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ARR's interview in Hindu .....-Intresting Point

Topic started by MumbaiRamki (@ 63.186.8.168) on Sun Dec 12 18:45:07 EST 2004.
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/12/13/stories/2004121300340100.htm

1.The 'Yuhi chaala ' song from swades was orginally composed for Lagaan .

2.Harris Jeyaraj worked with him only for 2 films !!

3.On today's music -
"What is today's Tamil film music all about? They are nothing more than fast numbers or remix downloaded. What took me weeks to make music for a "Gentleman" or "Rangeela" can be done today if you have a computer, software and then pre-set the rhythms and you have a disco number! Fast music is no big deal today as anyone can become a music director"

4.Rajiv Menon film in tamizh .

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Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: piratheepan (@ 68.88.23.102) on: Mon Dec 13 11:43:43 EST 2004
  
  I was just responding the way u were responding sorry if it hurt ur feelings.
  
  was that the interview after the release of New and AE?
  
  
• From: cc (@ 198.232.250.51) on: Mon Dec 13 11:46:41 EST 2004
  
  "when did the rewards and awards stop flowing? Every time he makes an album it hits the top of the charts"
  
  Hmm..way to go. Keep'em coming.
  
  
• From: vijay (@ 68.16.25.50) on: Mon Dec 13 11:50:02 EST 2004
  
  As long as you cant refute my points, I'll keep it coming, dont worry :-)
  
  
• From: Dude (@ 199.2.219.67) on: Mon Dec 13 12:04:24 EST 2004
  
  Observer,
  
  It is not whether u are being truthful or not, it is just that we cant argue about your 'interpretation'.
  
  Hope you realize the difference.
  
  
• From: observer (@ 208.254.219.2) on: Mon Dec 13 12:05:13 EST 2004
  
  Vijay:
  
  I've read your long response, and I'm wondering how to address some of your points without derailing the whole topic. My hope for this topic is to resolve the following:
  
  1) Should Rahman be attacking other composers, even if all his criticisms are true? I believe not, and I'll explain why in the course of the conversation if the thread continues.
  
  2) What really should Rahman be doing to address whatever it is that bothering him enough to resort to attacks on other composers? I have some ideas on this that once again I'd like to discuss if there's anyone here who's not so tied-down by fandom that he's unwilling to listen to other viewpoints.
  
  Those who can't be bothered to engage in a debate of this sort are free to bail out any time of course. And if that happens to be everybody on this thread, that's fine with me too. Though I wonder why ARR-fans would refuse to talk with a naysayer like me who's not an IR/HJ-fanatic, nor a malicious and irrational ARR-hater. It's a free world of course.
  
  Vijay, the gist of your post appears to be that Rahman is doing well, and that he has no need to be insecure. Yet there are enough indications in the real world that sorely test this theory. Rahman's had a string of flops in HFM, and Swades has to be the poorest-selling SRK release in ages. Reg. Kisna it's early days yet, so no comment. In TFM his last sort-of-success New compares badly in sales with 7GRC or KK or even his own Boys.
  
  All this is not to deny that he possesses great talent, even genius, but to face the fact sales have become, for a variety of reasons, something of a problem for Rahman now. The reasons vary from poor/arty films to botched/delayed releases to perhaps indifferent tunes. One could write a book on one's theories to explain the downturn, but to deny it altogether is to vanish into your own virtual reality that most of us don't happen to share.
  
  This is not to say that with the right project he won't bounce back, but to deny that he even needs to bounce back is absurd. Clearly I'll have to look elsewhere to discuss my ideas.
  
  
• From: piratheepan (@ 68.88.23.102) on: Mon Dec 13 12:16:59 EST 2004
  
  im baffled to see how u dont see urself as condescending mr observer.u keep sayin u want to discuss ur views and say that everyone is fanatics and so it cant be discussed.if u havent noticed we are discussing ur points and views.if u werent so tied down on having us accept ur views ud realize we are listening just we arent accepting.
  
