comedy), but I loved the few comedy sequences as none of it was not forced. It is as though, just to justify that it is a comedy movie, all the final nonsense was forced in. But, why do that? Why project it as a comedy movie?

To me, it looked like Kamal & Ravikumar co somehow weren't clear what they want to serve. After a classy first half, they probably got worried that it was not mass enough, and tried to make it slapstick! And, that's why it didn't work for me!

Naan Varuven!

2011-01-01T20:47:00.006+05:30

Ah! It's been really long since I blogged! But, I knew I wanted to come back! It was as though I was saying to myself "Naan varuven, Meendum Varuven" ("I'll be back") :D

So, before I start writing about the song which I've been listening to a LOT in the past few days, here's wishing everyone a very happy new year!

Ok, now... the song is "Naan Varuven" from Raavanan. This song wasn't there in the audio CDs that were released initially, but was included in the Raavanan collectors edition pack (which has a DVD with making of the music + a CD with 5 additional tracks, including Naan Varuven).

To me, Naan Varuven is the best song of the album. After having listened to the song a couple of times at the cinema (if you are not aware, it's the end credits song) and the unofficial rips several times, I was waiting for the official release! And, so overjoyed was I when I got the collector's edition disk, for just this one song.

What's so special about the song, you ask? The music, the lyrics and the expressive singing - all just so perfect for the situation.

Let's look at it from Veera's point of view, shall we? This song plays in the movie, just as Veera (Vikram's character) is shot, and is dying. He just got to know that Ragini (Aishwarya Rai's character) likes him. As he is dying, his life, his desires, his dilemmas, his love - everything probably flashes before his eyes.

Now, lets look at the lyrics. The song starts of with

"Naan Varuven,Meendum Varuven,
Unai Naan Thodarven, Uyiraal Thoduven".

He's just realised that his sweetheart likes him, but he doesn't want to go away, he only wishes to come back and live with her - at least in spirit (probably, as a spirit, even... who knows? :P)

Then, spring the dilemmas in his mind. He is clueless as to how everything changed so suddenly. Ragini, who didn't heed to his love all these days, has suddenly turned around. He has so many questions about his life, but doesn't have answers. Just as he begins to get some clarity, the entire game changes. He's won her heart, but he's going away from this world! He feels all his dreams are making a mockery of him and are jeering at him! Look at how elegantly, Vairamuthu has brought this out in his lyrics:

Oru pillai ezhudhum kirukkal thaan vaazhkai-ah?
Adhil artham thedi alaivadhey vetkai-ah?
Artham puriyum bodhu vaazhvu maarudhu
Vaazhvu maarum bodhu artham maarudhu.
Oru kanavu kaatril midhakkudho?
Adhu midhandhu kondu sirikkudho?

Sheer brilliance, no?

Now, lets come to the musical brilliance. This song's mood is in contrast to the film's entire score, which has a tribal flavour with heavy rhythms, to show the crudeness/roughness of the character. But, this song is so soft? Why would that be? I think, it is to show the peace and calm that engulf him, as he embraces death. He is happy knowing Ragini's feelings, but he also knows he is dying. He is not angry, but he is disappointed and confused!

And then, we have the African vocals. The African sounds were used throughout the movie to bring out the tribal feel. And, it flows into this song too, albeit in a softer form. To signify that his rough animal qualities have toned down, and love has made him softer? That's my guess!

Notice the mystic ambience that Rahman has created with his music. Right from the mellow opening piece and the unique ARR voice which bundles in so much of emotions, to the twisting flute pieces interspersed through out the song, Rahman knew what he was doing, and did it perfectly.

It was said that this song was not planned initially, and was composed and added as an afterthought. I think, nothing else could have been better to end the movie. The song adds so much emotion to the climax. When three wizards like Mani, ARR and Vairamuthu join hands, you expect extra-ordinary magic! This song is one such - a true masterpiece.

Song: Naan Varuven
Album: Raavanan (Collector's edition)

Singers: A.R.Rahman, Jali Fily Cissoko
Lyrics: Vairamuthu.

Third doctorate for ARR!

2009-03-31T23:54:00.000+05:30

After Aligarh Muslim University and Anna University, it is the turn of London based Middlesex University to confer a doctorate on ARR!

After the recent global recognition, there's no stopping him!!

Ella pugazhum iraivanukke!!

2009-02-24T23:42:00.004+05:30

Excited... Hyper... Ecstatic... Thrilled... Elated... Touched... Euphoric... Moved...

How else will I be, when the man picked up not one, but two Oscars! And, accepted the awards calmly... with so much composure.... and what a thank you speech, he gave!!!
And, no post about AR Rahman's Oscar wins would be complete without a mention of his words in Tamil in the global stage - "Ella Pugazhum Iraivanukkae"!

When the whole world is celebrating the genius of the man, some in India have already started questioning if AR deserved it! Such is the mentality here.

For all those who're skeptical - Did you not watch the movie and listen to the score at all? Did you not feel the pulsating "O Saaya" transport you right into the slums? Did you not feel the energy of the chase in "Mausam & Escape" & "Liquid Dance"? Did you not feel the romance - the love, the pain, the longing - in "Latika's Theme"? Didn't the score remind you of scenes in the movie, each time you listen to eachtrack? Did you not notice that the score was so perfect for the movie, and it elevated the movie so much?
If the answers have been negative, then there's no point arguing!! You're probably an absolutely incorrigible, jealous creature. And arguing with you would be waste of time for both of us!

PS: This post has been in "draft" for more than a month.. finally found time to complete this post!

I can sense "Sour Grapes", Mr Jagjit!

2009-01-29T21:29:00.003+05:30

At the time when the world is acknowledging Rahman's work, and when he's going places, it is expected that there will be criticisms, baseless arguments thrown against him.

But, what's surprising is to see such stuff coming from a veteran singer like Jagjit Singh. He openly targeted ARR in the media, saying that AR knows nothing about Ghazals, and that he picks up tunes from the west!! In fact, he's challenged AR to compose a Ghazal!

How baseless, how stupid these comments are? I'm sure Jagjit hasn't heard 3 of Rahman's most beautiful compositions - the three Ghazals in Tehzeeb. Hey Airat-e-Aashiqui from Guru is a much more popular Ghazal from Rahman!! Why talk abt something, when you dont even know about it? Isn't it obvious that he is criticising just for the sake of pulling down Rahman, because, the question was not about Rahman - he suddenly talks about ARR out of the blue, and lashes out at him!

I don't even want to talk about that idotic argument about picking up tunes from the west - Undoubtedly ARR is the most original composer in India!

Really sad that, even veterans, are resorting to such acts!

(For those who havent heard of the Ghazals from Tehzeeb, catch them here: Sabaq Aisa, Na Shiqwa Hota. I couldnt get a link for the third Ghazal, Mujh pe toofan. Will update if I come across it.)

AR Rahman wins his first Golden Globe!

2009-01-12T08:32:00.004+05:30

ARR wins a Golden Globe! And, I definitely know it is only a beginning! This is just a sign of things to come!! :D

The year that was!

2008-12-31T21:00:00.003+05:30

As I sit back and think about the year 2008, reliving the events of the year one word comes to my mind - eventful!!

The year has been pretty eventful, mostly very good! :D
The year started off on an interesting note, with me shifting location for work, and then coming back... moving from one line of business to another - all within the first month of the year!!

As a Rahmaniac, this year was a blast! 2008 will be a memorable one for Rahman-fans, what with ARR delighting us with 7 amazing albums (Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu, Sakkarakatti, Ada, Yuvvraaj, Ghajini and Slumdog Millionaire). And, we got to enjoy two wonderful live conerts in Chennai! :) However, it was even more special for me, cos i got to meet ARR a few times this year!!! :D

And, the year ended with a pleasant surprise - Thanks to Dreamy Dryad, I got to see my name scroll up in the credits for music, in a short film! Yes! I composed for the short film, Maami's Memories directed by Sandhya!

What I loved in 2008?
Movies: WALL·E, Jaane tu ya jaane naa
Songs: Difficult to pick one... but Kahin toh and Khwaja have a slight edge! :D
TV show: Airtel Super Singer
Singer: Benny Dayal (Kaise Mujhe, Tu hi mera dost and Taxi Taxi)

What I hated in 2008?
Most IRRITATING songs: Naaku mukka, and that utterly annoying "Mozha mozha nu" song from the dumb Kuruvi...
Movie: Sakkarakatti - there can be no competition for this one!!
TV Shows: all the copied programs in Sun TV (ozhungaa copy adikka kooda mudiyaadhaa?! :P) and the commercialisation of Mumbai attacks on all news channels

As 2008 draws to a close and 2009 dawns, here's wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!!!

"The Hindu" is biased!!

2008-12-19T07:35:00.005+05:30

I had earlier written about how the Indian media are giving false news with respect to the Slumdog Millionaire track Ringa Ringa being similar to Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai. Now, it is the turn of THE HINDU, which has publushed a totally biased article which is in such a bad taste!!

The article in question is "Who gets the credit?" in The Hindu - Cinema Plus (dt: 19-Dec-2008) (Link to the article: http://www.hindu.com/cp/2008/12/19/stories/2008121950240800.htm)

The writer seems to be totally biased against A.R.Rahman, for he uses strong words like "rip-off" unnecessarily, though there's hardly any similarity between Rahman's Ringa Ringa and Choli Ke Peeche!

Also, the article mentions about a "song by MIA featuring blaaze which sounds like an MIA composition". There is no MIA song in the album which features Blaaze!!! Which song is the writer talking about?

I doubt whether the writer had listened to the tracks even once before writing this article.
It looks like the writer's sole aim was to demean ARR, without even caring to verify the facts! At a time when ARR is getting laurels from all over the globe, the writer just wants to pull him down - there seems to be no other reason for an article written in such a bad taste!

Hope Hindu avoids such inane and biased articles henceforth!

Exciting Days ahead...

2008-12-18T07:01:00.002+05:30

... both for ARR and us Rahmaniacs!

With ARR already bagging 5 awards (LA Critics, NY Critics, San Diego Critics, Black Reel and International Press Academy Satellite Awards) and many more nominations including a Golden Globe Nom, chances are high for an Oscar Nom too! :)
Fingers crossed :)

If this wasn't enough, ARR gives us all more reasons to celebrate, with the Jiya se Jiya music video, from his latest album Connections!
What a way to end to 2008 :)

RIP H.Sridhar

2008-12-02T08:01:00.001+05:30

H Sridhar will be sorely missed. Such a great loss for music industry!

"Choli Ke" in Slumdog Millionaire - whats the truth?

2008-11-28T06:43:00.000+05:30

All the media have taken this news that "Choli Ke Peeche" has been used in Slumdog Millionaire, and blown it totally out of proportion. Some have even criticised AR for tampering with a classic which should be left as it is! But, the sad part is that the news is not even totally true!!!

The song in question is "Ringa Ringa". I listened to it. Except for the mood of the song and probably the rhythm, there is absolutely nothing similar to Choli Ke.

In his interview, Rahman just said this about Choli Ke song: "It represents that period in the early 1990s. The colour, the swirl and the frenetic pace - so I've re-recorded it in the same two voices, Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun, though in a totally re-worked form".

The keywords there are "totally reworked" and "same voices". Without even listening to the song, all the media jumped up and started promoting that Choli Ke Peeche is in SDM, conveniently forgetting these facts mentioned by AR! Musicindiaonline has just ignored that statement about "totally re-worked form", in its article.

Sensationalising at its worst!! Pah!

Yuvvraaj

2008-10-30T07:06:00.002+05:30

If you are expecting a review of this masterpiece, then you will feel disappointed. I'm not reviewing Yuvvraaj - at least not as yet! I dont think I can do justice to the album with the limited number of times I've listened to it in my limited time!

But, one thing that strikes me every time I listen to it - the sound track of Yuvvraaj is class apart. I dont think western classical has been blended seamlessly with hindustani in a mainstream bollywood soundtrack! And, I dont think anyone other than ARR could have pulled this off with such success!

Kudos boss!!

Update:
an ad, summarising the reviews of Yuvvraaj and congratulating the team.

A picture's worth 1000 words!

2008-09-30T07:11:00.009+05:30

Note:
'Varanam Aayiram' audio launch - 24 Sep 2008
'Saroja' audio launch - 14th July 2008

Update:
(This could be just a coincidence :P)

The boss of bass - 1

2008-09-02T22:28:00.006+05:30

One instrument that has fascinated me a lot is the bass guitar. That's because of just two people - A.R.Rahman and Keith Peters! I'm so very enamoured with Keith's talent that I exclaimed "Sir.. You are the reason that I love bass guitar", when I met him at the TOI concert in April!

In Indian music, there was hardly any importance for bass guitar. Composers have been using bass guitars for decades, i'm not denying it... But, it was more like it was pushed to the background. Rahman brought that change - he made bass guitar an important part of his compositions. And, thus Keith's extraordinary skills were exposed to the world, and elevated him to such a level that he is arguably the most wanted Bass guitarist in the country!

I'm planning to write about some of his exemplary work in Rahman's songs, and here's the first one!

The first song that comes to my mind is Thee Thee Thithikkum Thee (Thiruda Thiruda), one of my top favourites of AR. Everything in the song - be it Naveen's flute, or Thumba Raja's powerful jathis or the sensuous voice of chinese girl Caroline or the innovative percussion - is out of the world! But, let us push everything else aside for now, and focus on Keith's work.

