People in the world know him after Oscar, but people in India know him right from his first movie Roja (which gave him a National Award from Indian Government). Yes, this is about the man who has the last two letters of Oscar as initials – A.R.Rahman. It’s really tough to capsule about him in a single post (planning for a cover story).

            I remember Rahman saying in an interview that he thought of quitting from film industry immediately after his first movie as he was not sure whether he could match the expectations. But he took up the challenge, changed these expectations to vocals and scored high. Rahman is a perfectionist. Only if a tune satisfies him he will give the same to the director. And so he composes slow but wins steadily unlike other composers who score well for some and worse for many.

            He innovates to the core and tries different styles. There are many songs where he has tried fusion music (mixing classical and western or western and folk). A real treat to music lovers is when he sings. He has sung many songs (one of Oscar nominated Oh saya was sung by him) which are really hard even to hum. He has a thirst to make his music echo worldwide and he very well grabbed the opportunity to compose Bombay Dreams (his first foreign project).

            Apart from movies he has also composed many albums for noble cause. “Unity of light” was established by him for cancer patients in remembrance of Late. Mahesh (veteran music director from South India).

            “I had a chance to choose between love and hatred. I chose love and I am here.” Much dignified speech at the red carpet (Oscar stage). Now why the title “From Ujala to Oscar”? Rahman worked for many advertisements before stepping to film industry and his first project was Ujala (a detergent product) and his salary was only around $10. But now his achievement is beyond description.

            When I think of Rahman my mind asks “Are these people born as a genius?” Not at all.It is only the hard work which has taken them to heights which can be reached only if we work harder and smarter.

                        A.R.R– Please keep playing without any pause!