Rahman- A Rare Genius

A genius always makes him mark early. You always know a genius when you see one.Their stuff separates them from the herd.When Sachin Tendulkar made his debut as a 16 year old the world knew that they were witnessing a phenomenon unfold. Similarly when Roger Federer downed "Grass-emperor" Pete Sampras, the tennis community knew that he was going to make it really big. When Ilayaraja, the Maestro, started with his "Annakili" the people knew he was going to be a trendsetter and he lived upto it. Similarly, when Roja hit the screens and its music took India by storm, the country knew that this new kid on the block was going to redefine the way music was made in this country and would be the face of Indian music for many years to come. Thus started the journey of A.R.Rahman

Before Rahman broke into the scene, Tamil music was monopoplized by Ilayaraja, the Maestro. While he churned out chartbusters at a perplexing rate and while his genius was never in doubt, he started stagnating quite a bit towards a late 80's and early 90's. It was the same orchestrated scores with pallavi-charanam format, the use of same instruments, minimal technology and same voices. While the music was compelling in itself, Tamil music definitely needed a makeover. Then Roja happened.It took India by storm. The reason for its unprecedented success was because it was fresh and different. Nobody had heard anything like that before. The tunes, the intruments, voices, technology, recording everything was different.Coming from a debutant, it was bold stuff. Roja made India, stand up and take notice of A.R.Rahman. Soon a national award ensued. It was the first time ever a debutant music composer was awarded. Since then, there has been no looking back. And after 2 decades, he still is one of the most sought-after music composers not only in India but throughout the globe. So what makes Rahman's music work? Well the answer lies in the fact that Rahman has a rare musical vision and instinct. He has an impeccable knack of choosing the right voice and the right instruments. That combined with his love for experimentation works wonders. Its his succesful amalgamation of various elements and genres is what sets him apart. Take 'Thiruda Thiruda' for instance. It released in 1993, one of Rahman's earliest albums. But its music is so stunning and way ahead of its time.Every song is a gem. Whether it be the pulsating 'Chandralekha' or Bassy 'thee thee' and 'Kannum Kannum' or a very simple but attractive 'Rasathi' and the famous 'Veerapandi Kottayile', its what you call a revolutionary album.Its Rahman's guts that took him this far. He dared to do the unthinkable.This caught the fancy of the youth. Thus he gained many ardent fans and followers over a very short period of time. Most of Rahman's critics rant about his dependence on technology. But thats one of their misconceived fallacies i'm afraid. Either thet've not heard some of his scores especially in period films or they've chosen to ignore it. While Rahman pioneered the use of technology to enhance his compositions, he never used technology as a substitute for music.He has always maintained that perfect balance. And he has excelled in movies had no or very little technology. The best example would be an another outstanding score for 'Lagaan' which won him another National award. He is the king of period movies. He always manages to dole out some fabulous and grand scores. 'Water' '1947 earth', 'Lagaan', 'Jodha Akbar','Bose-the Forgotten hero', 'Guru' etc are testimony to the fact. Another impressive quality in Rahman is his versatility.He can handle melodies, period scores, Youthful albums,Classical scores,Techno etc. He has composed for movies spanning across various genres.His recent number 'Aaromale' for Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya is a fantastic case of experimentation and is one of my recent favourites.Like all composers he's also had rough patches and bumps along the path, but he's always managed to reinvent himself and bounce back.

And Rahman always reserves his very best for "chosen" directors. Mani-ARR combo is one of the greatest associations in Indian cinema.'Roja','Thiruda thiruda','Dil se','Iruvar', 'Kannathil Muthammital', 'Alaipayuthe' , etc etc. Every album that has come out of their association has been nothing short of legendary. Another personal favourite of mine is Ashutosh Gowariker-Rahman combine.Even though they recently split, they have created magic on screen. I cannot imagine anyone producing and album like 'Swades' other than Rahman. I also like Raykesh mehra-ARR combo."Rang De Basanti" is one of my all time favourites.

