Homecoming of the hero

CHENNAI: What is it about A R Rahman? Behind the virtuoso who has captured the imagination of a nation of a billion people and has taken Indian music to dizzying heights, is a man whose steadfast passion has won admirers and the loyalty of the musicians, artistes and technicians who have worked closely.
"Awards are only secondary to the real Rahman," says Srinivasa Murthy, who has been his music conductor since Rahman's debut film Roja'."There is talent everywhere but what makes him stand out, besides his devotion to music, is the fact that he is a man of values. I have worked with him when he was a much-sought after keyboard player. Back then, he worked with music directors like Ilaiyaraaja, Raj Koti and Ramesh Naidu. He hasn't changed a bit in the past 25 years," says Murthy, who has no doubt that Rahman will net an Oscar too.
Thumba Raja, a percussionist and vocalist, says Rahman's dedication has only increased even after the success and accolades. "More than 20 years back, there was a union strike by musicians. Not to waste precious time, he called up percussionist Sivamani, bass guitarist Jojo, guitarist John Anthony and myself, and suggested that we start a band. It was called Roots' and we used to practice everyday," says the 50-year-old musician.
"He is always looking to do something new," Raja says. "When he is working, he is serious but once we are done recording, he chats and inquires about everyone," he says. Raja adds that Rahman wanted to study music abroad but destiny had other plans. "Around the time Rahman was thinking of going to US, he started working on Roja' and soon other projects followed, so he decided to continue as a music director," he says.
Bass guitarist Keith Peters, who has worked with Rahman since his ad jingles days, says, "He is a brilliant composer and one of the nicest human beings. When he was composing for Roja', he asked me to play for the song Chinna Chinna Aasai'. When I heard the song, I told him the song will be a huge hit and so will he. Rahman just smiled."
For singer Timothy Madhukar (37), who has provided background vocals for Rahman in movies like Boys' and Yuvraaj', its Rahman's simplicity and humility that inspires him. "Not only has he achieved much but as managed to sustain it all these years. He is very down-to-earth and receptive to others' ideas," Madhukar says, adding that The Carpenters' is Rahman's favourite band. "There is that extraordinary element to him, which is hard to explain. He is constantly trying to make his music sound fresh," he says.
All musicians say Rahman always encourages budding talent. "Rahman gave me a chance to work with him on the background score of Rang De Basanti'," says 24-year-old T R Krishna Chetan, a music programmer. "He rarely loses his cool even under extreme pressure. When he wants you to do something, he gives short but clear descriptions. And it is fun to work with him since he enjoys his work," adds Chetan, who has also worked on Slumdog Millionaire'.