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.