Bass Guitar is definitely one of the main pillars of this song, which is very unusal in Indian music.
Right from the start when he plays the bass by plucking the strings hard(right at the start), then the normal bass guitar sound in most parts of the song, then the slap bass (during the swaras ma-pa-ni-sa.. ri-sa), Keith shows his class throughout the song.

The emhpatic fusion between Keith's bass and Naveen's flute (second interlude) is such a bliss, and takes me to a different world every single time I listen to it. The song ends with another brilliant bass piece accompanying the jathi.

This song is one of my all time favourites, for many reasons, bass guitar being the most important reason!

Now in Serbia

2008-08-28T07:08:00.002+05:30

When you look at Indian music directors, the classification is easy - There is AR Rahman, and then there are others! When the others are looking for music from around the world, from which they can "get inspired" for their next song, here's one man whose songs are being lifted/used by composers across continents.

I've already written about the Mandarin and Uzbek versions of AR's songs... Here's the latest one. Serbian singer Jelena Karleusa has used Mayya Mayya from Guru in her album JK Revolution. Like in the Uzbek version by Iroda Dilraz, this song has been rightly credited to A.R.Rahman.

Lovable Alien!

2008-07-18T07:00:00.008+05:30

Let's get into some imagination, shall we?

START! ACTION!
Imagine you are fast asleep, and you are woken up by a loud unusual noise. You rush to the terrace to check whats happening. You see a big UFO landing on your terrace (Terrace not big enough? ah, geez!! when you can imagine a UFO landing on your terrace, can't you imagine your terrace to be bigger! just imagine!! Back to the post, now!)
And then, the door of the UFO opens, and out comes a creature - an alien - a la the E.T., comes out. You look at it and are frightened. It looks somewhat familiar to you, with two arms and legs! But, yet it is an alien and looks a lot different too. You don't know what to expect because you haven't seen anything like this before! Initially, you don't get close to it as it is a very strange creature. But, then you get along with it and become friends with it. It demonstrates its special powers - though those powers are extraordinary, you get used to it and start loving it!

CUT! CUT! CUT!

Now, the focus shifts to "I miss you da" song (sung by Chinmayi and Indai Haza) from Sakkarakatti. Isn't it exactly like the alien that you encountered a few seconds back? At least for me, it was!!
The first time I heard the song, I was like "What is this?! What's going on?" It was unlike anything I had heard before. Rahman must have been at the height of his experiment-mood!! There are so many unheard sounds. The tune is so very unpredictable - keeps going smooth and suddenly there's a fall - like a roller coaster! And, so suddenly it goes up! And, I got one more surprise that Indai Hazaa is none other than Chinmayi herself!
Once I got to terms with all these surprises, I started absolutely loving and adoring the song!

I've said it before and I say it again - Only Rahman can create such magic!

3 long years!!!

2008-07-16T07:06:00.008+05:30

Yes... it's more than 3 years now, since I started blogging! (Sorry bloggie, I missed ur birthday... Belated Happy Birthday! )

It seems it was just yesterday that I thought of the name for the blog! I remember it distinctly. Just as the Chennai-Bangalore KSRTC bus was nearing Bangalore at about 4:30 am, I was wide awake thinking about starting a blog (though it was in my mind for quite sometime, I wasnt serious before) and thought of the name just then! One of the first things that I did when I got to campus was to start this blog and make my first post!

3 years! The blog has had an impact on my life, and how!! That, my best friends and confidante now are people who I discovered through blog, is incredible! (The crazy gal in Pune hates to say we know each other through blog coz it takes the closeness out and makes it sound very superficial but getting close to someone whom u met through blogs is something interesting in itself, illai??)

I'm not much of a writer, but the blog has certainly helped me improve and kept me writing. The blog has brought out my creativity. It has been there for me to vent out my frustration! It has helped me boost my ego many a time. (It is really surprising and heartening when someone you don't know comes to you and says "You are 'Aravind' of Rahmaniac's Reflections?"... Trust me, it has happened. And, No.... I'm not talking about any bloggers meet!!)

3 years down, I'm so glad I started blogging! Haven't been able to be very regular, but will try to be regular!

How to mess up a star-studded award function?

2008-07-06T09:12:00.007+05:30

Ask the organisers of the Sunfeast Tamil Music Awards, they will have all the answers to this question!

The event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on 5th July 2008, had no scarcity of stars. The luminaries who lit up the evening included legends Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy and Vikku Vinayak Ram, Maestro A.R.Rahman, KS Chithra, Harris Jayaraj, directors Shankar and Dharani, actors Vijay, Nayanthara, Kushboo and Simran.

The event which was supposed to start at 6 pm started at 7 pm. This delay is usually considered normal these days for shows of this scale. But, what followed for the next 3 hours should probably be the biggest mess up among events of this scale.

The hosts of the evening (Raghav and actress Aparna) had no clue of the proceedings of the evening. It was utter chaos right from the start, when they walked on to the podium and waited for a couple of minutes only to go back, after realising that they should have come only later!

Even the way the awards were announced was totally unprofessional. Many a time, the AV started while the hosts were announcing the winner's name, interrupting them. There was absolutely no coordination!!! Halfway through the show, the hosts decided to avoid this confusion - they just stopped with "and the award goes to". The winners name just came up on the AV! Sometimes, they played the AV for the next award, before the current award was presented, creating more confusion!

That was not all. After a long commercial break when the stage was set for Shruti Hassan to sing, the hosts were nowhere to be seen! Shruthi straight away started singing without anyone introducing her, and majority of the crowd was left wondering who it was on the stage!

Talking of commercial-breaks, they were far too many in number and the duration of each break was also pretty long, which left the audience restless! The frequent technical glitches gave more reasons for the audience to scream and boo!!

The celebs who presented the awards and those who got the awards were left totally clueless when they came on stage, because there were no thank you-s from the host once the awards were presented. The celebs were left wondering whether they should leave the stage, or they should wait or should they speak! When the hosts announced the next award, that was the cue for the celebs to step down! What a way to treat your celeb guests!

Surprisingly, none of the celebs were given the mic! All the talking was done by the hosts - till 9 pm, that is! It took them more than 2 hours to realise that the winners should be given some airtime on stage! But, why couldn't they have asked the girl who carried the award tropy, to carry the mic as well and pass it on to the celeb? Each time, either Raghav or Aparna had to run with the mic, from their podium at corner of the stage to the centre, just as the celeb was getting down from the stage! Have the organisers and the hosts never watched any of the award functions on TV?

The stage setup was the other irritating thing - the hosts' podium was in one corner, but the entry to the backstage was at the other corner. So, after inviting the performers to the stage, the hosts had to walk the full length of the stage each time, even as the dancers assembled for the performance!

The way the awards were conceptualised was, in itself, totally inane. Take this for example. The best melodious song award was presented to singer Balram for "Kaatrin Mozhi". Engaeyum Eppodhum was selected as the best remix song, and the award was presented not to the singer or the composer but to the director & producer. June Ponal was adjudjged the Best Youthful song, and this was presented to the composer, Harris Jayaraj! I fail to comprehend if there is even a faint logic in their decision of who gets the credit for each song - the singer or the director or the composer or even the producer!

I had to endure all this to catch a glimpse of A.R.Rahman receiving the best music director award, for, that was the last award of the day! It was quite obvious to everyone there at the venue that A.R.Rahman was gonna get the best Music Director award.

There were some remarkable performances during the show, including Bharatnayam by Shobhana, percussion ensemble by Vikku Vinayak Ram's family and some spirited singing by Shruti Hassan. But, all this was shadowed by too many glitches and unprofessional organising!

After all the hype that they generated for this event, it was a big big let down! A very amateurish and unprofessional show! Hope they learn from the innumerable mistakes they made this time!

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na - Music Review

2008-06-25T07:53:00.001+05:30

After the successful historicals and biopics, Rahman hits back with a youthful and modern Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. As with ARR-Aamir Khan combos in the past, this one too is magical!

Kabhi Kabhi Aditi
When the song starts off with a swanky guitar piece and the stylish vocals of Rashid Ali, we know this album is gonna be one trendy, modern one! After the heavy Ishq Ada Hai (Ada), the new singing sensation Rashid Ali rocks with this light number, rendering it so casually which is just perfect for this song! At some places, the style reminds me of Adnaan Saami! The lyrics by Abbas Tyrewala are very fresh and contemporary.
The song has become a chartbuster and may become one of the biggest hit of the year!

Pappu Can't Dance & the Remix
A super cool fun song after quite some time from ARR. Boasting of a huge list of singers - Anupama, Benny Dayal, Blaze, Tanvi, Darshana, Satish Subramaniam & Aslam, - this one will rule the dance floors for quite a while! The energetic beats, playful rendition by Tanvi make the song extremely enjoyable! The short guitar piece during the line "Pappu guitar bajaata hai" is so cute!

Krishna Chetan has done a good job with the remix, though the fun is somehow lost in the heavier beats!

Jaane Tu Meri/Mera Kya hai
The two songs, one by Runa Rizvi and the other by Sukhwinder , are the pathos songs in the album, talking about the pain and separation. Sukhwinder packs in so much emotion and pain in his voice that Runa's version sounds ordinary in comparison, though it is actually very good!
The arrangements in the two songs are different, though the tune remains same.

Nazrein Milana
Yet another group song, rendered by a big list of singers - Benny, Satish, Sayanora, Darshana, Shweta, Bhargavi and Anupama! The use of accordions/harmonica in a modenrn and trendy track filled with distortion, guitars makes the song interesting.

Tu Bole
Rahman's versatility in composing music is well known. Nowadays, it looks like he is on to prove what a versatile singer he is. Fast paced fun numbers, mom-son sentiment songs, romantic duets, pathos songs, inspirational songs and what not.... Now he has tried "60s Jazz" for the title song of Jaane Tu and has struck gold!!! The composition and singing are exemplary. Rahman transports us back in time, aided by Adam Rapa's splendid performance on the trumpets.

Kahin Toh
After the peppy Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, Rashid Ali pairs up with Vasundara Das for a melodious rock number. The tune is simple and melodious. Rahman always creates wonders with chorus in his songs. In this track, the chorus lifts up the song a few notches, especially when they sing the "jaane na" part at a higher note.

Overall, a very trendy, modern and "guitar-ry" album from Rahman, which will staisfy public and critics alike!

Ada - Music Review

2008-05-29T19:03:00.011+05:30

Ada - the album is aptly tagged "A Musical journey by A.R.Rahman", for he has been composing for this film for about 7 years and the album takes us through a journey with ARR!!!

The album starts with the male version of Ishq Ada Hai rendered by Rashi Ali, the guitarist who has been playing guitars for ARR for quite sometime now. Though he has sung "Nadhirdhinna" in Parthale paravasam, it went unnoticed... Ishq Ada should prove to be a nice platform for him, to launch him as a singer, for it showcases his powerful voice brilliantly! The waltz pattern, the addictive accordion bits, the simple tune - all of these make the song instantly likeable.

Then comes Hawa Sun Hawa - one of the most beautiful melodies composed by ARR. Rendered by Sonu and younger-sounding (less shrill) Alka Yagnik (probably recorded in 2002-2003), this track takes time to grow on. But this one will become one of the songs, closest to the heart! Naveen adds more beauty to this song with the wonderful flute interludes, which leaves you yearning for more!!

Gumsum Gumsum is one of the tracks that was given for the remix contest, which was organised for promoting the movie. So I'd heard first 60 seconds of just the voice track and imagined that it would be a totally western track with drums et al! Lo and behold... Rahman surprised me totally, making it a desi track with dholaks!! Was this composed at about the same time as Water? I felt there was an "aayo re" hangover in the santoor interludes (just the style, I mean!). Another duet for Sony and Alka and they do a commendable job!
And, how could I forget the short guitar surprise at around 3:40!!! The muted guitar bit is MAGICAL!!!

Sonu Nigam comes back, this time accompanied by Sunidhi Chauhan (her second song for Rahman) for Gulfisha. And Sunidhi works wonders in this one! The song starts of with French chants by Viviane Chaix and then Sonu takes . But, it is Sunidhi who takes it to a completely new level! The point when she switches to the high pitched Gulfisha from the low pitched one (at around 1:18) is mindblowing!! This song, too, will take sometime to grow on you!

The next song in the album is the one which brings in the "what came first - chicken or egg" type question back again - Does Rahman always choose to render the best song of the album or does the song become the best because of Rahman's rendition? yes... Meherbaan rendered by ARR is definitely the "Song of the album". Starting as a soft melody with backed by piano and a gentle rhythm, it it becomes rock-ish with distortion guitars in the second half of the song, still retaining the melodic feel. There's a certain something in his voice which makes any song he sings, SPECIAL! This one is no different!

Next in the album, Tu Mera Hai must be one of the songs recorded during the later half of Rahman's 7 year long "Musical journey", for it features Naresh Iyer along with Chitra and Sukhwinder! Sukhwinder and Chitra have done a commendable job, with Naresh Iyer chipping in with the "laahi laahi" bit! Though this was my least fav in the album, this one is rapidly moving up my list!!

Rahman tries to recreate the "Ae Ajnabi" magic with Hai Dard - a sad song sung by Udit Narayan - and pulls it off! Though not as powerful as the classic Dil Se track, this one is great in its own right. The song is styled like a 1970s bollywood pathos song, in waltz beats. Udit's voice aptly conveys the emotions of the lover in pain! The sax interludes create a mystic feel to the song!

Parul Mishra, the winner of Fever FM's Voice Hunt (held last November), makes her debut with Ishq Ada Hai. Her voice is fresh and quite unusual. She carries off the song with ease, and makes this song rank higher than the male version! The backing vocals and arrangements are quite different from the male version of the song.