  
• From: Nattamai (@ 66.225.241.61) on: Mon Dec 13 12:18:48 EST 2004
  
  hehehe....ore comedy-a irukkuppa TB interview patththa. Even in his AV interview couple of weeks ago, he said anybody can be a MD and compose songs using latest tech in tamil. If the technolody was not available in 92, he would not be even giving these interviews.
  
  --- Harris Jeyaraj worked with him only for 2 films !!
  
  Just 2 films and he is able to give Minnale/Majnu/Kakka kakka? that's amazing. I thought he would have worked for some years with TB.
  
  --- KR does alot of work for YSR and IR that goes unnoticed
  
  KR does lot of work for YSR? Yeah sure.... what next? KR's son composes tunes for YSR? nalla kathaiya irukkupa. v
  
  
• From: piratheepan (@ 68.88.23.102) on: Mon Dec 13 12:19:33 EST 2004
  
  i see u conveniently dindt answer my question :P
  was that the interview right after the release of AE and New by suntv where the interviewer says he remixed thotal poo malaram but then he responds by saying it was a retune?
  
  
• From: Jacky (@ 61.2.36.4) on: Mon Dec 13 12:19:53 EST 2004
  
  I accept 7grc is a musical hit but never found anywhere that it walloped New!
  Care to give us links?
  
  
• From: Dude (@ 199.2.219.67) on: Mon Dec 13 12:24:01 EST 2004
  
  "This is not to say that with the right project he won't bounce back, but to deny that he even needs to bounce back is absurd. Clearly I'll have to look elsewhere to discuss my ideas."
  
  Yup, clearly you should!
  
  
• From: piratheepan (@ 68.88.23.102) on: Mon Dec 13 12:24:26 EST 2004
  
  I dont find many of HJ's albums amazing tho :P especially Majnu which had many traces of ARR. Minnale was nice and two or three songs from Khaka Khaka were truly nice and original.
  
  as for KR yes i read that sumwhere sorry i dont have the link.KR does alot of the touch up work for YSR sumtimes background music etc.Hes done full songs for IR before as well.but he doesnt take credit for em he lets his family take the credit.
  
  
• From: observer (@ 208.254.219.2) on: Mon Dec 13 12:29:19 EST 2004
  
  "was that the interview right after the release of AE and New by suntv where the interviewer says he remixed thotal poo malaram but then he responds by saying it was a retune?"
  
  I can't remember whether he discussed Thotta in this interview, but this was the interview where he discusses what went wrong with his performance at CBSO. A sort-of transcript is here: http://newtfmpage.com/forum/26447.21106.00.31.26.html
  
  
• From: vijay (@ 68.16.25.50) on: Mon Dec 13 12:31:45 EST 2004
  
  "Rahman's had a string of flops in HFM, and Swades has to be the poorest-selling SRK release in ages. Reg. Kisna it's early days yet, so no comment."
  
  Proof? Facts say otherwise. That whole interview with Rahman in Hindu was due to Swades's success. I wonder where you gather your facts from. If Swades is the poorest SRK album so be it, the other albums out there arent doing any better. Its all relative. And I dont see any new trends, musically speaking, emerging in TFM or HFM either. So cannot debate further with you on points derived from your own figment of imagination. Even KanGALAL KAIDHU SEI, the movie was a dud but the songs werent. Same with Ayudha Ezhuththu, songs fared better than the movie itself.
  
  "This is not to say that with the right project he won't bounce back, but to deny that he even needs to bounce back is absurd"
  
  Like I said when he is still the first choice of big directors(I see that you have conveniently ignored my points on Rahman being the first choice for Anniyan and also for Manirathnam and Subash Ghai) and when he still commands the highest salary/movie, common sense indicates that he is still the market leader. Where is the question of "bouncing back"? Its his OWN choice to concentrate more on international assignments and focus less on local projects. If you noticed he has been selective right from the beginning.
  
