Oscar-winning legendary Indian composer AR Rahman says Malaysians fans continue to inspire and motivate him (VIDEO)
PETALING JAYA, Jan 7 — Oscar-winning Indian music composer AR Rahman's first show in Malaysia was in 1996.
And the legendary music maestro will be making his six appearance here come Jan 28.
Known for taking risks and continuously innovating his brand of music by blending different genres of music, he says he has always had a special connection with Malaysian fans.
The ‘Mozart of Madras’ said his love for fans in Malaysia grew when he received tremendous support from that first performance.
“My first show in Malaysia was back in 1996 when I was still new in the industry, yet I received tremendous support even then,” he said.
Rahman spoke to Malay Mail exclusively at Le Méridien, Kuala Lumpur before meeting his fans at KL Gateaway Mall. — Picture by Devan Manuel.
Since then, Rahman always finds inspiration in that moment.
“Any human won't have the same state of mind at all times.
“Sometimes when I feel low ion self-esteem I think of my Malaysian fans and I get motivated.”
He said this in Tamil when answering a question from Rahmaniac Malaysia, Malaysia’s officially registered fan club during a press conference last Friday to promote his mega concert AR Rahman - Secret of Success - Live in Malaysia 2023 scheduled to be held at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Speaking to Malay Mail in an exclusive interview at Le Méridien KL hotel prior to an open press conference, Rahman spoke of his 30-years in music, saying inspirational things are hidden in plain sight but one could find it in almost anything.
“When I see someone rise up in quality in the aura or innovation or anything, I feel like they inspire all of us.”
Rahman meanwhile shared his hope and vision for the music industry in 2023, touching on India's rise in English medium music.
“Recently I was involved in NEXA Music, a platform for independent music and English music in India - which was in fact what I predicted.
“When I was at the Grammys I said in ten years, India will win a Grammy, because it takes a generation to realise and find themselves.
“And I think they have found themselves now and it's just a matter of time.”
Rahman told his fans at KL Gateway to "Trust what we do and come watch the KL concert.” — Picture by Devan Manuel.
He said coming together to make a statement was the result of that.
“It is going to happen. Like South Korea right now and we can do it better,” he told Malay Mail.
Rahman has won six National Film Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award.
Known for his extensive body of work for films and stage, he is gifted in his musical compositions of Indian classical music, electronic music, and traditional orchestral arrangement.
In September last year, Rahman had a street named after him in Markham city, in Canada.
He said he was honoured and grateful for this recognition from the City of Markham and the people of Canada.
Rahman's concert here is organised by DMY Creation that distributed 232 major films and organised several local and international entertainment shows.
The concert will feature a line-up of internationally renowned Indian artistes to keep the audience enthralled.
DMY Creations's founder and chairman Datuk Muhammad Yusoff said some 60,000 fans are expected to attend the concert.
He said the concert will be promoted in more than 14 countries apart from Malaysia, including in India, Singapore, Dubai, Vietnam, Indonesia, Britain, Thailand, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia through various promotions to attract foreign tourists to Malaysia.