With all these path breaking scores it was only a matter of time before the West would take notice of his talent. While he composed for 'Bombay Dreams', 'Elizabeth', 'The warriors of heaven and Earth' it was 'Slumdod Millionaire' that gave him his big break in Hollywood.Even though it was by no means his best work,he won 2 oscars for it.Thus Rahman fulfilled what Destiny had in store for him.Now, Rahman is a very sought-after composer in Hollywood and is juggling between Indian and Western projects.

In spite of being such a runaway success the most charming thing about Rahman is that he has his head firmly on his shoulders. He never indulges in mud-slinging of any sort. He is a very humble person inpite of all the fame and popularity. This endearing quality is what makes this man a legend. He's here to stay and will continue to revolutionize music for many more years to come.

Sad state of Indian Politics

India, is known to be the largest democracy in the world. Ours is a country which takes pride in fusing the high ideals of the west and the oriental teachings of our forefathers. We have ample Human resource,great minds and the potential to reach the very pinnacle and yet after 63 years of "building" the nation i would say we have not at all lived upto our caliber. One of the major contributing factors has been the complete inefficacy of our politicians. The current scenario of our political system presents a really sorry picture for the future and beyond. We need miracles to bail us out of the abyss that we have plunged into.

There are a plethora of issues that are plaguing our nation today.We are currently living in an era which has been marred by corruption of the highest and the most perverted order.We switch on the TV and we see new and shocking scams unearthed every day.Newspapers are all screaming about it.Corruption has become so rampant that it has become a part of the system.The statistics and figures and appalling. Our whole federal system is in shambles.Politicians, once they capture a post of power, make use of that 5 years not for solving legitimate issues, but unfortunately they are more bent upon filling their bank balances and what is even more sorrowful is that these "thieves" have the backing of "great" and "tall" leaders of this country.
Just look at the number scams: CWG , 2G, Aadarsh,land greab scam, swiss bank scam, the newly unravelled "S Band" scam...I'm starting to lose count. And what is more sickening and pathetic is that some leaders are now playing the caste card to bail their man out of trouble.Its been 63 years and its heart-wrenching to see still public is being hoodwinked by petty caste politics. When will we rise above it? I'm starting to lose faith in the system and the leaders.Are there any genuine leaders around today? I cant help but notice that almost all the corruption cases are linked to the congress party directly or indirectly.This cancer called corruption is slowly enveloping the entire nation and we need to weed it out as fast as possible.

The other issue is that we have become a very "soft" nation. China makes unwarranted provocations and encroachments into our land. But we simply let it go.We do not respond strongly. A strong leadership is the need of the hour. We must show the world that we are a force to reckon with. But we give a free hand to people like Arundhati Roy who is giving seditious speeches time and again. She openly said that Kashmir should be freed from "bhooka nanga hindustan". When such outrageous acts of treason are tolerated you can imagine how utterly spineless the central leadership has become. Such anti-national acts should be cast down with an iron fist. But right now we are completely helpless about the naxal problem that is threatening to explode into a major problem if not controlled.

There are innumerable other issues like price rise, inflation, which have spun out of control. Onion is now a luxury for most people. Inflation has hit the common man hard as the prices of the essential commodities have rocketed. The recent Nira Radia tapes have revealed that even corporates have hand in this grand "loot". I was really shocked when i found out even Ratan Tata was involved. He was like a role-model for so many of us.

The whole political system is in utter chaos. This is primarily because politicians think they can get away with anything.They think themselves to be greater than law. This should first be solved. These criminals who are in the garb of leaders must be taken to task and must be jailed irrespective of their "stature". We must teach these politicos a lesson and must free the system from their iron clutches.

I would still say its not too late. The ball is partially in our court. We must make sure we vote these hooligans out of power. Well the public is in such a position that it has to now choose between the lesser of the evils. There is no great leader to lead by example, atleast at the national level. A towering, honest and a strong leader in the urgent need of the hour. I believe in miracles and i believe there is still a way out of this horror. Lets hope...