Indian composer Rahman wins two Grammy Awards

Indian composer AR Rahman has won two Grammy Awards at the prestigious US music ceremony in Los Angeles.

A.R. Rahman accepts the award for best song written for motion picture, television or other visual media at the Grammy Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles

Rahman received awards for best film song and best soundtrack, both compositions for the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

Rahman won two Oscars, a Bafta and a Golden Globe last year for his soundtrack to the multi award-winning Slumdog Millionaire.

The composer is often called the Mozart of Madras, the city where he works.

Rahman won in the best compilation soundtrack for a motion picture. His Jai Ho song in the film also won in the best motion picture song.

“This is insane, god is great again,” Rahman said as he accepted as he accepted his award.

Rahman beat such rivals as Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds and rock star Bruce Springsteen in the soundtrack and best song categories respectively.

Last month, Rahman was shortlisted for an Oscar nomination for his Tamil song NaNa from the Hollywood film, Couples Retreat.

The song is vying with 62 others for the nominations which will be revealed on 2 February.

The Grammy awards are further recognition of Rahman’s enormous talents, says the BBC’s Soutik Biswas in Delhi.

The 44-year-old composer is a musician with a staggering range – from raga to reggae to hip hop to Indian folk to jungle rhythms to western classical, our correspondent says.

Seventeen years after he began writing music and songs for films, the jingle maker-turned-musician finally got recognition as India’s first truly global film music composer with his score for Danny Boyle’s sleeper hit Slumdog Millionaire in 2009.

Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, guitarist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and tabla player Zakir Hussain are the other Indian musicians who have won Grammy Awards

 -BBC

Rahman again in the running for Oscar

Tamil song ‘Na Na’ in “Couples Retreat” has been shortlisted

 

A.R. Rahman releases the soundtrack of his Hollywood film ‘Couples Retreat’ in Chennai on Monday.

Los Angeles: A.R. Rahman’s first Hollywood film Couples Retreat has won him a place in the Oscar shortlist yet again for the Best Original Song. The Tamil song ‘Na Na’ has been was shortlisted in the Best Original Song category for the 82nd Academy Awards. The number is special for Rahman as it marks his six-year-old son Alim’s debut as singer.

It will compete with 62 songs from eligible feature-length motion pictures for nomination, to be announced February 2, according to the official website of the Academy awards.

‘Na Na’ was written by Rahman along with rapper Blaaze and Vivian Chaix and sung by the trio along with Alim, Clinton and Dominic.

The musician, who became the first Indian to win two Oscars, is in the running for the coveted prize for the second consecutive year.

Last year Rahman’s ‘Jai Ho’ won the top prize in the Best Original Song category. He also took the trophy for the Best Soundtrack for his compositions in Slumdog Millionaire.

Directed by Emmy-nominated Peter Billingsley, Couples Retreat revolves round four couples trying to reconnect with each other through a tropical-island vacation.

The film stars Vince Vaughn and Kristin Davis. — PTI

Remembering Rahman’s best songs on his 44th birthday

Rahman’s magic reached crescendo when he became the first Indian to win double Oscars for the song Jai Ho in the film Slumdog Millionaire, a BAFTA award and a Golden Globe award. On the home front, he has been honoured four times with National Film Awards.

From Roja to Jai Ho, AR Rahman, who turns 44 on Wednesday, has endeared himself to millions with his lilting melodies and created history with his double Oscar.

Rahman’s magic reached crescendo when he became the first Indian to win double Oscars for the song Jai Ho in the film Slumdog Millionaire, a BAFTA award and a Golden Globe award. On the home front, he has been honoured four times with National Film Awards.

On the occasion of the musician’s birthday, IANS goes down memory lane to recall some of the his all-time hits.

Roja — In 1992, Rahman made his debut as a composer with the soundtrack of Roja and the title track struck a chord with the audiences. Time magazine included Roja album in its list of “10 Best Soundtracks” of all-time in 2005. This poignant, romantic number in the voice of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam is slow-paced, with music and lyrics so profound that made it a chartbuster.

Ye haseen vadiyan — The Roja album included another great composition in Ye haseen vadiyan. Crooned by Chitra and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, the song is a treat to ears owing to its orchestration and vocals. Even after 18 years, the eloquent romantic number still has the same impact.

Tanha tanha — In 1995, Rahman’s compositions for Rangeela became an instant hit. The song Tanha tanha, sung by Asha Bhosle became chartbuster and was a song on everyone’s lips. The light, breezy track had good lyrics and was beautifully picturised on actress Urmila Matondkar.

