Rahmanism

Live the moment. This was the mantra for all of us (fans) present during the “Jai Ho” Concert of A R Rahman, the first in Chennai after winning the Oscars. The greatness of this Live Concert – it happened in his hometown, Chennai, for the Chennaites[ Image Courtesy: Google]. I was one of the few thousand Rahman fan in Chennai to sway my hands up, for each and every beat of his music, yesterday night.

Little did I realize that when our Mozart plays his tunes, we all get into action. “Power of the music” or “Power of his music” –no confusion –“ Power of the Music from the Mozart of Madras”.

Infact, my earlier day(Saturday) winded off yesterday(Sunday) early morning for me(late work at my Office), which mean, had to sleep long to relax…whereas, I decided otherwise - wanted to make it to the concert for two reasons –For The Sakthi Foundation and Rahmanism.

I wanted to meet, understand, feel, observe, and realize what Rahmanism is all about. Rahman did exactly the same… Through his vivacious music, he connected all of us…irrespective of our religion, caste, creed, education, status quo, linguistic difference, we were there, swaying and hip hopping to our Mozarts tune.

Fabulous!Fantastic!Splendid performance!Astounding Music!Marvellous! Amazing! Beautiful! Breathtaking! Incredible!

I normally have the habit of observing the people…I love it…love to do it…and here, am, all myself, watching the genius working in front of me, was unbelievably, a fascinating experience. It humbled me, to see the man who was so humbly playing his keyboard with his fingers. His eye brows, his eyes, his face, slight body movements-the concentration-with so much dedication, on the spot, taught me what it is to be a genius. I will certainly not say that Rahman is a born genius. The way he worked his music, I felt this man should be a self-made genius. Yes!!! Observing him closely, understood, my Mozart of Madras is a really very hardworking person…!

He was humane. He displayed humbleness. He spoke in Tamil…to his audience…which showed his love for his people.

He took me ages back…and I noticed myself singing along with him his tracks, which I had listened 18 years back, right from his first movie, Roja…Thamizha Thamizha….nalai un nale!!! I wondered how I was able to recollect the lyrics! Rahman then, was a new find for the Tamil Film Industry. I, born in the 80’s, grew up with my Maestro Isaignani Illaiyaraja’s music for the first decade of my life…and then came Rahman…Titled, Issaipuyal(Music Tornado in Tamil),he changed the way music was played, married Music with Technology in India. I still remember, as an inquisitive kid(yes-not a whizkid),watched with surprise, a junior girl perform in our school in her keyboard, the music for the song, Chinna Chinna Assai(Chhoti si aasha) from his movie,Roja, with her little fingers! Rahman has arrived to the music world stage with a big bang!

And, throughout the 90’s, as I grew up, started growing up, listening to Rahman’s music. The remarkable thing that happened was his journey to capture the ears and stir the soul of every Indian-this happened from his first movie, Roja and then, Bombay. He succeeded. It was a big success for someone from South; for a Tamil speaking Indian (believe me, it still exists) to break the minds of so many Hindi speaking Indians, and others, living with diversified cultures, speaking different languages. His music united everyone. I would say, if you ask me-the name of one person, connecting India, post-Independence, after Cricket, it certainly and for sure is A R Rahman.

When, one more great singer, Chitra mam arrived on stage to sing…it was a surprise. Singing Jiya jale, mesmerized, it took time for me to realize and tell my colleague, hey, shez singing the Telugu version!!! But, we listened in rapt attention!!! My friend, listen to me, I realized in front of my eyes - Music has no boundaries!

If Rashid Ali's Kabhi Kabhi Aditi made all of us go wild, then, Chaiyya Chaiyya from Dil Se took us on top of the train.

Mustafa Mustafa carried me back to my school days, and it was great fun singing along with Rahman in front of him, seeing him…with hands flying up and down, sidewards…Believe me -he makes you become a school kid.

Jai Ho connected every one there with Rahman…It showed the spirit of India. Vande Mataram brought India in front of our eyes. Sivamani-watching him for the second time, is a class apart!!!He is vibrant, full of energy!!!

Singers were charming, pretty and sang with their soul! If Neeti Mohan's Maiyya Maiyya from Guru was outstanding(the whisper around was, she could have done the song in the film too),then, Benny and BlaaZe made us sing and dance for Taxi Taxi. Uyire from Bombay was a class from Hariharan. Thrilling was the way, Rahman took us from Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah to Veerapandi Kottayile…and I remember, started jumping with joy!!! If Khwaja Mere Khwaja from Jodha Akbar made me appreciate Sufi, was equally Surprised to see Rahman wear the prayer cap, sit and play the harmonium…!

Humma Humma electrified the audience. Swing, dance, jump, wave, and rock…all good things has to come to a beautiful end…and so, it ended well!

Proceedings from Jai Ho concert was presented to both, The Shakti Foundation and Rahman Foundation, and my eyes became full of moist…for this concert is for a noble cause...reaching out medical facilities for the underprivileged!

Recalling the words of William Penn,"I expect to pass through life but once.If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do for any fellow being, let me do it now...as I shall not pass this way again."

Certainly, it was the best of the best Sunday outing for me in Chennai, wrapping up the long long day with a dinner(early breakfast) in Mathsya, at 2 AM,and finally retiring back to my nest in Adayar forest!

Rahman said before the start of the concert,” If music makes you think, moves you to action; then I think the music is working.” Rahman anna, it was truly splendid!