Legendary Malayalam singer P.Jayachandran makes his Hindi debut with the pathos number, Milo Wahan Wahan, with Alka for company. Alka starts off the song, and sets the mood of the song perfectly. When Jayachandran joins in, the song moves up a few notches! The highlight of the song is the second stanza by Jayachandran (starting 5:05). What a voice!
The lyrics, are a bit of a letdown - though the mood of the song is conveyed perfectly in the lyrics, the lines are far from poetic!

Sanjeev Thomas mesmerises us with the Guitar instrumental version of "Meherbaan". The instrumental is as impressive as the original sung by Rahman. The use of distortion guitar for the high pitched parts and normal electric guitars for the softer parts speaks of the genius of the man!

In all, Ada is a classic - on the likes of Meenaxi or Taal - a must-have for any music lover.

PS: ARR composed this album over a period of 7 years.... I wrote this review over a period of 21 days!! :P

My dear A A K!

2008-04-13T08:21:00.011+05:30

My dear A A K,
It's been a long time, right?
Yeah... 13 years to be precise... The summer of 1995 - that was when I first came across you. I still remember that day - a cultural event in Trichy. All thanks to a dance performance that morning, for that was when our rendezvous happened! You bowled me over that very instant. You were very different, extremely pleasant, totally bubbly, amazingly exuberant, instantly likeable (now... now...let me stop here or I'll keep adding enough adjectives about you to fill an entire book!)

Hmmmm.... 13 years have passed... During this period, many others came about in my life. I probably got carried away. I guess that's why our closeness has reduced. I've not been as crazy about you over the past few years, as I was during the first few years!

Now, one day last week when I was so tired and worn out, and I wanted some one to boost me up, you came to me - quite unexpectedly. Though I've been coming across you on and off, I failed to give much importance to you off late. But, that day, when I was in need, you came in with so much energy, so much freshness to pep me up totally. Everything was just as it was during the first ever meeting! I was bowled over by you - yet again, after 13 years. That too, after I had come across so many others, who are supposed to be modern and up-to-date. You haven't changed, my dear, but you still match up to others who claim to be following today's trend. That's because u were way ahead of your time, in the 90s itself!

How many ever dance-songs come and go, my dear Andha Arabic Kadaloram, I know you will always be fresh and will be there to pep me up, and will always be one of my top favs!!!

With luv,
The ever crazy Rahmaniac!

"I love EVERY song composed by ARR" - Dir. Vasanth

2008-03-30T17:01:00.006+05:30

From a Rahmaniac's point of view, Rahmania show (on Aahaa 91.9 FM, Chennai) should be the best thing that has happened on Radio!!! The Friday celebrity interviews are a total treat, and these are something to be treasured... Last Friday, it was Director Vasanth, who spoke about ARR on the show. Though he has worked with ARR for just one movie (Rhythm), he had so much to say about ARR. In my opinion, this is one of the best interviews on Rahmania.
I've uploaded the interview at http://www.mediafire.com/?yj2zxyvy214 (5.7 MB - complete interview)

For the benefit of ppl who don't understand Tamil, I've transcribed it... Read on!

About Songs in "Rhythm"
ARR improvises a lot with the songs... Consider Nathiye Nathiye song (Dheem Thananaa) song for example. "Dheem Thana naa" was never meant to be the pallavi (antara) of the song. It was a refrain that was used in the middle of the song. Since it was catchy, he made it as the opening. The entire song did not stick to the usual format of 1 antara and two mukhda - there were lot of variations in the song - just like how the flow of a river is never uniform and varies throughout... Since each portion of the song was so different, we decided to make the "dheem Thana naa" refrain as the common link for each part, and thus we finalised the opening of the song.
Nathiye nathiye which was supposed to be the actual pallavi (antara) of the song, was made to appear only once or twice in the song!!

About ARR as a person
ARR is the only Indian composer, who is successful in the regional, national as well as the international arena... There may be many who are successful in the regional level. You can even find people who are successful in the regional and national level. But, he is the only one who has succeeded in all 3 levels... Be it Nagercoil (a small town in Tamilnadu) or New York - he is a success everywhere!
He is the pride of Tamilnadu and India..

When you consider only the film compositions, I see him as the major composer in Tamil and hindi film music. In Tamil, he is of the lineage following G.Ramanthan, R.Sudharsanam, KV Mahadevan, Viswanathan-Ramamoorhty and Ilayaraja.
If you look similarly in Hindi, he follows the lineage of people like Anil Biswas, Naushad Ali, Shankar Jaikishen, SD Burman, C.Ramachandra, Madan Mohan, Kalyanji Anandji, Lakshmikant Pyarelal, RD Burman...
He is one of the Titans in Indian Film music arena.
According to me, there has been no titan music director after ARR in India in any language. He is the latest and last arrival.

In this lineage, I include only those who bring a totally new style of music. There are new composers who follow his style. They may also do some good music, but they have not created a new style of music.... not until now...

The most important aspect of his music according to me, is his technology + music. It is not technology alone or melody alone.. This is something that he pioneered. we have heard lots of melodies.. we have heard technology being used... but he put both of them together in the right mix and composed music.... He follows this in all styles of music - be it hindustani or carnatic or sufi or soft rock.
If ARR had been around in 1960s or 1970, I think, he would have given songs which are 100 times better than what he has given now!
Even now he gives the best songs, but what I'm saying is that, "story" had lots of importance in movies back then... Important aspects of ARR's music - like the melodic nature of his music, the depth of his music, the ability to show different perspectives, the ability to transport us to a different world - all these would have had more importance back then. But now, there are not many stories which can fully utilise these aspects of his music. Sotry-telling has decreased these days!

About ARR's simplicity
His simplicity is what I admire the most. I had once read about what composer Pyarelal of Lakshmikant-Pyarelal fame, had to say about ARR.
According to Pyarelal, Roja is his fav ARR album, but the most important work in ARR's career is Thiruda Thiruda. ARR had met Pyarelal at a party, which was their first meeting. ARR himself went and introduced himself to Pyarelal, saying "I just wanted to meet you and get introduced to you... I'm A.R.Rahman". Pyarelal says that he had never seen anyone being so simple and modest, that too being a composer of international fame!
Rainahah: Usually ARR is very introverted and would not go and introduce himself to people... but since Pyarelal is a composer whom ARR respects a lot, he probably would have gone and spoken to him!

As a Director, what's your role in the music creation process?
According to me, a director's role is to create an environment or a situation for the composer to create a good song - mainly to inspire the music director... The director should strive to inspire the composer to reach greater heights... The director's intervention should not pull the composer down!!
(Raihanah ma'am interrupted here saying "Those are golden words... You should say this everywhere sir... You should say this loud and clear! It would be great if all directors understand this!!!!
Vasanth retorted saying "You seem to be really affected by such instances" (Laughs))

The director should try to bring out the best from everyone.... The director should identify what's the best aspect of the composer and bring out the most creative stuff from them.. and should never give up till the best output is produced!

Raihanah: You have explained it brilliantly, sir.. When we talk of this, the first song that comes to my mind is Nenje Nenje from Ratchagan....

Vasanth: Definitely.. Definitely... Similarly, I like Thoda Thoda Malarndhadhenna (Indra) How do I say... I'm at a loss for words...

I think ARR is the only composer who has given his heart and soul to each and every song and each and every movie. Not jus for one or two songs in a movie, but for every song.... That is why he takes more time... He has never compromised on quality any of the songs - ever! He takes each and every song seriously!!

About directors/producers asking for tunes similar to another song
That's usually done to communicate the mood that's required for the song - we sort of give examples... For some composers, you can get the best only if you communicate this way... It's more about convenience.
About asking to compose a song similar to another song - i won't comment whether it is right or wrong... but, it is wrong if the composer creates the "same" tune, instead of creating a similar mood!

In case of a big composer like ARR, we need not give any examples. If we give examples, he'll stay as far away from that tune as possible!! That's why he is in such a great position now!! He understands that it just for easier communication!

Some other composers would assume that we like that particular tune of a old song that they can satisfy us only if they use that tune, and would end up giving the same old tune!!

About Re-recording (BGMs) of ARR
Silence is as important to re-recording as the actual BGMs. In many instances, silence, after the actual BGM, creates the required impact - Ilayaraja sir taught me this...
For instance, if there's a long BGM and it suddenly stops when a guy opens a door, all your focus shifts to what's behind the door. silence creates an impact there...
The composer should know when to have music in the scene and when to stop. I think Rahman is one composer who knows this and handles this beautifully!
He gives what's required for a scene, rather than playing music continuously!

Another important aspect of ARR's re-recording is his ability to use various different styles of music to elevate the quality of the scenes. For instance, in Rhythm, in the scenes involving the relationship between Arjun and the kid, he had brought an italian feel in the BGM... In the same movie, he had used a very Indian sound, for the scenes involving Lakshmi....

I think he can do this with ease as he listens to and enjoys all types of music - from carnatic to hindustani to western, pop and rock...

He brought a new style in re-recording. His re-recording gave a new dimension to the film. Even for ARR, Rhythm is one of his favourites in terms of re-recording, and he keeps mentioning this to me...

Fav BGMs in other ARR movies, apart from Rhythm:
I love everything that ARR has done for Mani Ratnam's movies, especially Bombay and Iruvar. According to me, Iruvar is Mani sir's best movie.. Iruvar's re-recording is ultimate!!

In the scene in Iruvar where it is shown for the first time that Mohan Lal has got 1000-s of people behind him, the Background score is brilliant. The BGM has "spoken" this exactly. If you just listen to the BGM without looking at the scene, you can visualise that scene in your mind - even without listening to a single dialogue!

Favourite Songs
For how many movies has he composed, till now? About 100? So, at 5 songs per movie, there would be a total of 500 songs? so, my favourite would be all 500!!
I love every one of his songs...
Let me quote just a few songs, which come to my mind at this instant...

Pudhu Vellai Mazhai - I love this song because it does something to me... I love this song because I love it very much!!! It creates an ambience.. The rendering, the freshness, the music, the composition - everything was great... The sound was totally new - when I heard it in 1991, I knew I hadn't heard anything like this before!! The sound was so new, so emotional and so real..

I love chinna chinna aasai a lot, but somehow my favourites are Pudhu Vellai Mazhai and Kadhal Rojave, with Pudhu Vellai Mazhai getting 100 points and Kadhal Rojave being a close second at 99.5!!

Similarly, I love "Minnale nee vandhadhenadi" from May Madham... I'm quoting this song specially, because of the sorrow in the song beautifully conveyed by the tune, SPB sir's voice.. above all - the intricate violin opening and interlude.... It doesnt happen often that the instrumental interludes get registered in our minds as much as the main song itself - but this violin interlude did.... I always used to hum that violin bit and my ears always long for that violin bit!

Snegithane - What do I say about this song,... This is one of the finest creations of Rahman. This is the ultimate song to portray a man-woman relationship!
(Raihanah: Sadhna's voice is so sharp - as sharp as the soung of glass breaking!)

Vasanth: I am usually not enamoured by the sweetness of a voice, for me it is always the composer who captures my heart! The emotions in the song are what attracts me!!

But if there's one voice which has attracted me a lot, it is ARR's voice... Listen to vellai pookkal... it will just make you cry!!! You dont hav to do anything else... The voice, tune, the lyrics - everything about the song is perfect - and it is as though the song conveys the entire sorrow in Sri Lanka...

I'm a big big fan of ARR, and I admire him as a human being also.. I am delighted and honoured that I got this chance to share my views about ARR, and his songs!!

Aasmaaan!!!!!!

2008-03-11T22:40:00.004+05:30

That's the latest ARR song that's been released - It's not from any movie/pop album... This is the theme song for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, which is to be inaugurated in a week's time!

Listen to the song online at http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/rial/start.html
I'm in loue with this one track already - starting off with slow whispers, and then moving on to "aasmaan" at a high pitch, with wonderful string arrangements which is typical of ARR - he has created magic again!!!

Lyrics are by Prasoon Joshi, no clue on who the singer is... any guesses?

This one came as a pleasant surprise, as I didn't expect any new ARR release at least for a month or two (No clue when Ada and Jaane Tu ya Jaane Naa are gonna release, though there have been speculations that they may release in the first half of 2008!)

Kannathil Muthamittal Song - Duet Video Mix

2008-02-16T08:11:00.003+05:30

I had made a Duet mix using the Chinmayi version and Jayachandran version of Kannathil Muthamittaal song (Oru Deivam Thandha Poove). I got a comment which said "Why don't you try making a duet video mix?" Was planning to do it for a long time now... Finally, I found time to complete this!! This is my first attempt at non-linear video editing... Waiting for comments!!

The Making :
As I already had the audio mix ready, I thought this would be a cakewalk! Only after I started, did I realise that the only the first charanam of one version and the second charanam of the other has been picturised by Mani Ratnam... So, my existing audio mix became unusable for this and I had to start the audio mixing from scratch. I decided that I will make only one charanam with a few lines each from first charanam of one version and second charanam of other version. Then came another surprise.... The background music that plays during the two charanams are not exactly the same! Did a lot of tweaking and adjustments to ensure that it doesnt sound odd! Once that was ready, I had to lip-sync the video with the audio mix!

And... one more thing... In this mix, there's something different about the "nee" in "Enadhu pagaiyum nee" which Chinmayi sings... Did anyone notice it?

Simbu's KaaLai - Commercial Sh*t!

