Chennai, January 26: It would be an understatement to say the year has begun on a good note for A R Rahman. He already has a Grammy nomination lined up, not to mention a song of his that has been shortlisted for an Oscar. But the modest composer, who has been awarded the Padma Bhushan this year, says he is left with doubt if he deserves such national honour.
“I’m overwhelmed that I have received the honour at the same time that music composer Ilayaraja has received it. It is a great personal statement for me. He has played for my father Shekher, and I have played for Ilayaraja Sir. It is a family thing for me,” explains the composer, adding that this honour has increased expectations that people have for him.
“Now, I wish to work more towards my passion, that is music education, through my K M Music Conservatory,” he explained. “I have not taken up any new Tamil movie,” he explained. He already has Endhiran, Raavan and Sultan lined up in Tamil.
Music composer Ilayaraja, who had recently made waves in Bollywood too, with Paa being a music blockbuster, says the Padma Bhushan he received this year was not a recognition for him, but an appreciation of his work.
When asked how he felt about receiving the honour in a year that A R Rahman also received the honour, Ilayaraja simply said “I don’t have to feel for others.
I feel for myself.” When asked if his increasing presence in Bollywood led to him being awarded a Padma Bhushan, 35 years after he entered the music scene, he said he never thought of it that way.
When asked if the Central government had delayed in honouring talent from South India, he sharply said, “Ask this question to a politician, not a musician.” Music designer Resul Pookutty, who has been awarded a Padma Sri this year, said being recognised in his own country only added to the value of his international honours, including the Academy Award he received last year for Slumdog Millionaire.
When asked if he was upset that India recognised him only after he won an international award, he said, “Such a feeling is bound to be there. Our people here are told about our talent by others. But I have no complaints.” He also noted that this was the first time in his knowledge that a sound technician had been given the Padma Sri.
Mridangam maestro Umayalpuram K Sivaraman, who has been awarded the Padma Vibushan, said “This year marks my 65th year as a musician and that makes the award more special.”
—Agencies