  I havent seen the SUN interview but I'll retain the right to judge the context in which Rahman made those "attacks" against other composers. Will have to see what questions the interviewer asked to prompt such an answer. I have read the Hindu interview and clearly Rahman didnt criticize anyone off-hand or without any deliberate prompting on the part of the interviewer. (It also) remains to be seen whether whatever was printed was exactly what Rahman uttered)
  
  "Clearly I'll have to look elsewhere to discuss my ideas.
  
  Its not that people dont want to discuss with you here. But when you base your arguments mostly on your perception and intuitions its difficult to agree with. Everyone has their own take and most seem to think that he isnt feeling threatened enough to go all out on other composers unless otheriwse prompted by stupid questions or misquoted. You know the media loves controversies
  
  
• From: Vazhipokkan (@ 40.0.40.10) on: Mon Dec 13 12:38:09 EST 2004
  
  Hindu is not like Kumudam or AV shows flares up Controversies. Fame goes to peoples head and the words come out with ego. It started with IR and now it continues on with ARR. This is definitely shows desperation and downfall for ARR.
  
  
• From: Philosopher (@ 65.170.153.14) on: Mon Dec 13 13:08:47 EST 2004
  
  This was the first time I have seen Rahman being less "gentle" in an interview. I think he could have said, yes, it is a free world and HJ and YSR are doing well, good luck to them the way he normally does.
  
  Also, I do not know why he is putting his own compositions - Gentleman and Rangeela down.
  
  
• From: NN (@ 219.65.102.76) on: Mon Dec 13 13:27:23 EST 2004
  
  ALLAH RAKHA Rahman hates having the spotlight turned on him. At 38, he has overtaken the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears in the sales of his cassettes, collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Webber and also worked with Michael Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.
  
  Rahman's latest Ashutosh Gowarikar directed "Swades" has been topping the charts. It has been a long wait after "Lagaan" but worth it. Its music has to be savoured slowly as the sounds are simple with Rahman's trademark beats missing. The Udit Narayan-Hariharan-Kailesh Kher sung "Yunhi Chala Chal... ." is the pick of the album and already a chartbuster. Also worth listening is "Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera... " sung by the maestro himself. Recently at the inauguration of International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2004) in Goa it was A. R. Rahman who received the biggest ovation when he walked in to conduct the theme song of Subhash Ghai's "Kisna".
  
  At the music launch of the Tamil version of `Swades" in Chennai, Rahman was in a mood to chat.
  
  Excerpts:
  
  According to the grapevine you are settled in London...
  
  (Smiles) I am very much in Chennai and doing what I am best at — composing music. My international commitments like "Bombay Dreams" and now "Lord of the Rings" take me abroad frequently, but Chennai is my home.
  
  The music of "Swades" is off-beat but is still a chartbuster.
  
  "Swades" is right from my heart. It is simple and sweet music. My director Ashutosh was particular that the songs should match the situations in the film. We did not want a western feel and it should have a soothing Indian flavour. When I heard the script of "Swades", I knew it was more challenging than "Lagaan". I also realised that when you try to make a film with a strong message you have to be careful. The script demanded music that could arouse an emotion in your heart, the moment you hear it. I have used a lot of classical ragas in the film. For "Yeh Tara Woh Tara... " I have used the Raag Kalavati and given it a popular slant.
  
  Your feedback on "Swades" album.
  
  "Yun Hi Chala Chal... " has clicked with the youth in a big way. A western beat with drums and guitar has been used wonderfully. All the three singers Udit, Hari and Kailash have put their heart and soul into the number. And let me tell you a secret that this tune was originally composed
  
  for "Lagaan" but was not used! .
  
  On the Tamil lyrics of "Desam" by Vaali
  
  Vaali sir has been astounding as it is for the first time that I heard my dubbed songs having the same meaning and the lip sync also is perfect. He has not used one English word in the Tamil album which I feel is great.
  