2008-02-09T08:43:00.001+05:30

That's what the makers of Simbu's new movie 'Kaalai' claim, in their promos of the film!
See for yourself!

Is this similar to "injurious to health" warnings on cigarette packs?

BTW, we all know what KaaLai is, but why taint Rajni's Murattu Kaalai?

Pic source: Ad in Dinakaran

Artificial Intelligence!!

2008-01-27T07:26:00.000+05:30

No.. this post is not about the Steven Spielberg movie (oh.. I luv that flick!).... nor is it about AI using Neural Networks for robotics and such!
This post is about the Artificial Intelligence that my new Sansa MP3 player, seems to be picking up! BTW, no...no... no... I don't wish to see comments saying I should have gone for an iPod!! This was a very well informed decision, and after using my Sansa for a month now, I am absolutely satisfied with my choice!

Now, coming back to the topic... I put my entire ARR collection on shuffle mode these days and leave it to my Sansa to decide what song I'd be listening next! This is when my Sansa does very interesting stuff!!

One day, it played Mujhe Rang De (Takshak) and immediately followed it up with Rang Hai (Meenaxi). I thought to myself - has it selected these songs back-to-back, because both songs start with the same word? Then, I got a surprise - the next song was Pachchai Nirame (Alaipayuthey) - again something to do with colour!!

And on another instance, Rang Hai (Meenaxi) was followed by Satrangi Re (Dil Se)!!

Here's one more - It played Ishwar Allah (1947 - Earth) and Ek Tum Hi Bharosa (Pukar) back -to-back. Though both songs have the words "Ishwar" and "Allah" repeated throughout the song, nowhere in the ID3 tags or the filenames were these words mentioned (which was the explanation I had before I checked the ID3 tags)!!

These are just 3 of many such instances in just 10-15 days in shuffle mode... I've given up... I've stopped analysing and have started enjoying my music these days!!

Resolution?

2008-01-20T18:51:00.000+05:30

I was tagged by Ponnarasi! Tag's simple - write about your new year resolutions!
Have been so busy that I'm writing about my resolution almost at the end of the month!!!

Hmmm... what are my resolutions for this year?!!

Only one that I can think of, right now - I have started many "projects" and most of them are incomplete!! I start something, and then I hit a roadblock... and then, I find something more interesting, and I start off the next one, leaving this one behind... As of now, I have three audio recording/mixing stuff, one flash animation, and one video editing in different levels of completion!

Hope I complete all of them this year, before I start off anything more!! :D

I'm not tagging anyone... If anyone's interested, take it up and post your resolution in ur blog!

Happy Birthday Rahman sir!

2008-01-06T00:30:00.000+05:30

Happy birthday to the Mozart of Asia... Here's a little something for him from me...

'Evano Oruvan' Review

2007-12-14T19:40:00.000+05:30

Being a fan of Madhavan, I've been waiting for this movie right from the time it was announced. The fact that Director Nishikanth Kaamath won a national award for Dombivili Fast (the movie of which Evano Oruvan is a remake) raised my expectations! And, well... I loved the movie!

The movie revolves around a bank employee, Sridhar Vasudevan (Madhavan) who leads a very normal and routine life with his nagging wife Vathsala (Sangeetha) and his two kids. We see glimpses of his righteousness, and also his helplessness when he comes across instances of corruption or people breaking rules. But all his helplessness changes when Vathsala provokes him. The erstwhile helpless Vasudevan erupts. What follows is a one-man-trying-to-change-the-system story.

We have seen so many such movies - be it Indian, Ramana or Anniyan. What makes Evano Oruvan different is that it is closer to reality, unlike the other movies which have more of a fantasy feel to it. The protagonist is not a super-hero which is usually the case in such movies. The hero doesn't succeed in his quest to change the whole world all alone. The movie is a show of anger against the society and the way we have allowed anyone to break the law with out any fear, and the helplessness of the middle class!

Madhavan excels in this movie - both with as an actor and a dialogue writer. There are some really sharp dialogues through out the movie. The resignation letter that he addresses to God is brilliant! So are the dialogues of the poilce inspector (Seeman) when he knows he is helpless in many scenes including the discussion he has with his wife!

Seeman fits perfectly into the role of a police officer who is torn between his conscience and his assigned police duty. And, so does Sangeetha as a nagging wife. The two kids who play Maddy's kids are so natural. It is refreshing to see kids portrayed like this, rather the usual oversmart "adhiga prasangi" kid characters (like in Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, for instance).

Kudos to Madhavan for taking the initiative to produce meaningful cinema in Tamil without sans commercial elements like duets, item numbers and cliched fight sequences. Hope we get to see more such meaningful cinema in Tamil.

Azhagiya Thamizh Magan - Audio preview!

2007-10-19T07:14:00.000+05:30

The official preview of ATM music is available on ARR's official site arrahman.com!! Here's the track listing and full credits!
(The remix of Pon Magal Vandhaal, I guess, has not been done by Rahman. The song is credited to Krishna Chetan. Also, the arrahman.com-exclusive-preview doesn't include the remix! This was expected because A.R.Rahman has always been against remixing someone else's tune - he said NO to S.J.Suryah when SJS asked him to remix "Pesuvadhu KiLiyaa" and later "Thottal poo malarum". He finally ended up retuning the latter instead of remixing.)

AZHAGIYA TAMIZH MAGAN

Cast - Vijay, Shreya
Director - Bharatan
Producer - Appachan
Production Company - Swargachitra Films
Lyrics - Vaali
Label - Star Music
Date of Release - October 2007

Songs

1. Ellaappugazhum
A.R. Rahman

2. Kelaamal Kaiyile
Sriram Parthasarathy, Saindhavi

3. Maduraikku Pogathedee
Benny Dayal, Archith, Dharshana

4. Nee Marilyn Monroe
Benny Dayal, Ujjayinee

5. Ponmagal Vandaal
Aslam, Ember Rap

6. Valayapatti
Naresh Iyer, Ujjayinee, Madhumitha

Instruments

Thavil: Venkatesh, Purusothaman
Nadaswaram: MKS Natarajan

Credits

Male Harmony: Archith, Dr. Narayanan, Naresh Iyer, Senthil Das, Rahul Nambiar, Benny Dayal
Female Harmony: Gopika Poornima, Fathima, Darshana, Janani

Additional Programming And Ponmagal Remix: Krishna Chetan
Music Assistant: Sathish Chakkaravarthy
Music Assistant And Orchestration: J Srinivasa Murthy

Recorded at Panchathan Record-Inn & AM Studios, Chennai
Sound Engineer: S. Sivakumar

Mixed At Panchathan Record-Inn and AM Studios, Chennai and KM Musiq Studio, London
Mixing Engineers: K.J. Singh, S. Sivakumar
Mastered at AM Studios By H. Sridhar

PS: One more post below!

So cute!!!

2007-10-18T18:41:00.000+05:30

I'm talking about the print ads for Mozhi director Radha Mohan's next movie "Abhiyum Naanum".

So simple, so cute.. what more can i say!!!

I get bored easily - ARR

2007-10-14T19:13:00.000+05:30

I came across an interview of ARR - a old one - this was before Bombay Dreams. I would rate this interview as one of the best ARR's interviews I have read for it covers a lot of things which are not usually covered in interviews - ARR talks about his style of working, his so-called repetitiveness, and so on. And, he is extremely candid and open in this interview!

But there's one other reason due to which I luv this interview. There are many questions which I always have about Rahman's music - questions which I feel, I should ask him if I get a chance meet him and Rahman has answered those questions in this interview! For instance, I always wonder what motivates him to spends time adding those minute effects, those new sounds, which one can hardly notice.
Rahman answers this question:
"I think, if I am bored, what of the audience? So then I try to do something about that boredom, mine and that of the audience. I might, for instance, insert a little sound somewhere, you won't even hear it the first time, or the second or third, but suddenly, one day when you are listening to that song you think, 'Hey, that sound, I didn't hear that before'. And you start listening to the familiar song with,
what shall I say, new ears!"

Read the full interview here.

More of Rahman's music in China!

2007-09-18T07:22:00.000+05:30

When the Pritams, Anumaliks, Devas and Yuvans of India are busy lifting tunes from all over the world, people from around the world are lifting tunes composed by one Indian - do I even have to mention that the Indian in question is A.R.Rahman?

I had written about Uzbek singer Iroda Dilroz using ARR's Kadhal Sadugudu (alaipayuthe) and Mustafa. But, she had credited A.R.Rahman! Ottagathai kattiko was used by La Caution for their song Pilotes Automatiques.

Now, Shakalaka Baby is in China and it is already a hit. Mandarin singer Kelly Poon has included this song in her album titled Shakalaka Baby.
Listen to it here.

The sad part is that A.R.Rahman is not credited for this till now!

(Thanks to Vinod and NoorulWahid from arrahmanfans for the info)

Update 1:
AR Rahman and Lyrics writer Don Black have been credited in the music video. But, it still remains to be seen if they have got the rights to use the song.

Update 2:
The mails from arrahmanfans Yahoo group, reagarding this issue, were forwarded to A.R.Rahman and ARR's legal advisers and Andrew Lloyd Weber escalated the issue to Universal Music, who are releasing the Kelly Poon album. They have agreed to add AR Rahman's name in the credits. Glad to see that the group has done some really active work for ARR!!!

Rahmania - On AAHA FM

2007-09-16T08:53:00.000+05:30

Every Wednesday is 'fans day' on Rahmania (6-8 pm weekdays), the Radio show dedicated to A.R.Rahman on Aahaa FM (91.9 FM - Chennai). And last Wednesday I was interviewed on the show!!

On Tuesday night, I switched off the radio at 8:00 pm after listening to Rahmania. And my phone starts calling me with my Hai Rama BGM ringtone. I pick up the phone and I'm in for a total surprise. Raihanah ma'am was on the line, and she asked me if I could come to the studio the next day!!! Oh My God!!!!!!! It was a real surprise! She needn't have spoken to me... She could have asked one of the sound engineers to speak to me... but no, such is her simplicity!

I was asked to come to the studio at 4:00 pm sharp. I was there by 3:30 itself, and was received by Mr. Radhan who is the sound-engineer for the show and it turned out that he was a hardcore Rahmaniac too!

Raihanah came at 4 pm sharp! After exchange of pleasantries and clicking a few snaps, we set down to decide on what we would talk about. I had prepared some 4 pages of stuff to talk, neatly printed out and thus surprising Raihanah, who, with her classic laugh, remarked "Ivlo prepared-aa vandhirukkaru... Innikku enakku velai-ye illai nu nenaikkaren... Naan late-aa've vandhirukkalaam!" ("He's come so prepared, I have nothing to do.... I could have walked in late today!!!")

So, I was just chatting with her till the show started. Rahman's simplicity is well known to everyone. I could find the same trait in his sister too. She was so down-to-earth talking to and everyone chatting so freely!

Once inside the studio, she made me feel so comfortable as this was the first time I was gonna be on Air. I was explained the process, the way the team functioned for the show, etc. The first 'link' was well planned, in terms of what we would say and what question would be asked etc. But, the rest of the show was more or less ad hoc!!

I was kinda hesitant to ask if they would air the duet version of Kannathil Muthamittal song that I made. When I told Raihanah about this, she asked me if it was a remix. I assured her it was not, and told her I would never tamper with ARR's music. When Raihanah listened to it, she immediately agreed to use it in the show, and I finally dedicated that song, during the show, to A.R.Rahman himself (Thanks to the Dryad for reminding me to dedicate it to him!!)

On the show, I spoke about how we Bangalore Fans met ARR at midnite before Bangalore concert, about ARR's unreleased music that Shivmani played for me from his mobile, about Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt playing for Rahman's Narumugaiye! But there was loads and loads more to speak... so little time But, yeah.. I'll never be content! I can go on and on about Rahman!!

This will always be one of my most unforgettable moments ever!

(pic in the prev post)

Was on air.... Still flying!! :)

2007-09-14T07:25:00.000+05:30

12 September 2007 it was!! From 6-8 pm, I was on air on Aaha 91.9 FM on the show Rahmania. A.R.R's sister Raihanah interviewed me on the show!! More than 24 hours past, and my excitement is still to go down!!

More about it in the next post!!

The Magic of Shauk Hai

2007-09-03T07:16:00.000+05:30

After searching for it in many music outlets including Landmark and Music World, I finally got managed to get hold of the "A.R.Rahman - Greatest Hits" MP3 CD, jus this weekend. This is under Sony-BMG label and was released last month! The album was sold out completely in most stores!!

I bought it for jus the one song - Shauk Hai, rendered by Sowmya Raoh (The same singer who sang Kamma Karaiyile along with Naresh Iyer in Varalaaru(Godfather)). For the uninitiated, Shauk Hai is the song which comes in the Background, as Vidya Balan's (Meenu's) Theme music in Guru.

This track is truly magical! The song is about the desires of a person who is counting her days and who requires someone's help for everything, as she is suffering from multiple sclerocis. She wants to break from all this, reach out to her desires and aspirations. She knows her fate, but she doesnt want to be depressed. It is essentially meant to bring out that "longing" feel, but without the sadness. ARR captures this mood perfectly in the song, with the lyrics adding to the beauty. The piano chords running throughout the song, add to the simple but elegant beauty of the song.

This is, without doubt, one of his all time best songs!!! It is a pity, this masterpiece wasn't released with the Audio CD of Guru!!