Tu hi re — In the same year, he produced another winner in the form of Bombay. The song Tu hi re caught the fancy of music buffs. The sad romantic number captured the angst and the loneliness of a lover. Sung by Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy, it’s an appealing and touching number.

Maa tujhe salaam — Rahman released his own album in 1997 and created a stir with the patriotic song Maa tujhe salaam. Sung by the composer himself, it became one of the most sought after versions of the Vande Mataram.

Chaiyyan Chaiyyan — The song from the film Dil Se was released in 1998 and broke many records. The song with a punch was crooned by Sukhwinder Singh and is still a hot favourite.

Piya Haji Ali — After churning out patriotic and romantic numbers, Rahman treated his fans with the Sufi song Piya Haji Ali in the movie Fiza. Rendered by Kadar Ghulam Mustafa, Murtaza Ghulam Mustafa and Shrinivas, the song that talks about divine power has tranquillising effect on the listeners.

O rey chhori — In 2001 he composed another hit romantic number O rey chhori for the Oscar nominated film Lagaan. It is a sweet, mushy outing with intermixed Indian and western influences. While the Hindi lyrics have been voiced by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, the English part in the song has been rendered by Vasundhara Das. It is surely a pleasing and melodious song.

Saathiya — The title track of 2002 release Saathiya is worth repeated listening. The love ballad is perfect for all moods. Rhythm is the overpowering factor in the number and it clicks instantly. Sonu Nigam’s silken voice gives the already brilliant song an edge.

Roobaroo — The hip, young, carefree song from 2006 hit film Rang De Basanti, became an instant hit. Sung by Rahman and Naresh Iyer, the track belongs to the Indi-pop genre and was a favourite of people from all age groups.

Tere bina— Rahman has proved his mettle time and again, but his proficiency in creating romantic tracks is unmatchable, something he proved with Tere bina in the 2007 film Guru. Sung by Rahman himself along with Murtuza Khan, Quadir Khan and Chinmayee.

Jai ho — His composition for the song Jai Ho in the film Slumdog Millionaire turned out to be a turning point in Rahman’s career. It fetched him his first Oscar. Sung by Sukhwinder, the fast-paced, high-spirited, energetic song was liked not only nationally but internationally too.

Kabhi kabhi aditi — It is a light, uplifting song that makes you feel nice. Crooned by Rashid Ali, the song from the film Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, is beautiful from the word go, the guitar strumming and the casual lyrics made it a favourite among the youngsters.

Khawaja mere khawaja — Khawaja mere khawaja is another Sufi track from the talented composer and it hit the right chords with the audiences. The song, which was a part of the soundtrack of the movie Jodhaa Akbar, is a fabulous qawaali-based song sung by Rahman himself. The notes of harmonium are interwoven with those of stringed instruments that produced a sweet harmonic sound, making the song highly relaxing.

Masakalli — Rahman hit the bull’s eye last year with Masakalli from the film Delhi-6. The free flowing, addictive, fun song is crooned by Mohit Chauhan

An interview with AR Rahman

Sreya Basu, TWF, Bollywood Trade News Network

 It’s difficult to make music maestro A R Rahman speak…he lets his music do all the talking. Our correspondent catches up with the Oscar winner during his Kolkata visit.

 What made you decide to hold a concert in Kolkata almost after seven years?

 It’s great to come back to Kolkata. The last show was one of the most memorable concerts of my life till date…I got a standing ovation. There were over 90,000 people cheering for me. And this time, it’s even more special because this time I am going to perform for a cause…the November 14 concert in Kolkata will be a charity concert to raise fund for a proposed hospital to be set up by Liver Foundation of West Bengal. I hope Kolkata will support me this time as well.

 Is this concert part of the ‘Jai Ho’ tour?

 Yes, it is. We get so many calls a day for concerts, but it’s all about choosing the right people and the right cause.

 How are you preparing for this concert?

 This concert, as I said, is a part of the musical tour of India. After Kolkata, we will be performing in Pune and Chennai. ‘Live’ concerts are as difficult as film…it  requires the same amount of intensity, emotion, energy. The most challenging part is to keep the audience booked for three hours; they shouldn’t even realize when these three hours whisked by.

 Now-a-days you are lending your voice more frequently in your compositions for films. So are you planning to try playback singing regularly?

 You know what, whenever I give a tune to a director, he always asks me: ‘Why don’t you sing this song?’ And I always shriek away and say: ‘No…no!’ This happens with most directors. But I have to play objective. However, there are times when I feel that my voice will do better justice to a particular song.

