Rahman is 'Entertainer of the year' News

New Delhi, December 18, 2009

First Published: 14:00 IST(18/12/2009)

Oscar winning music maestro AR Rahman has won the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year award 2009 in the entertainment category.

"Rahman has redefined contemporary Indian music and is the pride of the entire nation. He is also an idol to millions for making a mark on the global music arena," Rajdeep Sardesai, editor-in-chief, IBN Network 18, said on Thursday.

The other nominees in the category included megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Prince Group of Orissa and Colors Entertainment Channel.

Rahman will be given the award on December 21 at Hotel Taj Palace in the capital. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be the chief guest at the event.

NEWS HT

Rap to sufi music Rahman charms Chennai

Rap to sufi music - Rahman charms Chennai

Chennai, Oct 12 (IANS) From rap to fusion, carnatic to sufi double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman used every genre to keep his audience mesmerized at a live concert here.

All roads in Chennai Sunday led to Seekinankuppam village near Mahabalipuram where the concert was organised to raise funds for Shakti Foundation that works for the welfare of the disabled.

The concert, which was a part of Rahman's world tour, brought an eclectic mix of songs right from his debut film "Roja" to the forthcoming release "Blue". Billed as a crowdpuller, the event drew close to 75,000 fans.

"Khalbali", a song from "Rang De Basanti", was a rather laid back starter but soon the maestro who is often called the Mozart of Madras pepped it up by choosing a couple of hits from "Sivaji-The Boss".

The rocking fast numbers were followed by a series of rock and crossover hits and with each rendition the cheers kept growing until they nearly drowned Rahman's voice out.

Other singers like Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam and Benny Dayal too treated the crowd by belting hit numbers composed by Rahman.

An intense performer, Rahman showed no signs of tiredness and his smile stuck to him till the very end. And even after four hours, the crowd couldn't have enough of his music.

The maestro's Oscar winning song "Jai Ho" brought the curtains down on what turned out to be one of the biggest musical events the region has witnessed in recent times.

"If music makes you think, moves you to action; then I think the music is working," Rahman told the crowd.

Marg, a leading construction company, tied up with Rahman for the concert.

Oscar winning music director A. R. Rahman smiles during a news conference in Hyderabad .

A R Rahman proves his prowess yet again with Blue Movie Music Review

Rahman proves his prowess yet again with 'Blue'
By Ruchika Kher

Film: "Blue"; Music Director: A R Rahman; Lyricists: Abbas Tyrewala, Mayur Puri and Raqeeb Alam; Singers: Kylie Minogue, Sonu Nigam, Sukhwinder Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Vijay Prakash, Rashid Ali, Blaaze, Raqeeb Alam, Sonu Kakkar, Neha Kakkar, Jaspreet Singh, Udit Narayan and Madhushree; Ratings: *** 1/2

India's double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman returns with another hit musical score in underwater film "Blue". The album boasts of both racy and slow songs and brings forth contemporary sounds that generate a lot of interest.

The film, which is set to hit theatres Oct 16, stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta among others. The soundtrack has seven originals.

The listener is provided with a breezy and soothing experience with "Aaj dil gustakh hai", a romantic song sung wonderfully by Shreya Ghoshal and Sukhwinder Singh. With the strumming of the acoustic guitar, the song becomes hip and rich in contemporary sounds. It sure is a delight to hear.

Up next is another likeable number "Bhoola tujhe". The song crooned by Rashid Ali is a poignant offering and is slow in pace initially. But the tempo gradually increases. It has a unique quality that strikes a chord with the listener and Rahman spins his magic yet again.

Next in line is the theme song. It changes pace many times and also shifts from western to Indian influences and back. A power-packed number, it has Blaaze, Raqeeb Alam, Sonu Kakkar and Jaspreet Singh behind the microphone.

Then there is the much-awaited song "Chiggy wiggy", which features international pop singer Kylie Minogue. Not only does she sing the number, she is also seen in the video. that is already on air. Kylie is supported by Sonu Nigam for the vocals.

The first part of the song is in English and is completely western, but Sonu enters with the sound of the dhol and gives the song an Indian feel. The track is neither bad nor brilliant.

"Fiqrana" by Shreya Ghoshal and Vijay Prakash is another fast-paced number. But it doesn't impress very much.

Up next is "Rehnuma", a sensual number with influences of jazz. The song is crooned by Shreya Ghoshal yet again along with Sonu Nigam. It's in a different league altogether. Rahman's signature style can be felt at places. A nice track indeed.

Finally there is "Yaar mil tha", which has vocals by Udit Narayan and Madhushree. The song, a fusion of western and Indian styles, is not as interesting as others. It really doesn't stand out as extraordinary.

But on the whole, Rahman has proved his musical prowess yet again with this soundtrack.

Morr Moive photos WWW.bollywoodsargam.com

A.R.Rahman Resul Pookuty and others Press Confrence and First look of Film Blue

Event: Press Confrence and First look of Film Blue

Celebrities: Dhilin Mehta, Anthony D'souza, A.R.Rahman, Resul Pookuty and others

Venue: Cinemax Andheri

Date: 12th August, 2009

Oscar winning music director A R Rahman and Resul Pookutty Oscar winner sound mixing SM

Oscar winning music director A. R. Rahman (L) and Resul Pookutty, winner of the Oscar for sound mixing for "Slumdog Millionaire", pose for a picture during a news conference to promote their forthcoming movie "Blue" in Mumbai .