Here's the lyrics and translation (Thanks to Durba from ARRFans Yahoo group)

Raat ka shauk hai
I aspire of the night

Raat ki saundhi si khamoshi ka
That earthen silence of the night

Shauk hai
I aspire

Subha ki roshni
That light of the morning

Bezubaan subho ki aur gungunati
Humming toward the mum morning

Roshni ka Shauk hai, ho shauk hai
I aspire of light, oh…I aspire

San sani anwlon ka
Of those pungency of amlas (I aspire to taste)

Ke ishq ke banwlon ka
Of those crazyness of the lovers (I aspire to have)

San sani anwle
Those pungent amlas

Ke ishq ke banwle
Those crazy lovers

Barf se khelte badolon ka
Of those clouds playing with the ice

Shauk hai
I aspire (to touch)

Kaash ye zindagi Khel hi khel mein kho gayi hoti
I wish this life were a child's play

Raat ka shauk hai
I aspire of night

Neend ki goliyon ka
Of those sleeping peels (I aspire)

Khwab ke loriyon ka
Of those lullabies of dreams (I aspire to listen)

Neend ki goliyan
Those sleeping peels

Khwab ke loriyan
Those lullabies of dreams

Bezubaan aus ki boliyon ka
Of those (unsaid) words of mum dews (I aspire to listen)

Shauk hai
I aspire

Kaash ye zindagi binkahe binsune so gayi hoti
I wish this life had gone to sleep without saying or listening
anything

Subha ki roshni
That light of the morning

Bezubaan subho ki aur gungunati
Humming toward the mum morning

Roshni ka Shauk hai, ho shauk hai
I aspire of light, oh…I aspire

Listen to the song, below... (The quality is not as good, the original CD version is mindblowing!!)

Sakkarai katti hoardings!

2007-08-30T07:16:00.000+05:30

The makers of Sakkaraikatti are following what StudioGreen did for 'Sillunu Oru Kaadhal', for their promos. Huge hoardings, with just ARR's photos, have been put up in many parts of the city. This one is from N.Usman Road-Arcot Road Junction. Good to see the importance given to ARR's music!

So many hoardings up, but still no news of audio release or movie release!!! Eagerly waiting, for it's been long since ARR has composed for such a youthful movie in tamil.

Update: The hoarding in 100 ft Road, Ashok Nagar.

One more Filmfare award

2007-07-31T20:02:00.000+05:30

Rahman has won the Fillmfare award for 'best music' for Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. This takes his tally to 19 Filmfare awards, and if I am not wrong, this is the most number of Filmfare awards received by anyone!! Kudos to Rahman!! I'm glad that Filmfare didn't mess up, like it usually happens in many award functions - presenting the award for music based on box office success, which is totally ridiculous!

And, the best female singer - no surprises here too - the lady with voice as sweet as honey - Shreya Goshal for Munbe Vaa (SOK). What's surprising is the choice of best male singer - Gaana Ulaganathan for VaaLa Meenukkum... True, the song was a hit and had a wide reach... But, it was definitely not worth winning a filmfare... There were many other singers whose songs were miles better than this one!!! Enna kodumai, Saravanan??!

Glorifying Alcohol?

2007-07-06T18:05:00.000+05:30

Headlines Today broadcasts this show called "Bangalore Beats". In today morning's episode, Bangalore Beats talked about pubs in Bangalore. The one hour show extensively showcased various pubs in the city, with the anchor and a gang of bangalore youth visiting the different pubs and interviewing the owners and the customers there. The gang explained what they like about each pub to the anchor, as she went about tasting beer in the different pubs. Throughout the show, bangalore was referred to as "Pub City", "Beer Capital of India" etc. There was a mention of one pub, which had the distinction of being the first pub serving the "thirsty indians" after independence...

One hour later, I was left with some thoughts - In a country where advertising or promoting alcohol is banned, where does such a program stand?
The health ministry is of the opinion that smoking/drinking scenes in movies will impact the youth and wanted filmmakers to display health warnings. What about such programs which blatantly promote the alcohol culture?

Breaking the boundaries!

2007-06-08T09:11:00.000+05:30

A.R.Rahman has always said that he wants to break all barriers like religion, language, nationality etc., with his music. And, here is an instance - people in Uzbekistan may be dancing to "Kaadhal Sadugudu/Aye Udi Udi (Alaipayuthey/Saathiya). yes...Iroda Dilroz, a famous pop-singer from Uzbekistan has used this tune for her song, Sevgi Sedosi. Of course, with due credits to A.R.Rahman!

Watch the song here:

PS: Does anyone know what language is it? Found the lyrics here

Vote for the Taj!

2007-05-30T10:16:00.000+05:30

The new 7 wonders of the world are to be announced on 7th of July (07.07.'07). The pride of our country, Taj Mahal, just managed to scrape thru to the final 21 list, in the preliminary rounds of voting. The voting for the final 7 is on now. Each of our votes will count.

A.R.Rahman has come up with a beautiful anthem for this cause - to gather support for the Taj. The sample of the theme is available here. Listen to the song, and vote on this site: http://taj.indiainfo.com/onlineregistration.php

Let's make it happen!!

UPDATE: Here's the full video

Happy B'day, Little Master!

2007-04-24T10:28:00.000+05:30

Sachin, you are the best, and we all know you still have enough cricket left! A couple of bad innings doesn't signal the end... We know it is just a temporary bad phase!
Hope u come back with a bang!!!

Yuvan stoops low!

2007-03-22T09:21:00.000+05:30

This must be the worst instance of copying from Yuvan! Song in question: "Karuppaana Kaiyaale" from "Thamirabarani". This was obvious right on my first listening - the original song, being the famous devotional song "Karpoora Nayagiyae" by LR Eswari.
Listen to the songs here:
Yuvan's "Karuppaana":
http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0001120.html

"Karpoora Nayagiyae" sung by LR Eswari
http://www.musicindiaonline.com/p/x/aUK98RXn1t.As1NMvHdW/

I had heard this song quite sometime back but only recently, came to know that the culprit was Yuvan. I assumed the composer must be Shrikanth Deva (who had shamelessly lifted the MGR song, "Koduppadhellaam Koduppaan" in one of his earlier movies). Never thought that Yuvan would stoop so low.

Agreed... Yuvan is no original composer, with many of his famous hits (including the 3 songs in Kadhal Kondein) being blatant lifts - but in those cases, it was only the first few lines and the sources were pretty unknown in India - they ranged from Indonesian to Nordic folk. But, here the source is a very famous devotional song, and the entire song is copied. Despite his copycat reputation, I had a little respect for him, but with this song, even that is gone. To me, he is now on par with the Shrikanth Devas orDhinas of the world!!!

PS: The song "Karpoora Nayagiyae" itself is inspired from the Navrang song Aadha hai Chandrama, but in this case the similarity ends after the first 4 lines.
Listen to Aadha hai chandrama, here:
http://www.raaga.com/channels/hindi/artist/Mahendra_Kapoor.html

Of Ganguly and Rajni

2007-02-27T09:12:00.000+05:30

Wonder what connects Dada and Superstar? You say "nothing"? Then, you've forgotten those irritating hoardings of Tata Indicom, featuring Ganguly, which appeared in many scenes in Chandramukhi.

Here's one more. Many of us would have burst out laughing seeing the camera focus on a Coca Cola keychain, in the scene where the mother is dying, in Yaadein!!

These are supposed to be usages of an advertising technique called "Product Placement", but our filmmakers simply donno how it is done!!! I had to make a presentation on this topic recently and hence I happened to find many awesome product placements in Hollywood movies while working for it!

Take this one for example. This is from the Julia Roberts starrer, Runaway Bride.

Well, you saw the FedEx truck - that's just the good part, but not the brilliant part. The brilliance lies in the way the FedEx promise - sure delivery by 10:30 am the next day - is incorporated as a part of the dialogue. This just fits in seamlessly with the movie and doesn't stand out or annoy the audience!!
(ok..I can hear ppl saying "I cant access youtube". So, here's the description. Julia leaves Gere at the altar and is running away in a FedEx truck. Here's the dialogue at that point:
"Where do you think she's going?"
"Wherever it is, she'll be there by 10:30 tomorrow morning".)

There are many more examples - I can remember AOL e-mail in You've got mail, and many products in When Harry met Sally and City of Angels (oh! I love those romantic comedies of Meg Ryan. )

When will our Indian filmmakers stop showing the product blatantly, and keep the advertising message subtle? When will they learn?

PS: Anyone came across some really good or really bad product placements? Write about it in the comments...

Ismail Durbar - the biggest joker around!

2007-02-02T10:33:00.000+05:30

It is generally the politicians who say one thing and shamelessly take an opposite stance suddenly. Now, it is Ismail Durbar, the composer of Devdas!

Here are some excerpts from his recent Hindustan Times interview (Thanks to Mr. Gopal, ARRFans for the scan):

"I call him (A.R.Rahman) Guru. He also respects me..."
"I remember he won at two different award functions; he went on to win for Taal and Saathiya. See the humility in him... he called me through lyricist Mehboob and said that I deserved both the awards (for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas). That's why I respect him"

Now for a short flashback! Read what he said in a Rediff interview:

"People have told me my work was better than Rahman's in Kisna. (ARR composed 2 songs and ID composed 8 for Kisna)"

"My work has always been better than his. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was better than Taal. Even Devdas was better than Saathiya.
But it is destiny that he got international fame. Angrezo ne uska haath pakad liya hai toh logo ko lagta hai ke yeh kuch zyada hi hai (Foreigners encouraged him so people think he is very good).
I am not saying this because of jealousy. This is the bitter truth. Whenever my work is good and he takes the awards, I feel bad.
I wonder why people run after name and fame, and not good work. Kyunki hamare yahan bahut kum akal ke log hai (we have very few intelligent people here). We see some foreigners holding someone's hand, and he becomes a big man."

Ah!! What a jerk!

TAG: 10 things...

2007-01-31T06:37:00.000+05:30

... that define me.

The 'Dreamy Dryad' Sandhya tagged me.

So, here we go!

1. My smile. That is definitely the first thing anyone will notice about me.
He he... I am not called smiley for nothing!! (For those who don't know, Smiley is my nickname at IIMB)
2. I am a hardcore Rahmaniac. And am proud to be a Rahmaniac. This is my identity in my college - some people even call me Rahman!
3. I am totally tech-savvy! Wanna try out new software and new gadgets!
4. Extremely optimistic.
5. I'm totally a morning person. I can easily wake up at 4 or 5 am - even without an alarm. But, find it very difficult to stay awake late in the nights!
6. I always want recognition for whatever I do and get upset when I don't get it!
7. I thrive on music. Whenever I am in my room and am not sleeping or studying, music (Rahman's, of course) has to be on!
8. I find it very difficult to say "no" for anything to anyone.
9. I get irritated when people take advantage of my point no. 8, but I will never want to show that I'm irritated, for fear of hurting them!
10. I am totally quiet and look like a very reserved person. But once I get even slightly close to someone, then I am totally unstoppable - I keep going on and on!!

I tag Sheks, Witchoo, Neha, Aysh, Visithra and Vani.

Salam Bombay Dreams

2007-01-23T16:18:00.000+05:30

20 Jan 2007... ARRfans meet at Ferrari's place... Enjoyed every minute of it...

We basically met to watch 'Salaam Bombay Dreams', the making of Bombay Dreams. Our Yahoo! Group Moderator, Mr. Gopal had purchased the DVD online and wanted to share with us, the joy of watching this awesome documentary.

The documentary covers all aspects like making of the music, stage designing, dance rehersals, costume designing and also interviews of the cast and crew. There is a full segment on Queen Elizabeth's visit, which elaborately covers all the arrangements made especially for the queen.

Coming to the most interesting part - the recording sessions at Panchathan. The studio looks really simple. This part starts with the cars coming to Panchathan and ARR welcoming the people from London, followed by recording sessions.
We were all amazed to watch the improvisations by Rahman. The recording session of the song "Salaam Bombay... Salaam Bombay" is just brilliant. In this, Rahman plays the strings portion for the song and the dexterity with which he just adds that piece on-the-fly is amazing! The recording session for just the percussion tracks left us spellbound!

Apart from the recording sessions, the DVD also covers the composing sessions in London, where ARR is joined by Weber, lyricist Don Black and UK singer Karen David (who recently said that she is proud to call herself A.R.Rahman's discovery) among others.

The DVD is unfortunately not available in India, however it can be ordered from amazon.com. It is priced at $12. Definitely worth a buy, and a must have for all A.R.Rahman Fans.

Real World!

2007-01-18T12:09:00.000+05:30

A short dialogue, which Monica says to Rachel (just after Rach cuts the credit cards) in the very first episode of Friends evoked laughter. But, come to think of it - it's simple but true!

Ok... me not writing that line here... Hear it from Monica in the short 5 sec clip below! (Ok... here's the context, if u haven't watched Friends. Rachel has left her home and her friends are forcing her to reduce the financial-dependence on her father and start life on her own).

For those who can't access youtube, here we go:
"Welcome to the real world! It sucks... you are gonna love it!"

Ah! At Last!

2007-01-07T06:09:00.000+05:30

All of us, Rahmaniacs, have been waiting for this. And it is here, finally. Well, it is almost here.

I'm talking about the official website of A.R.Rahman. The domain arrahman.com which was previously owned by Sony Music for the publicity of Warriors of Heaven and Earth and Vande Mataram, will now be the domain name for ARR's official website.

Right now, the page is almost done, and will be up in a few days. If you want to have a preview of the site, visit this link: http://www.arrahmanworld.net/

This is a temporary domain. The site will soon be migrated to www.arrahman.com

Happy B'day to ARR

2007-01-06T13:39:00.000+05:30

A.R.Rahman celebrates his 41st birthday today. And what's more? This is his 15th year in film industry, as a music director. Here's wishing him whole lot of wishes, and praying for his health and for success in everything he does!