 Given an option, will you sing for other music directors too?

 At the moment Rahman, the singer, has signed his own films. But in future I might sing for other composers as well (smiles).

 You have often said that you are a great admirer of Kishore Kumar?

 Yes, that’s why every year on his death anniversary I don’t sit and regret the loss; but celebrate it…I celebrate Kishore’s voice; even his acting.

 With such a successful musical career, how will you define music?

 There is no definition of music for me. It keeps changing as I keep exploring it.

 Do you consider ‘Jai Ho’ as your best creation?

 Sometimes it’s not about a best creation, but the best for a particular moment of the film. ‘Jai Ho’ was right for that particular moment, that particular mindset in  SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. I know there’s lot of debate over this song winning the Oscars. But then, I didn’t send the song to the Oscars, the makers did. I just composed the tune in three weeks and was done with it. However, I too feel ‘Jai Ho’ was apt for that particular moment in the film-the protagonist comes out of darkness and pain to light amid ‘Jai Ho’ hammering in the background.

 How has Oscar changed your life?

 Oscar was difficult to handle. The first three months after the award was crazy…I was flooded with people…the social etiquettes that I had to maintain. Then I went for hibernation and spent quality time with my music. Now I am back to normal life.

 What is the inspiration of your music?

 Mostly it’s the scripts I am working on; at times there are particular directors who inspire me.

 Of all your creations, which one is your personal favourite?

 I never try to answer that question or else people will get angry. But then, ROJA is my first love and all the songs of ROJA will always remain special to me. It was my first film and I worked on the music with so much love and passion; well, I still do that for all my films, but then ROJA is my first love.

 Now-a-days we are getting a new singing sensation every other day. But they are not sustaining for long. What should a singer do for making a sustainable  career?

 The only way out is to be original.

 What are your future projects?

 BLUE just released. I am doing Mani Ratnam’s next. There are a few others.

 What about an album?

 I keep announcing new albums, but am not been able to make it happen due to time constraint. But I hope to start working on it afresh as soon as possible.

About A R Rahman|Rahman Photos|A R Rehman Childhood photos|A R Rahman Profile|A R Rahman Family|Awards to Rehman| Social Service by A R Rahman

 

Allah Rakha Rahman born January 6, 1966 as A. S. Dileep Kumar is an Indian film composer, record producer, musician and singer. His film scoring career began in the early 1990s. He has won thirteen Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe and two Academy Awards.

Working in India’s various film industries, international cinema and theatre, by 2003, Rahman, in a career spanning over a decade, has sold more than 100 million records of his film scores and soundtracks worldwide and sold over 200 million cassettes, making him one of the world’s all-time top selling recording artists.

Personal life

He is married to Saira Banu and has three children, Khadijah, Rahima, and Aameen. Rahman is the uncle of composer G. V. Prakash Kumar, who is the son of Rahman’s elder sister, A. R. Reihana. He is related to South Indian actor Rahman and American rock singer Pervez Taufiq. Rahman is a practising Sufi Muslim. He had become an atheist as a result of childhood struggles, he eventually converted in to Islam in 1989, the religion of his mother’s family.

He is very devoted to his mother. During the Oscar Award, he paid her a tribute saying: “There is a Hindi dialogue ‘mere pass ma hai’ which means even if I have got nothing I have my mother here

Social service

Rahman is involved in various charitable causes. In 2004, he was appointed as the Global Ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a project by WHO. He has shown support to charities including Save the Children, India, and worked with Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam for his song “Indian Ocean”. The song featured a-ha keyboard player Magne Furuholmen and Travis drummer, Neil Primrose. The proceeds of the song went towards helping orphans in Banda Aceh, one of the areas worst affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. He produced the single “We Can Make It Better” by Don Asian alongside Mukhtar Sahota. In 2008, Rahman opened his KM Music Conservatory partnered with Audio Media Education facility to tutor and train aspiring musicians in vocals, instruments, music technology and sound design. The conservatory – with preeminent musicians on its panel and a newly founded symphony orchestra – is located near his studio in Kodambakkam, Chennai, offering courses at Beginners, Foundation and Diploma level. Rahman composed the theme music for a short film for The Banyan in 2006, in aid of destitute women in Chennai. In 2008, Rahman, along with percussionist Sivamani created a song titled “Jiya Se Jiya”, inspired by the Free Hugs Campaign and promoted it through a video shot in various cities in India.