  "Kisna" music is also rocking the nation
  
  In Goa when the songs were premiered at the opening ceremony, I was touched by the response I received. The theme music "A moment I am searching for... " for this Subhash Ghai epic sung by Sunitha Sarathy has given Celine Dion a run for her money. Another song in "Kisna' album "Hum Hai Iss Pal Yahan... " sung by Udit Narayan and Madhusree is unconventional with a catchy rhythm.
  
  How come you come up with great music only for your favourites such as Mani Ratnam, Subhash Ghai and now Ashutosh Gowarikar?
  
  My comfort level with these people may be high. At the same time you can't close your eyes to hit songs that I have done for other filmmakers such as S. J. Suryah.
  
  Your critics say that you have neglected Tamil film music.
  
  Tamil film music is what made me. But I have to move ahead in life as opportunities knock only once at your door. When I composed songs for "Roja", I thought that it would be my first and last film album and I was mentally prepared to go back and do jingles. I never dreamt that I would take the baton and perform live at the city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Today I have realised that music can change our society. I have not only been lucky but am showered with God's blessings. I am a very happy and contented man.
  
  A new breed of composers like your former assistant Harris Jayaraj and Yuvan Shankar Raja is making rapid strides in Tamil film music...
  
  Harris Jayaraj has hardly worked with me in two films and you cannot call him my assistant. I wish them all the best.
  
  Have you lost interest in fast western beats that you were famous for?
  
  (Smiles) What is today's Tamil film music all about? They are nothing more than fast numbers or remix downloaded. What took me weeks to make music for a "Gentleman" or "Rangeela" can be done today if you have a computer, software and then pre-set the rhythms and you have a disco number! Fast music is no big deal today as anyone can become a music director.
  
  What kind of music gives you complete satisfaction?
  
  As a composer, I like music that is able to stir my soul. My music is a spiritual exercise, like "Vande Matharam... ". I am happy as people associate me with patriotism and nationalism. For Shyam Benegal's "Subhash Chandra Bose", I am trying to do something different, a Bengali Bol type of thing and Afgani Zikar music.
  
  Your projects in Tamil?
  
  K. S. Ravikumar's "Godfather", new films of S. J. Suryah and Rajiv Menon.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  All i can see is "he is moving and i won't return back to ditch(TFM??) when some angels knock my doors good bye to all who made me fame" yay
  
  
  
  
  
  
• From: observer (@ 208.254.219.2) on: Mon Dec 13 13:34:29 EST 2004
  
  "If Swades is the poorest SRK album so be it"
  
  I didn't say it was his poorest album, though it's by no means my favorite, I was saying it was the poorest-SELLING album for a star of SRK's magnitude. Proof: http://www.boxofficeindia.com/
  
  Please read below where it explains the relative weighting of the various sectors. Note that Swades doesn't even feature in its top ten. Whether the other albums on that list possess or lack merit is a separate discussion, but this report should, I hope, settle the matter of sales for now.
  
  "I see that you have conveniently ignored my points on Rahman being the first choice for Anniyan and also for Manirathnam and Subash Ghai"
  
  I did not "conveniently" ignore that, I chose to go with your gist rather than respond to individual sentences, or else I'd have produced an even more eye-glazing post than I normally do :-).
  
  I guess I'm not that impressed with indirect endorsements of this sort to the extent that you are. I don't think Mani and Ghai are anywhere near being the commercial or even artistic forces you clearly take them to be. I really wish people would abandon this line of argument, no offence to you personally. Let's base our evaluations directly on what people are saying, feeling and buying, and our own reactions. To invoke Mani, Ghai etc is a brand of "argument from authority" that I find unconvincing. Mani and Ghai signing Rahman doesn't guarantee hits, nor does it guarantee musical greatness. Reg. Shankar, let's wait for Anniyan to release to see if he's still got IT.
  
  

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