Happy Birthday

2006-12-30T07:57:00.001+05:30

to the gal who never forgets birthdays!

Many happy returns, Visithra! May everyone keep thinking forever, that u are 22!

'Guru' Music - Review

2006-12-24T11:06:00.001+05:30

When ARR and Mani Ratnam work together, you expect nothing short of a masterpiece. And when Gulzar joins in, the expectations are bound to raise. And, the trio strike gold yet again, after Dil Se!

1. Barso Re
The song starts with base strings. Then Shreya Ghosal teases with "naa re.. naa re". Naveen joins in with playful flute bits. And the teasing continues. U know u are in for a treat!

Apart from Shreya, the other star in the song is Naveen's Flute. Apart from the brilliant starting and the first interlude (which I think is one of the best interludes in recent times), Naveen also joins Shreya in the second stanza (Kaali Kaali raatein...) taking it to a whole new level!

Rahman gives a sweet melody backed by foot tapping beats. He has this knack of perfectly blending western sounds with Indian music - even in folk and village songs - like he did in Bharathi Raja's Taj Mahal. He does it here too! The electronic drums and the synth sounds do not in any way deteriorate the rustic flavour in this song. In fact, coupled with the the awesome lyrics, u can actually visualise the village, the rains pouring all over the streets and ponds, the wet soil, the bulls in the fields (the "chal chal chal" sound throughout the song will reminds u of the bullock carts in villages).

Highlights of the song are the starting 'conversation' between Shreya and Naveen's Flute, the flute interlude, and Uday Mazumdar's cameo.

2. Tere Bina
Rahman loves doing sufi-based songs, and excels at them. And, here's one more to the list, sung by Rahman himself. In this song which ARR has dedicated to late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, ARR does sound like NFAK in some places. Rahman has grown a lot with respect to his singing, and he improves a lot with each song. Waiting for him to win a "best singer" award in the future!!

Chinmayi is absolutely splendid in this song. Her voice is so different and the diction is perfect. Having trained in Hindustani and having won AIR national level Ghazal contests, this must have been easy for her! You get more surprises towards the end of the song, when she sings a line in a very different base voice. Read what Chinmayi had to say about this song, here.

The guitar backing throughout the song creates that richness. Yet another masterpiece from Rahman, and a wonderful dedication to NFAK.
Highlight of the song is the "Dham Dhara" refrain.

3. Ek Lo, Ek Muft
A fun bhang song. Totally situational number - Abhishek singing this to celebrate the birth of twins. Gulzaar's funny lyrics and Bappi Lahiri's 'intoxicated' rendition perfectly match for this song. And then, a female voice joins in - And it is Chitra in a whole new dimension!

The "joiyya joiyya" chorus is really funny and makes me laugh each time I listen to this song. Just love the way the beat changes in the middle of the "joiyya joiyya laado...", in the second interlude (2:54).

Highlights of the song - definitely the female chorus, and of course "Meri Gudiya...Guruuuuuu ki gudiya" (4:07-4:17), with Chitra acknowledging the "meri gudiya" with a "hmmm". Yet another instance to show ARR's attention to minutest of details!

4. Maiyya Maiyya
When the song is an item number to be picturised on Mallika Sherawat, the voice has to be sensous. Rahman brings in Egyptian born Canadian singer Maryem Toller, and she simply rocks in this song. The Arabic and Egyptian influence in her rendition simply boosts the song. Chinmayee and Keerthi join in with whispering chorus from time to time. You think this is fully Arabic, when the Gujarati flavour comes in - this is supposed to be Junior B and his friends joining Mallika in the middle of the song.

Listen to this song in headphones for a wonderful treat, for this song is filled with numerous layers. Also, the music keeps moving from left to right to left, which can't be experienced fully unless u use headphones.

5. Ay Hairat-e-Aashiqui
The song starts with a accordion piece (played by ARR himself using his newly purchased Accordion, which he bought for this song). The "dham dhara" refrain from Tere Bina takes over along with tabla. And then, Hariharan joins in with his magical voice, backed by absolutely soothing strings and harmonium. Till about 1:55, u think this is a total Ghazal - but u are in for a huge surprise - fast beats and a western sounding interludes take over. And then it is back to the tabla! What's really breathtaking is the transition, which Rahman manages in style. Mellifluous Alka starts singing "Kyun Urdu Faarsi bolte ho" which is just out of the world!

Highlight of the song is when the tabla stops when Hari stops at "jagaa mat" (1:02) and "lagaa mat" (1:11). Rahman proves that not just sound but even the lack of it, is music!

Not often does it happen that a song sung by ARR takes a backseat in my favourites list in an album. This song overtakes Tere Bina. It is definitely one of the sweetest duets in a long time!

6. Baazi Laga
Sung by Udit and Madhushree, this track is a typical 80s number, with fast beats and heavy instrumentation. The interludes, the chorus, instrumentation - everything reminds us of that period. This is the song that might not be picturised or might be pushed to background like Dol Dol (Yuva).

Highlight of the song is the "La La La" (3:03 - 3:25).

7. Jaage Hain
A lullaby, which is like the theme of the movie. Mani Ratnam mentioned in an interview that this track will be there through out the movie.
The track starts off slowly with Chitra singing "Jaage hain", followed by the strings and the chorus. When everything else stops but for the bass guitar and cello, Rahman starts whispering "jaage hain....". The track reaches its crescendo with Rahman singing the same lines at a high pitch.

Rahman's stint with theatre and Broadway musicals is clearly evident in this track, which features very rich strings and instrumentation coupled with awesome chorus of Madras Choral group.

Overall, yet another masterpiece from ARR-Mani combo. With such variety (Sufi, rustic rain song, bhang song, opera piece, ghazal), technical brilliance and instrumental brilliance, Guru has to be the album of the year!

Random Quote

2006-11-25T12:08:00.000+05:30

Only a mouse finds its hands full with a couple of food grains. Small desires do not behove you. Commit yourself to a lofty target worthy of you. Be convinced that you will succeed.

-from MahaBharatha, Udyogaparva, Mother Kunthi’s exhortation to the Pandava princes and Krishna

Happy Birthday...

2006-11-19T07:15:00.000+05:30

... to blog ulagin kuzhal illaa Kannan 'Magix n Curses' Harish. This self-proclaimed "appaavi pulla" is turning 21 today.
And here's my wishes to him for being lucky to have got CAT exam as a birthday gift!! All the best to everyone writing CAT today!

Vallavan - He surely doesn't know what to do!

2006-11-12T08:27:00.000+05:30

I never would have watched this movie, had it not been for the hype and hoopla surrounding it... and I have learnt a lesson - never watch a Simbu movie, how much ever it is hyped! First half was watchable, but the movie goes totally haywire in second half. It is obvious that Simbu was all at sea. None of the characters seem to be well etched out.

Simbu has tried way too much and failed miserably. The worst thing about the movie was Simbu trying to be superstar - the close-ups (which are scary), punch dialogues, his so-called style and actions. Does he really think people like watching him do all that? And, poor poor Reema Sen - she has never looked so bad till now, and i don't think she will look worse than this!

Yuvan's music was hyped as well. But, nothing great there. Vallavaa was the only song which was listenable. I still don't understand why people go ga-ga over Loosu Penne. That is one of the most irritating songs I have heard. Re-recording was noisy at some places, making the dialogues inaudible.

Vallavan is way too much toruture (more than 3 hours) to inflict on oneself, however much one is angry with oneself! Please avoid!!

Missing you!

2006-11-05T07:03:00.000+05:30

It is two weeks since you left me. I haven't got over you. How can I? I still can't digest the fact that I am not going to see you again? I miss you so much. We were together for only 2 months. But, the impact is so big!

You always rememberd when I had to wake up early and woke me up on time, lest I should get late. With you around, I was never bored. I still remember the way you lit up on my touch.

It is two weeks since you left me. I know I am never gonna get you back. I know life has to move on. I know that there will be a replacement for you. But the transition phase is tough and long, you see. Buying two cell phones in a span of 2 months is not easy on the pocket too! Damn the guy who stole my mobile!!!

Song of the Month - Azhagiya Cinderella

2006-10-31T22:47:00.000+05:30

My song of the month - Azhagiya Cinderella from Kangalaal Kaidhu Sei, rendered by Hariharan.
The slow but strong western beats with piano chords set the tone for a soft melody. When Hariharan starts with "AruvigaL meley nokki paaigiradhey", you just reach another world. Both the interludes are so fresh and new. The konji konji chorus keeps haunting me all the time! And, the sax interlude - Jus brilliant! I dont think anyone else in TFM uses sax as beautifully as ARR does.
The backing harmony during the two charanams (at very low volume, can be heard prominently if the main vocals are removed) are perfect examples of the maestro's attention to even minute details. If you listen carefully, you can actually listen another voice apart from Hari's and this is a slightly different tune altogether - it is more like a recital than singing! These add a totally new dimension to the song when listened to in a 5:1 speaker system!

One of my all time favourites!

Mid-day writes about my blog!

2006-10-28T15:21:00.000+05:30

The Bangalore Edition of Mid Day dated 26.11.2006, carried an article about my blog.
But I came to know of this only today and I could not get the newspaper despite looking for it all over the city!
If anyone reading this blog has that particular issue, please.. please.... please let me know (My mail id and yahoo id are on the left side-bar). I will come and collect it!

There's something written about me and my blog, and the world has read it - only I dont know what was written!!! Cha... unfair!

Wierd tag!

2006-10-27T06:19:00.000+05:30

Tagged by PK
Am supposed to write 6 wierd things about me... so, here we go!

1. I love to hangout with friends, but wouldn't mind being alone in my room too - only if I have my comp!
2. Addicted to F.R.I.E.N.D.S off late, watching 5-6 episodes daily!
3. I sometimes get addicted to one song (not necessarily a new one) and listen to it even 20 times a day!
4. I dont drink coffee, tea or Pepsi/Coke!
5. I wake up really early (5.30-6.00 am) even without an alarm clock, even if I hit the bed pretty late!
6. I'm just not able to find out 6 wierd things about me!!!

Ok.. me not tagging anyone.... Whoever is interested can take it up...

A.R.Rahman's protest!

2006-10-13T01:13:00.000+05:30

A.R.Rahman has taken up a task in hand - and he wants to achieve his goal even if it is at the cost of losing projects! Yes... He has opted out of the Red Chillies production (Shah Rukh Khan's) Om Shanti Om to be directed by Farah Khan. This has been the hot topic of Bollywood, this week!

The task at hand - To force the audio companies to share the publishing rights with the composer and the lyricist. What does Rahman have to say about this?

"I want to push for the copyright of composers and lyricists, even producers. I'm not saying that I want to be the sole proprietor of the songs I compose. But I want a share. There's nothing wrong with that. I can't run to music companies like T-Series and Sa Re Ga Ma every time I need to use my own song."*

A.R.Rahman has taken up this issue seriously, and is ready to face the repercussions.

"I'm standing up for what I think is right. Yes, producers will back out. But that's fine. I'm not insecure about my career. If I lose out on some assignments in Mumbai I'm ready to bear with the loss. I've always been asked why I haven't done a non-film album. Now, I have the time to do that."*

Meanwhile, media has started coming up with baseless stories of SRK replacing A.R.Rahman as he did not like ARR's tunes.
Rahman himself has clarified this issue:

"In fact Shah Rukh tried his utmost to see and to put forward my point of view. Unfortunately, T-Series, the music company which will market the music of Om Shanti Om, would have none of it."*

When worldover, the musicians and lyricists are given rights, why not in India? Also, according to the Indian copyright act, the rights of a soundtrack rest with the composer, lyricist too unless specified otherwise in a contract!

There are many right holders in a musical sound recording. For example, the lyricist who wrote the lyrics, the composer who set the music, the singer who sang the song, the musician (s) who performed the background music, and the person or company who produced the sound recording.

Source: A HAND BOOK OF COPYRIGHT LAW, Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development & Ministry of Secondary Education and Higher Education.

Having studied Indian Copyright Laws and having done a project on Music Copyrights as a part of my course, my understanding of the practices in the industry is this: The music companies like T-Series make the composer and lyricist sign a contract which transfers all ownership to the music companies!

A.R.Rahman has started the fight to change the way the music industry is functioning in India. ARR is not asking for not exclusive rights (some singers abroad do that!), but only a share! And, T-series and other music companies don't want to give even that!!!

"Chaiyya Chaiyya" is now creating waves not because of the audio company which owns the rights! Bombay Theme is famous world over, not because of the audio company. A.R.Rahman has taken Indian music worldwide, and the music companies are reaping the benefits. It is only fair that ARR receives the financial gains for these usages of his works in foreign films and serials. But, the highest paid composer in India is not fighting for monetary gains, but beyond that! He wants to change the practices in the industry, which seem to be unfair to the creators!

A.R.Rahman has tasted some success in his protest, as he has got the share of copyrights for his forthcoming film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, produced by Aamir Khan. Will the others follow suit in sharing the rights?

*Source of Rahman's Interview: Mumbai Mirror

More "Chaiyya Chaiyya" in US

2006-10-12T11:55:00.000+05:30

The popularity of Chaiyya Chaiyya abroad keeps rising!! It is really old news that the song was used in the Spike Lee movie "Inside Man". What's new is, the song was used in the TV Series Smith (Season 1, Episode 1) in CBS TV in the US.

