Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor Support A. R. Rahman ENCORE

New Delhi: With a few days to go for the highly anticipated stadium tour – A. R. Rahman ENCORE – The Concert where the music legend will return to the homegrown arena after a hiatus of close to five years, India’s top Bollywood celebrities open up about their fond memories of the maestro like never before.

Aamir Khan states He is one of the most amazing and creative people that we have in the Indian film industry. His contribution to Indian cinema is huge. He is someone I am a huge fan of. He is a magician with music.

Ajay Devgan states Everyone knows how talented A. R. Rahman so I don’t need to speak about that. He has two films with me and music of both the films has been fabulous. My favourite one was the title track of The Legend Of Bharat Singh which still gives me goose bumps.

Alia Bhatt states 25 years of A. R. Rahman is really really amazing. I just want to say Sir I love you. I have been privileged to work with him, I got my first song with him. I don’t think you need any of our luck because you’re killing it anyways. Please give us another 25 years or maybe 50 years as well.

Anil Kapoor states I was there to witness when A. R. Rahman was called up on stage to receive Oscars. I think it was one of the best moments of my life, watching an Indian to receive such a prestigious award. That’s the only time I curbed myself because I wanted to go up and dance and celebrate.

“I regret it but there were protocols to maintain. Please grab your opportunity to watch him live, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and a historic moment of your life. I will only congratulate him when he completes 50 years,” added Kapoor.

Arjun Rampal states A. R. Rahman is a genius and I love his music. We are fortunate to have him as part of our industry. He’s been a tremendous contributor. 25 years have gone by so far but his music is evergreen. Even though we have the same initials you are the supremo and far more talented.

Aayushman Khurana states A. R. Rahman was a clutter breaker when he started out. He started with Roja, created his own eclectic sound which was different from the 90’s. My favourite act is when he sings Rangeela and Rockstar.

Ileana D Cruz states I have always loved A. R. Rahman’s music. I would love to work with him someday. I love the fact that even when I listen to his music now, I just know immediately that it’s his music. I hope he continues to be as successful for another 25 years.

Irrfan Khan states The way A. R. Rahman has cultivated his music has been amazing. I wish every artist has an enriching journey like his where they are evolving and working at the same time.

Jacqueline Fernandez states Thank you A. R. Rahman for being an inspiration to all artists and for moving people with your passion towards music.

Parineeti Chopra states I wish I could go but you guys need to go. This is one concert which will make you laugh, cry. His music is emotional, evergreen and pure genius. My favourite song is Tere Bina from Guru. I can hear it every single day of my life. Congratulations A. R. Rahman Sir for giving us 25 glorious years of your melodious years, this is just the start and I hope you reach a century.

Ranbir Kapoor states He has not just contributed to the music but also to the culture of the country. I love you A R Sir and continue to do what you do because there is nobody like you.

Richa Chadda states I had to do this play and cry on stage and it had to look real. Before I went on stage, I used to sing a song from Rang De Basanti – Luka Chuppi which was heart rendering. This song was so emotional and it moved me. I used a lot of that song when I was filming for Gangs of Wassepur to get into the zone of playing a mother to people who were 20 years younger to me. That is my memory of A. R. Rahman.

Arjun Kapoor states Rahman Sir is just going from strength to strength and its an amazing achievement of surviving 25 years and taking India to the world. My father had once told me that this boy is a true genius when he had worked with Rahman Sir. He’s truly a gifted person and I’m so jealous of the people who are going to watch him live.

Sonam Kapoor states I have been very privileged to be a part of his musical journey. I became famous because of his Maskali. Delhi 6 is my favourite soundtrack of his and favourite song is Arziyan from Delhi 6 and Tum Tak from Raanjhanaa. It is an honor to be acting to his music. My favourite memory of his when I met him at a party and Raanjhanaa music had just come out, he was looking for me, the humility of the man to ask me what I thought of the music was just so inspiring.

Arshad Warsi states His music is unusual and interesting. I’m looking to a lot more from the pride of India. We were shooting in South Mumbai, the song Muqabla Muqabla had come out and the entire dance troupe dropped everything and we were standing outside a wine shop in the middle of the road in our costumes and just dancing away to that song.

LIVE Viacom18 in association with MTV and the official ticketing partner BookMyShow will present this magnificent spectacle encapsulating the musical excellence of two and a half decade journey of the music legend, bringing to life some of his most iconic hits. A. R. Rahman is planning an exclusive set list for this tour, covering the entire spectrum of some of his best works right from Roja to Ok Jaanu, which will definitely please his Hindi music fans.

The magnificent night will become even more mesmerizing with A.R. Rahman taking to the piano for an acoustic set. The creative genius will be accompanied by singing sensations Jonita Gandhi, Mohit Chauhan, Javed Ali, Shaashaa Tirupati, Hriday Gattani, and Harshdeep Kaur on the tour.

After a hiatus of over half a decade, the music maestro will embark on a massive stadium tour spanning across four cities between November and December this year and will be a fully seated event held at the most iconic venues in each city to enthrall a combined audience of over 100,000 people.

The tour is brought in association with Hyderabad Talkies in Hyderabad, White River Entertainment in Ahmedabad, Viacom18 in Mumbai and Maham in New Delhi. Tickets are exclusively available on BookMyShow.

-26th November – Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad

-3rd December – TransStadia, Ahmedabad

-17th December – CCI Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

-23rd December – Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi. (ANI)