 

A. R. Rahman awards and nominations
Award	Wins	Nominations
MTV Asia Awards	2	3
MTV Video Music Awards	1	2
Academy Awards	2	3
BAFTA Awards	1	1
Golden Globes	1	1
Critics’ Choice Awards	1	2
Satellite Awards	1	2
National Film Awards	4	4
Filmfare Awards	13	11
Filmfare Awards South	12	12
Vijay Awards	1	1
Totals
Awards won	98
Nominations	110

 

  Awards

    Honorary

• 1995 – Kalaimamani
  • Contributions to music awarded by the Government of Tamil Nadu
• 1995 – Mauritius National Award
  • Contributions to music awarded by Mauritius
• 1995 – Malaysian Award
  • Contributions to music awarded by Malaysia
• 2000 – Padma Shri
  • Fourth highest civilian award awarded by Government of India
• 2004 – National Lata Mangeshkar Award
  • Contributions to music awarded by the Government of Madhya Pradesh
• 2005 – Mahavir-Mahatma Award
• 2006 – Swaralaya Yesudas Award
  • Swaralaya-Kairali-Yesudas Award for outstanding performance in the music field
• 2006 – Honorary Award from Stanford University
• 2008 – Rotary Club of Madras
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2009 – Honorary Doctorate from Anna University

       National

       Film awards

• National Film Awards
  • 1993 – National Film Award for Best Music Direction – Roja
  • 1997 – National Film Award for Best Music Direction – Minsaara Kanavu
  • 2002 – National Film Award for Best Music Direction – Lagaan
  • 2003 – National Film Award for Best Music Direction – Kannathil Muthamittal

• Filmfare Awards
  • 1995 – Filmfare RD Burman Award for New Music Talent
  • 1996 – Filmfare Best Music Director Award – Rangeela
  • 1999 – Filmfare Best Music Director Award – Dil Se
  • 2000 – Filmfare Best Music Director Award – Taal
  • 2002 – Filmfare Best Music Director Award – Lagaan
  • 2003 – Filmfare Best Music Director Award – Saathiya
  • 2003 – Filmfare Best Background Score – The Legend of Bhagat Singh
  • 2005 – Filmfare Best Background Score – Swades
  • 2007 – Filmfare Best Music Director Award – Rang de Basanti
  • 2008 – Filmfare Best Music Director Award – Guru
  • 2008 – Filmfare Best Background Score – Guru
  • 2009 – Filmfare Best Music Director Award – Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
  • 2009 – Filmfare Best Background Score – Jodhaa Akbar

• Filmfare Awards South
  • 1992 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Roja
  • 1993 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Gentleman
  • 1994 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Kadhalan
  • 1995 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Bombay
  • 1996 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Kadhal Desam
  • 1997 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Minsaara Kanavu
  • 1998 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Jeans
  • 1999 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Mudhalvan
  • 2000 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Alaipayuthey
  • 2002 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Kannathil Muthamittal
  • 2006 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Sillunu Oru Kadhal
  • 2007 – Filmfare Best Music Direction – Sivaji: The Boss

• Bollywood Movie Awards
  • 2002 – Best Music Direction – Lagaan
  • 2003 – Best Music Direction – Saathiya

• Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA)
  • 2007 – GIFA Award for Best Music – Rang De Basanti
  • 2007 – GIFA Award for Best Background Music – Rang De Basanti

• International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA)
  • 2000 – IIFA Best Music Direction – Taal
  • 2002 – IIFA Best Music Direction – Lagaan
  • 2003 – IIFA Best Music Direction – Saathiya
  • 2007 – IIFA Best Music Direction – Rang De Basanti
  • 2008 – IIFA Best Music Direction – Guru
  • 2008 – IIFA Best Background Music – Guru
  • 2008 – Outstanding contribution by an Indian in International Cinema
  • 2009 – IIFA Best Music Direction – Jodhaa Akbar
  • 2009 – IIFA Best Background Music – Jodhaa Akbar
  • 2009 – IIFA Music Director of the Decade

• Sangeet Awards
  • 2004 – Best Music Direction (Critics Award) – Yuva
  • 2004 – Best Music Arrangement (Critics Award) – Yeh Rishta – Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities

• Screen-Videocon Awards / Star Screen Awards
  • 1998 – Best Non-film Album – Vande Mataram (Non-film category)
  • 2000 – Best Music Direction – Taal
  • 2007 – Best Background Music- Rang De Basanti
  • 2008 – Best Music Direction – Guru
  • 2008 – Best Background Music – Guru
  • 2009 – Best Music Direction – Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
  • 2009 – Best Background Music – Jodhaa Akbar

• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
  • 1992 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Direction – Roja
  • 1993 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Direction – Gentleman
  • 1994 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Direction – Kadhalan
  • 1995 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Direction – Bombay
  • 1997 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Direction – Minsaara Kanavu
  • 1999 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Direction – Sangamam

• Zee Cine Awards
  • 2000 – Zee Cine Award Best Music Director – Taal
  • 2002 – Zee Cine Award Best Music Director – Lagaan
  • 2003 – Zee Cine Award Best Music Director – Saathiya
  • 2007 – Zee Cine Award Best Music Director – Rang De Basanti
  • 2008 – Zee Cine Award Best Music Director – Guru
  • 2008 – Zee Cine Award Best Background Music – Guru

• Vijay Awards
  • 2007 – Vijay Award for Best Music Director – Sivaji

     Other awards

• Planet-Bollywood People’s Choice Awards
  • 2006 – People’s Choice Best Music Award – Rang De Basanti
  • 2006 – People’s Choice Best Background Music Award – Rang De Basanti

• Sunfeast Tamil Music Awards
  • 2008 – Best Music Composer of the Year – Sivaji: The Boss

• Tata Indicom Mirchi Music Awards
  • 2009 – Music Director Of The Year – Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
  • 2009 – Technical Award For Film Background Score – Jodhaa Akbar
  • 2009 – Album Of The Year – Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
  • 2009 – Tata Indicom Mirchi Listeners Choice Song Of The Year – “Kabhi kabhi aditi” (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
  • 2009 – Tata Indicom Mirchi Listeners Choice Album Of The Year – Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

• V. Shantaram Award
  • 2007 – Best Music – Guru
  • 2008 – Best Music – Jodhaa Akbar

    International

    Film awards

• Academy Awards (Oscars) (United States)
  • 2009 – Best Original Music Score – Slumdog Millionaire
  • 2009 – Best Original Song – “Jai Ho” – Slumdog Millionaire

• Golden Globe Awards (United States)
  • 2009 – Best Original Score – Slumdog Millionaire

• British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) (United Kingdom)
  • 2009 – Anthony Asquith Award for Best Film Music – Slumdog Millionaire

• Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards (United States)
  • 2008 – Critics’ Choice Award for Best Composer – Slumdog Millionaire

• Black Reel Awards
  • 2008 – Best Original Soundtrack – Slumdog Millionaire

• Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards (United States)
  • 2008 – Best Music Score – Slumdog Millionaire

• New York Film Critics Online Awards (United States)
  • 2008 – NYFCO Best Score Award – Slumdog Millionaire

• Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards
  • 2008 – Best Original Score – Slumdog Millionaire

• San Diego Film Critics Society Awards (United States)
  • 2008 – Best Score – Slumdog Millionaire

• Satellite Awards (United States)
  • 2008 – Satellite Award for Best Original Score – Slumdog Millionaire

 Other awards

• Just Plain Folks Music Awards
  • 2009 – * Just Plain Folks Music Award For Best Music Album – Varalaru
• MTV Awards
  • MTV Video Music Awards
    • 1999 – International Viewer’s Choice Awards (MTV India) – “Dil Se Re” – Dil Se
  • MTV Asia Awards
    • 2003 – MTV Asia Award for Favorite Artist India
  • MTV Immies
    • 2003 – Best Music Composer (Film Category) – “Saathiya” – Saathiya
• UK Asian Music Awards (United Kingdom)
  • 2009 – Outstanding Achievement by an Asian in music field
• World Soundtrack Awards
  • 2009 – Best Original Song Written Directly for a Film – “Jai Ho” – Slumdog Millionaire^[

 

Photos Of A R Rahman(childhood,family ,marriage,with other stars photos ) :

A.R Rahman Family Photo,A.R Rahman childhood photo,A.R Rahman wedding photo,A.R Rahman marriage photo,A.R Rahman rare photos,A.R Rahman exclusive Photos.A R Rahman Rare stills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A R Rahman Honored by Cine Musicians Union after receiving oscar awards .Ilayaraja and A R Rahman music kings of Indian Music especially Tamil film Industry

 

 

A R Rahman Honored by Cine Musicians Union after receiving oscar awards .Balamurali Krishna and A R Rahman are music magicians film Industry

 

  

Young music composer G V Prakashkumar, A.R.Rahman’s elder sister son

 

 

Other Photos :