Catch the video clip of that episode with Chaiyya, here

Rang De Basanti and Lage Raho Munnabhai

2006-10-07T10:55:00.000+05:30

Two very unconventional movies released this year - RDB & LRMB. Both are very different - the plot, the way of storytelling, the theme everything is different... but, hey.... there are some interesting co-incidences between these two movies!

Both of these movies talk about philosophies of freedom fighters (Gandhigiri in LRMB and the Bhagat Singh's strategy of sacrificing himself so that the world gets to know their views, in RDB).
To reach out to the masses, the protagonists in both films use Radio as the medium!
Both are unconventional and fresh themes - unlike the usual family drama stuff or skin flicks that are churned out these days
Both are hugely successful
Both are going to Oscars!

Interesting, isn't it?

From Dadagiri to Gandhigiri - Lage Raho!

2006-10-02T18:30:00.000+05:30

It was just a coincidence that I watched Lage Raho Munnabhai on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti for I did not know that the movie was even related to Mahatma Gandhi.

Munnabhai and Circuit are back - this time, with a different message and a different story - What happens when a Bambaiyya don "meets" Mahatma! Though the movie is filled out and out with comedy, it doesn't just stop there - it also delivers the strong message of "Gandhigiri"(Munna's term for 'being Gandhivaadhi'!). Bambaiyya hindi used throughout the movie is enjoyable!

Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi shine throughout the movie - be it in the comic scenes or the emotional ones. Boman Irani as a Punjabi builder, gets ample footage and he does a brilliant job!

The gorgeous Vidya Balan plays the role of Jhaanvi, a bubbly Worldspace RJ. There is not much screentime for her in this movie, but she has done her bit perfectly! Her "Good Morniiinnnnnnnnng Mumbaaaaai" has become famous and is already being commonly used by youth when they meet thier friends and also in Yahoo Chats!
Check out Jhanvi's Good Morniiiinnnnng Mumbai clip here

Dialogues were good in many places, especially the ones carrying Gandhiji's messages. Some of my favourites:

"chaata maarna aasaan hai, maafi maangne ke liye himmat chahiye, beta.. yeh kaarayon ka kaam nahin hai" (It is easy to slap someone, but to apologise, one needs courage. It is not something for cowards.)

"Bhai, mujhe to barso pehle maar diya tha.. Par mere vichaaar teen goliyon se nahin marne wale hain." (I was assassinated years back, but my thoughts are not the ones which die because of 3 bullets!)

"Bachpan mein jab tu jhooth bolti thi, to tera baap taxi pakad ke bhaag jaata tha kya?"

Films like Rang De Basanti and Lage Raho Munnabhai are the only hopes of saving Bollywood from the Karan Johars of the world! Kudos to Vidhu Vinod Chopra & Rajkumar Hirani for this brilliant effort.

Positives: Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani and of course, the theme of "Gandhigiri".
Negatives: Gets a bit preachy, but it is inevitable.

Kya jhakaas movie hai! Aise picture bahut kam ich dekhne ko milte hain aajkal... Apun bolta hai, miss nahin karne ka, maamoo!

Update: The melody "Pal Pal Pal" from this movie is a total copy of the song "Theme for a dream" by Cliff Richard. Shantanu Moitra too joins the list of Copycats!!!
Listen to both the songs here.

Two Rahman movies in the Oscar Race!

2006-09-25T21:44:00.000+05:30

Yes.... Rang De Basanti is India's entry to Oscars 2006.

It's official: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Rang De Basanti is India's entry to the Oscars next year. So, Aamir Khan heads to the Oscars yet again.

http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/25rdb.htm

And, the second one?
Deepa Mehta's Water will be Canada's Official entry to Oscars.

Canada has set a record for foreign Oscar submissions by nominating a Hindi-language film, the Deepa Mehta-directed Water. Delhi-raised Mehta has made Toronto her home for over two decades and Water is the most successful of the seven films she has made in 15 years.

http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/22water.htm

It's Himesh now!!

2006-09-23T07:06:00.000+05:30

It seems to be the season for composers to make ridiculous statements. My previous post was about Pritam. Now it is Himesh's turn. Himesh claims himself to be the "first global rockstar" of India. He put out full page ads in national dailies saying the same!

When asked if he is better and higher than all-time music greats like Lata Mangeshkar and AR Rahman, he says - “Lataji is my guru and I am not comparing myself to Rahman. If they did not claim to be stars, what can I do?”

Mr. Himesh, have u heard of the word "modesty"?!

The next Anu Malik?

2006-09-17T13:38:00.000+05:30

Wondering who could succeed Anu Malik as the next big copycat in bollywood? It is none other than Pritam - the composer of successful albums like Dhoom, Gangster among others. Surprised? Let me add that some of his most famous compositions were blatant tune lifts - Dhoom Macha Le (Dhoom) and almost all songs of Gangster!
itwofs.com, the database of 'inspired' indian film songs, lists 20 complete tune lifts by Pritam - in just 3 years!!! At this rate, he can easily dethrone Anu Malik.

Pritam was in news recently. His all famous Ya Ali (Gangster) was a total ripoff of Ya Ghali by the Arabic band, Guitarra. Unfortunately for Pritam, the company which produced the original is owned by none other than the Prince of Saudi Arabia, who is considering legal action against Pritam and the producers.

What's funny is the way Pritam reacted to this news, in an interview to Musicindiaonline.

"I’ve earned Rs. 60,000 for Ya Ali. So if Guitarras wants to share my profits for it they are welcome."

Seasons!

2006-09-13T12:59:00.000+05:30

PS: Today is positive thinking day!

Vellore Fort

2006-08-30T07:51:00.000+05:30

Clicked these pictures of the fort at Vellore (Tamil Nadu), this summer. This fort is of historical significance. This was where the first ever mutiny against the British took place - in 1806 - long before the Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut in 1857!
The 200th anniversary of this event was celebrated recently. Kumudam.com has a special feature about this fort (dated 14.08.'06).

The moat has water throughout the year, surprisingly! I have never seen the moat dry! Now, boating has been introduced in the moat!

Loved the brilliant painting on the sky, by nature! A part of the fort can be seen as silhouette on the left.

Update: All 3 pics above are silhouettes and the details are not visible. So, here we go - one more snap, with better detail!

Song of the Month - Warriors in Peace

2006-08-24T20:39:00.000+05:30

This is a masterpiece composed by A.R.Rahman, for the Chinese movie "Warriors of Heaven and Earth" (Tian di ying xiong). There are 3 versions - the English version sung by Sunita Sarathy, hindi version sung by Sadhna Sargam and the Chinese version sung by Jolin Tsai (known as the Madonna of China).

I just love Sunitha's rendition of the song. Blaaze has done a great job with the lyrics. Few of my fav lines from the song:

Call me when you need a friend
To be with you until the end
As the mountains crumble to the sea
Share your loneliness with me
Trouble always finds a way
To keep you further everyday
if only the end justified the means

For the complete lyrics, go here (this is a blog of a foreigner who has fallen in love with A.R.Rahman's music after listening to WOHE.)

Listen to the english version here.

Upload music at Bolt.

For the hindi version, click here.
It's a pity that this album which won the hearts of many worldwide is hardly known to people in India! However, many might have heard the tracks of this album because these tracks have been copied by many Indian composers including Yuvan (Oru Kallooriyin Kadhai), Vidyasagar (HulChul, Maja) , Niru (kalaaba kaadhalan) and are also being used as BGMs in many TV serials, as title music for many game shows - none of them credit the tracks to A.R.Rahman!

Dreamzzz !

2006-08-22T23:56:00.000+05:30

When your Dreamz turn to Dust

---- Vaccum ----

Sillunu Oru Kadhal Audio - Review

2006-08-21T08:17:00.000+05:30

The album came out after a long wait. There was lot of hype surrounding it. The producers of the film kept attaching lots of importance to the music and to ARR. So, lot of expectations on this album!
Does it live up to the expectations? Well, more than just meeting the expectations - it truly rocks and might well be the album of the year... err.... probably not... Guru is releasing in October!

Kummi Adi (or Ammi Midhichaachu):
An energetic folk number with fast beats.
Naresh rocks... Had a discussion with Deepak, about Naresh's voice in this song - he was wondering if it was Naresh in this song!! I felt Naresh's voice has so many dimensions. He sounded so soft in Tu bin bataaye (RDB) and Myiliragey (Ah Aah), sounded very different in Roobaroo and Paathshaala (RDB), and had that rustic feel in Kammaaa karaiyile (Godfather). His voice sounds so different in each one, and in this song, it is the "kamma karaiyile" dimension!! It was great listening to Swarnalatha, Seergaazhi Sivachidambaram and Theni Kunjaramma!
Already a chart buster.

Sillunu Oru Kaadhal:
Typical jazz song of 1970-80s. The beats, bass guitar arrangements, sax interludes, instrumentation - everything give us that retro-jazz feel. ARR proves once again that he can give a master any genre! Total fun song. Tanvi's voice is so fresh and apt for the mood, and the cat mewing sounds are so enjoyable.

Munbey vaa:
A soothing melody by Shreya Ghoshal and Naresh. The string arrangements are brilliant through out the song, especially during Shreya's humming after the first "rangoli" chorus. The starting instrumental and the BGMs (is it santoor?) are so cute. Highlight is the Rangoli part.

Maaricham:
Rahman loves to experiment a lot and break all rules. And he has gone totally unconventional in this song . This song doesn't follow the usual routine of pallavi-interludes-2 similar saranams.
The song starts of in a slow, high pitched opera-song-kinda mode and then the fast beats take over. Carolissa handles the high pitch portions throughout the song with ease.
The song shifts to a totally different mood after about 3 mins, when she says "Gautam" (it does sound like a mohini pisasu, as Harish pointed out !!) and Aslam takes over. Aslam's portion is melodious and is backed by fast percussion and wonderful string arrangements. The "tejo mayam " ending is good.

Machakkaari:
A peppy number. Shankar Mahadevan and Vasundara Das create magic. Loved the part when shankar sings "Thaangadhe Machakkaari" -starting from a low note for "thaangaadhe" and dragging on the "machakkaari" part to a high pitch and then goes "ohhh"... lovely! And, the bass guitar peice at the end of the stanza is mind-blowing! Potential chart-topper.

Mazaa Mazaa:
Shreya Ghoshal sung Thazhuvudhu Nazhuvudhu (Ah Aah) with SPB. This time, she pairs up with SPB Charan for a similar kind of song. Charan has tried to sound like his dad and succeeded in many places!
Just loved the percussion arrangements and the transistion from one mode to another! Very light percussion in the starting, and then some very heavy percussion at 1:07 - u keep listening and never know then shift in beats happened - so smooth! The starting ("mm mm hmm") is so addictive. Highlight of the song is the point (4:13) when all percussions stop, Shreya sarts to sing "Jillunu oar...", stops, giggles and then SPB Charan completes "Jillunu oar Ginger beeru thaan"... Awesommme!
Also love the part when both sing "kandaal Paavam unda....." (3:07-3:13) - SPBC sings that line from high to low pitch and Shreya goes from low to high... brilliant!

New York:
Definitely the pick of the album. A guy-misses- his-gal song - a very common theme, but the song is so fresh. Everything about this song is so different. The tune is very unusual and unpredictable and makes you keep guessing all the time.
This is second song in this theme in Rahman's voice, the first being "Mera yaar milaa de" from Saathiya. I dont think anyone else could have done justice to this song other than Rahman - wowwww - he just takes u in to that mood.
I was spellbound by the starting of the song itself, when i heard it for the first time. The "hmmm hmmm" (which keeps continuing to about 1 min) starting is so innovative. After some heavy acoustic guitar strumming in Roobaroo and Luka Chupi, Rahman continues that trend again and it adds to the mood. The lyrics by vaali are just awesome.

Best album in recent times.... Haven't got the album yet? What are u waiting for?

Tagged again!

2006-08-20T07:12:00.000+05:30

Ponnarasi tagged me again... So, here we go!

I'm thinking about: Deadlines!!
I said (say): Take it easy! Chill Maadi!
I wish: I could walk in space
I hear: New York Nagaram (Sillunu Oru Kaadhal)
I wonder: why life is soooooo unpredictable
I am: a dreamer!
I dance(d): very rarely!
I sing: always!
I cry: when people really close to me are in trouble.
I'm always: cool and relaxed! Take it easy policy!!!
I make with my hands: Nowadays, everything is thru comp!!
I write: hardly anything other than my assignments
I get confused: sometimes...
I need: a vacation!!!!

And, I tag:
Visithra
Sheky
Fun2Fun
Thamizhan

Chinna Chinna Aasai

2006-08-16T00:01:00.000+05:30

One of my long term chinna aasai-s was fulfilled yesterday! Ya... finally got the A.R.Rahman T-shirt on independence day.

Thanks to rahmantimes team for the brilliant work!

Vande Mataram!

2006-08-15T09:46:00.000+05:30

"Let us for a moment pause to reflect what it is that for which we would like to be remembered for by future generations. Will we be remembered for how many mosques our generation has added, will we be remembered for how many temples our generation has added or will we be remembered for how many gurudwaras our generation has added?

No, not at all. We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with civilisational heritage."

- Hon'ble President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalaam

Happy Independence Day!
Vande Mataram!

Thanimai Thanimaiyo!

2006-08-07T09:19:00.000+05:30

New York nagaram song (Sillunu Oru Kadhal) lyrics.

Friendships are Forever!

2006-08-03T11:35:00.000+05:30

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."

