"Guru" - AR RAHMAN

AR Rahman

I was so young when i got hooked to ROJA soundtrack... i know every line by heart of that album. Not just the line, even the sounds that he uses, lyrics that he plays with and the instruments that he uses... i can actually sing the instrumental part of the music too. Any music aficionado will understand what i am trying to say. And i am only thankful to god that he gave us AR Rahman and ofcourse, a good taste for music to me. (I have never understood how can people like Himesh Reshamiya's music) As i write, Rahman has bagged three nominations at the  Academy Awards. For Original sound track as well as for the best song - O saya and Jai Ho... I am only glad and immensely proud to know that.

A still from 'Jiya Jale' - Dil Se

There have been times when Rahman's compositions have actually been my best friends... I remember listening to 'Jiya Jale' back to back in my college days. I was tucked inside my quilt, and would rewind my Sony Walkman, listen Lata croon to Jiya Jale, rewind.. listen... till i fell asleep or the batteries gave up. And I'll always remember 'Bombay Theme' as one of my favourites. 

Indian Artists for Jana Gana Mana (India's National Anthem)

Rahman's Jana Gana Mana - with India's best music talents has been a very inspiring song. And that means i am going to let out a secret today. Rahman's Jan Gana Mana, our Indian National Anthem, is my strength song. The way people resort to religion and their mantras... i fall back on our national anthem for the strength. And most of the times, it has shown me a way out. Once when i was fighting inside me, for not getting along with someone.. I played Jan Gana Mana on my mobile phone. And while listening to it, i realised that if an entire nation made of different people can stay together despite differences and make such a wonderful nation together, maybe i too can deal with these people i dont agree with.. Its not that big deal afterall. If all these great singers, all unique in their own way can render the national anthem so soulfully.. maybe i too can remain unique and still be a part of the group.

Luka Chuppi from Rang De Basanti

and how can i forget Luka Chuppi.. from Rang De Basanti... i think its one of the most touching compositions of Rahman.. and the song that depicts the relationship of a mother and her child, couldnt have sounded better without Rahman's music... i love everything about the song... the way song starts with the guitar... Lata's voice.. the tabla.. the lyrics... the way song picks up with rahman's entry and the aalap in the end.. I vividly remember, how Devam and i (when we were living in mumbai together) would put this song on loop and sleep through the night with luka chuppi playing the background. We would wake up with this song.. and this song would remain with us for the rest of the day.. only to return to it in the night. We were in love with this song at that time.

There are so many - Jodha Akbar, Bombay, Lagaan, Rangeela, Guru, Dil Se, Taal, 1947 Earth, Zubeida, Pukar, Saathiya, Water, Yuva, Jaane Tu ya Jaane Na and even the latest 'Delhi 6' - Masakalli is such a nice soundtrack... Rahman is gifted. And he makes me feel gifted too because his music is so easily available. I can actually afford to buy his original music and i feel really blessed.

Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera - Swades

And if i had to give Oscar to one AR Rahman composition - it would be 'Yeh jo des hai tera' from Swades. I would touch his feet, if i ever met him, just because he composed this song. Its my favourite song. If i am a nationalist, more than anything today, the credit also goes to this song. If i ever have to rate a song as the national song of our country - it would be this. This song personifies me. Despite all shortcomings, despite all prejudices and despite all our country's negatives, its still the most promising land for me on this planet. I love this country. I truly and wholeheartedly love it. And this song just voices and sings everything that i feel for this country. Its like this song is made for me...

And here's that song for all of you... hope you enjoy this track... cause i really do.