- Charles Caleb Colton

But, I believe true friendship can never be lost. True, there may be differences, there may be rifts - but the bond of true friendship is strong and powerful to overcome these.

When writing this post, I am reminded of "Yeh Dosti" song from Sholay - the sidecar separates from the bike at one point of time - similar to rifts in friendship! But, then it is only a matter of time before it comes and joins with the bike! Friendships are forever!
Don't forget to wish your friend on Friendship Day - this sunday! It is a way of telling him/her that he/she is special to you!

Sillunu Oru Kadhal hoardings!!

2006-08-01T18:37:00.000+05:30

During the launch of the movie Sillunu Oru Kadhal (earlier known as Jillunu Oru Kadhal or Jillendru Oru kadhal), there were posters all over Chennai city with just the foto of A.R.Rahman! I had written about this here in January!

Now, for the movie release/audio release, huge hoardings have been put up in Chennai, which have just ARR's foto covering the entire hoarding!!! I just love the importance the producers are attaching to the music! Audio is expected to release tomorrow or day-after!Till then, you can listen to the samples in Raaga! Here's the complete track list! (from Ferrari's blog)

Location: Venkatnarayana road (T.Nagar), opp Ekayars petrol bunk

More fotos here.

Update: One more SOK hoarding featuring ARR, has been put up near Central Station. This is the pic that is used in the hoarding, couldn't get a pic of the actual hoarding, though.

PS: This is my 100th post!!!

Song of the month - Poongatrile

2006-07-26T19:46:00.000+05:30

I have been repeatedly listening to "Poongatrilae" from Uyire (Ae Ajnabi/Dil Se) of late. And, this doesnt bore me even if I listen to it 10 times a day!!!

The song startes of with a rustic feel to it through the simple beats, and then when Swarnalatha starts of with "Kannil oru vali irundhaal" it takes you in to that mood of sorrow and pain. That heavy, base voice of Unni Menon fits the song aptly (though, I feel Udit's rendition of Ae Ajnabi is better!)

ARR excels with the music for the song, but Vairamuthu is not far behind with the lyrics, thus making it a perfect song. This is one of my favourites of Vairamuthu. The fact that the song is played on the radio by Shah Rukh, is brought out in many places in the lyrics, without losing the essence of the song.

Kaattrin alaivarisai kaetkkindradhaa ?
Kaetkkum paattil oru uyir vizhum kanneer vazhigindradhaa ?
Nenju nanaigindradhaa ?
Idhayam karugum oru vaasam varugindradhaa ?

Kaattril kanneerai yaettri
Kavidhai sendhaenai oottri
Kannae un vaasal saerthaen
Oyum jeevan odum munnae ododi vaa ...

Picture this... The hero works in the radio station. He has no clue about the whereabouts of his love. The only way he can reach out to her is through the air-waves. He transmits his feelings to her, by airing this song on the radio... and the song's lyrics capture not just the mood, but also the medium though which he reaches her!!! - "I add my tears to the air, with some sweet poetry, and deliver to your house!"
Just brilliant! What more could one ask for! Vairamuthu is Vairamuthu!

One of my fav songs - for the music, lyrics and the rendition!!!

Raaga.com link:
http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0000185.html

Paper-clip becomes a house!!!

2006-07-24T15:02:00.000+05:30

Kyle McDonald, a Canadian blogger, started off with a red-coloured paper clip and through a series of online barters, finally, has ended up with a house all to himself!!! He started with the goal of getting a house - in July 2005.

His transactions:

One red paper clip --> fish shaped pen --> A doorknob --> Camping stove --> Generator --> Beer Keg --> Snowmobile --> Trip to Yakh, Canada --> A van --> A music recording contract --> one-year rent free accomodation --> An Afternoon with musician Alice Cooper --> A Snow Globe --> Hollywood movie role --> House in Kipling

And here's his blog:
http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/

And the BBC news report:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5167388.stm

A.R.Rahman bowls Hollywood!

2006-07-18T09:41:00.000+05:30

A.R.Rahman enthralled a 18000-strong audience in Hollywood on Sunday. Mumbai Mirror reports that more than 70% of the audience were Americans, which is sharp contrast to any other Indian show held in the US, where in the stands would be filled with Indians and south-asians - One more fact to prove that A.R.Rahman has become "truly global"!!!

This was what Hariharan said at Hollywood Bowl "1965- Beatles, 1968 - Jimmy Hendricks, 2006 - Rahman perfoms at the Hollywood Bowl"

(Thanks to Wasim, arrahmanfans)

"And the boyish-looking A R Rahman - who sings and plays piano as well as composes for films and musicals - is the biggest. Usually "World Music Night" at the Bowl (or anywhere) is a reserved affair, tepid exoticism for college educated white Americans: "Let's have a hand for Mauritania's greatest guitarist." But when A R Rahman was introduced as having sold more albums than Michael Jackson, I knew I was in for something far, far bigger than most of us Angelenos expected. It was a spectacular concert. And frankly, I believe India produces the greatest pop music on the planet. Certainly better than what passes for pop in America these days, and far, far better than the canned, syrupy pop music you'll find in most other countries, from France to Taiwan."

(from marktapiokines journal)

Comment from another American who attended the concert (Thanks to Gopal, arrahmanfans):

"The concert was fabulous - oh, those arrangements, the voices (Rahman's is so powerful!), the joy, the energy...it was a delight. The audience was full to the brim and dancing up a storm. "

One Year in Blogsville!

2006-07-11T08:43:00.000+05:30

Yeah... Its one year since I started blogging...
And it has been great - Got many new friends - many of whom, I am yet to meet! (will try to be present for the next blogger's meet!!)

Highly trained monkeys!

2006-07-07T17:52:00.000+05:30

Tried logging on to youtube today, and this is the error message I got!!! Made me smile even though my login attempt failed.

Worldspace signature tune launched!

2006-07-04T14:53:00.000+05:30

The Signature tune composed by A.R.Rahman for Worldspace was launched yesterday. A.R.Rahman has also featured in the ads of Worldspace. Worldspace is on an agressive campaign to build their brand in India.

The Worldspace website worldspace.in has some really cool pics of A.R.Rahman, on each page!

Hosted on Zooomr

Update: The signature tune and A.R.Rahman HQ wallpapers are available for download on the Worldspace India Site.

Song of the month - Uyire Uyire

2006-06-26T17:23:00.000+05:30

I am starting a new section - Song of the month... NOOOO.. this is not the "No.1 song" thats topping the charts for the month, but this is MY song of the month. (Many a time, I get stuck to sone song and listen to it even 10 times a day and this continues for many days before I shift to another song! So, the song featured will most probably be the song that had haunted me recently!) I will discuss one A.R.Rahman song each month. So, here's the first one.

"Uyire Uyire" from Bombay - The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity. Unlike most ARR songs, there is very minimal usage of instruments. ARR once said in an interview that, to make a song successful, what is very important is to know which instrument should "stop" and at which point, and also, which instrument not to use for a song! And very rightly ARR struck gold with minimal instruments for this song.

Hariharan and Chitra weaved magic with their voices. The sorrow, longing and pain is so beautifully conveyed by Hariharan. The point at which Hari stops and Chitra starts off for the first time - oh... brilliant... I get goosebumps at that point, every single time I listen to this song! As always, Naveen mesmerises with the amazing flute interlude!

This song remains fresh after more than a decade, and will remain fresh forever!

Raaga Link:
http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/movie/T0000035.html

Mudhalvan, Vettaiyadu Vilayadu and Youth!

2006-06-17T20:12:00.000+05:30

Whats common to these 3 movies, u wonder? Listen to the 3 audio clips below. (Dialup friendly - less than 50 kb each). Nothing more to say!!! Just listen to the clips and u will get the point!

First is from Uppu Karuvadu from Muthalvan (1999) - A.R.Rahman

And, this is from Karka Karka - Vettaiyadu Vilayadu (2006) - Harris Jayaraj

And the last one from Sakkarai Nilave - Youth (2002) - Mani Sharma

Audio powered by Castpost

Tagged again!

2006-05-31T06:52:00.000+05:30

Tagged by PK.

1.Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4. Ans. "Don't mention Kemal and cloning in the same breath. I cant handle it." - The Sky is falling, Sidney Sheldon

2.Stretch your left arm out as far as you can & catch air? Ans. Yes... Just air!!

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? Ans. Samachar Plus (DD News)

4. Without looking, guess what time it is? Ans. 7.00

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? Ans. 6.58

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? Ans. Chinna Chinna Aasai.

7.When did you last step outside? What were you doing? Ans. Went to Mahapalipuram 2 days back!

8.Before you started this survey, what did you look at? Ans. PK 's Blog!

9.What are you wearing? Ans. Shorts & T-shirt

10.When did you last laugh? Ans.

11.What is on the walls of the room you are in? Ans. A calendar.

12.Seen anything weird lately? Ans. Yes. This tag!!!

13.What do you think of this quiz? Ans. Brilliant quiz... Done by Siddharth Basu?

14.What is the last film you saw? Ans. Ice Age 2: Melt Down

15. If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy? Ans. List would be too long to fit here!!!

16.Tell me something about you that I dunno Ans. Tell me what you know about me!

17.If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? Ans. Abolish corruption.

18.Do u like to Dance Ans. Yes!

19. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Ans. No idea! Hello... sudden-aa kettaa epdi?

20 Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call her? Ans. Soooper question...
If my first child is a boy, I donno what I would call her!!!!

21.Would you ever consider living abroad? Ans. No way... Ye jo des hai mera... Swades hai mera!

22.What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates? Ans. "Hey... How come you are here? It's not time for you yet!!!"

Me not tagging anybody!

First Rose!

2006-05-19T14:22:00.000+05:30

Nee thandha Roja

Nee mudhan mudhalil parisaaga thandhadhu - oru Roja!
AnRu mudhal India-ve unnai kaadhalikka thuvangiyadhu!

InRu andha rojavai kandu ulagamey viyakkiradhu
Ulagin siRandhua pathu thirai isai thoguppugaLil
adhu idam peruvadhaal!

A.R.Rahman's Roja is among the World's Top 10 Movie Soundtracks of all time!

PS: This list was announced about a year back. This is old news, but not many are aware of this! So, I thought I would jus mention it here! :D

New Template?

2006-05-13T07:47:00.000+05:30

Well... not really!!!
Tampered with the alignment a little... made just a few colour changes...

Feedback please!!

Always Rocking Rahman!!!

2006-05-10T14:03:00.000+05:30

ARR has been in the news over the past 2-3 weeks. Big corporates rush to sign in ARR... Pooja for a new film... Loads of interesting news... Here's all the info!!!

A.R.Rahman is Tamilnadu's biggest icon, along with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalaam and Superstar Rajnikanth! In the online poll conducted by CNN-IBN, all three of them got 18% votes! (Source: Zee News)
Nokia joins hands with ARR for "Pray for me Brother" - the album that ARR composed for the United Nations Millennium Campaign for poverty alleviation. (Source: Sify)
Reliance - Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG) ropes in A.R.Rahman to compose a theme song for its commercials. (Source: Financial Express) . Update: ARR has turned down this offer.
The pooja for A.R.Rahman's new movie Sakkaraikatti was held last week. Seems to be youthful film.
ARR has confirmed that the film Elizabeth 2 by Shekhar Kapoor is on and ARR is working for it!

Lookin forward to all these!!!!!!

The Festival of Gold?

2006-04-30T13:18:00.000+05:30

Akshaya Trithiya, the festival which is being celebrated today, is supposed to be the festival of prosperity, luck and success. But, thanx to the jewllers and media, it had become "the festival of gold". This sudden gold-rush is purely due to promos by the jewllery stores. I remember reading somewhere, that no where in the scriptures is the connection between AT and gold mentioned. What has happened is mere commercialisation of an otherwise little-known festival!

When you buy gold on AT, it leads to increase in wealth and prosperity - for the jewellers, of course!

My first tag!!

2006-04-21T06:35:00.000+05:30

I got tagged by max-enthu gal Mythreyee (aka Vasu). She is also celebrating her b'day today. Before i get on to my tag, here's wishing her a very happy birthday!!!

And, here's the tag: Middle-age Mutant Kizhinja Kattil (enna title...Epdi vasu... epdi....epdi!!! )

What kinda power(s) would you choose, if you could undergo bad-ass mutations? You can mention a maximum of 3 powers you'd like. And try to be imaginative... We don't want another Nightcrawler or Mystique! Tag 4 more people.

Powers I would want:

1. Selective invisibility - similar to stealth settings in Yahoo! Messenger. U decide who can see u and who cant. Woud be fun as well as useful, right?
2. Power to convert any food stuff to chocolate/ice cream at will!

Now, I tag Visit, Sheky, Shriedhar and Ponnarasi. Let ur creative juices flow.. lets see some interesting powers.

Kannukku Mai Azhagu

2006-04-13T05:50:00.000+05:30

Here's my next audio post. A duet-mix that I did.
Song is "Kannukku Mai Azhagu" by Unni Menon and P.Susheela.

Listen to it here:

Powered by Castpost

Download better quality MP3 here.

PS:VeeKay, many many happy returns of the day!!!!! Hav a great time :)

Forever Friends!

2006-04-03T08:20:00.000+05:30

Me suddenly in mood for quotations... Donno why!!! So, here goes:

"Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end."

Assume!

2006-03-30T05:59:00.000+05:30

"To assume is to make an ASS of U n ME."

Came across this quote which I had scribbled down in my notes, while mugging for exam! Yeah... I remember my prof saying this in class, but dont remember, in what context it was!!!