A R Rahman & Me
Firstly, to all the people who’re thinking “So why’s he creating such a big fuss about A R Rahman? He’s just a music guy no, not some actor”. If your thinking is on those lines, then you probably don’t know me. Anyone who knows me even remotely or has ever spoken to me about music or even about one, ONE song would know that when Music is my Religion, A R Rahman is God. No dialogues, no lies. Plain and simple, He’s an Idol and a role model. Sure, earlier I was just a normal fan. But since the past few years, I’ve come to idolize Him for the person and the music He is and stands for. Also, I’ve made no secret of a wish, a dream of mine to just meet him. A chance to maybe just SEE him. THAT, for me, was the ultimate experience. Even a meeting with a SRK or a Tom Cruise or anyone else would come in second to meeting A R Rahman. Maybe it’s coz I play music and understand better the slight nuances that every other composer today lacks. Or maybe not.
So that is me. And then I read somewhere in March that A R Rahman was to perform in Bangalore on the 29th of May, 2011. I KNEW I had to attend the concert, but over the days I started thinking if I should attend as audience or something more? Something that could take me closer to The Man, The Music – A R. So after running through a lot of contacts and interviews, I got the job of the Backstage co-ordinator for the concert. I remember driving back home in a trance that day. So as the date got closer, the payment package was being discussed. I frankly told them I am doing it for the experience and am not expecting any remuneration. Apart from an earnest thought, I also told this coz I was getting feelers that they may bring in people in main posts who quote the lowest salary to save money. So I cut out the competition completely, and the Job was mine to keep.
DAY ONE
I remember it was raining every single day that week. On the 27th of May, while it was raining heavily outside, I got a call from the Production Head to come in tomorrow morning at the venue. As I kept the call, I prayed for the rain to cease for the next two days. It was a pleasant morning on the 28th of May as I reached Palace rounds at around 10 am. The stage was built spectacularly, a far cry from the shabby construction I had seen a week back. There was news that the Rahman concert in Nagpur was managed very badly and Rahman sir had told on-stage that everyone should come to Bangalore for the complete show. The stakes were even higher, and there were a few crores riding on us, the production team, to ensure a successful show. I was given an All Access Pass and a walkie-talkie and there I was, the entire backstage with the artist green rooms, all to myself with 50 volunteers/workers under me. Each artiste or 2 was given one green room with common rooms to dancers/make-up people. As I got the AC’s fitted into the 30-odd green rooms along with other basic amenities, my eyes distinctly went off to the Trailer van parked at the backstage entrance with ‘A R Rahman’ written on it. I got it opened by the bouncers there and got it cleaned and replenished with cool drinks, water etc. I knew he’d eventually come here. Then we got news that the artistes have started coming, and my hopes went up. Then Rahman sir’s PA came upto me and I introduced myself. He told me Rahman sir will be coming in at around 3:30 pm. As the artistes started rehearsing on stage, I got a chance to meet all the artistes, including Rahman sir’s 2 sisters, Reihana and Israth. From then on I kept getting news about delays with Rahman sir’s time and finally at around 6:00 pm we got news that Rahman sir had left for Palace Grounds. By then I’d gotten familiar with most of the artistes. Sivamani cancelled his rehearsal slot coz he was in Chennai seeing the IPL match.
At around 6:30 pm, my walkie-talkie buzzed with info that Rahman sir has almost reached and that he will be entering from the main entrance and will proceed to stage directly. With a heavy heart, I kept myself backstage. At 6:40 pm, a car drove up near the tiny backstage entry where all iron rods and stage waste was littered. I’d told the guard at the far entrance NOT to allow anyone in. Curious to see who it was, I walked towards the car. As I stood to query in front of the Black Merc, A R Rahman opened the door, got off and said “Hi”.
A R Rahman. Idol, Guru, 2-time Oscar winner, Grammy, BAFTA etc.. God.
A R Rahman.
It took me a full 5 seconds (1. 2. 3. 4. 5) before I could find my voice. “Welcome to Bangalore sir”, I mumbled. I think he murmured “Thank you” and looked around and took a long *sigh*, as if finally breathing fresh air. His driver/assistant went forward to park it ahead and there I was, with A R Rahman, outside the backstage entrance. He was dressed in a patterned-shirt with a waist-coat over it and jeans. I managed to blurt out “Shall we go, sir?” “Yeah” came the prompt reply and head bowed down, he followed. With my walkie-talkie arm ahead of me, I spoke to him about how much I loved his music and how I myself am a musician and stuff. “That’s good” he said, without even looking up properly. I immediately remembered a letter I had written to him for such an occasion itself and I gave it to him requesting him to read it. He smiled and put it in his waist-coat. Filled with a renewed energy, I brought him to his Trailer and just as I got the door opened, he said to me “Why why? No need.. We can go to the stage directly?”. “Yes sir, sure” I said and with my walkie-talkie gestured to the volunteers to clear the path ahead. With my walkie-talkie arm held out clearing the people ahead, we reached the main backstage where the dancers and singers and musicians were chatting around. There were cries of “Shit” “Crap, He’s Here!” “Go GO soon!” as there was silence and everyone rushed to their green rooms. I escorted him till on-stage and as I said “Thank you sir” he gave a half-smile and I left. Immediately there were cries of “A R!” from the console, where Rahman’s personal event management company, Rapport Global’s, heads were present.
As Rahman sir took stock of the situation on-stage, I went backstage and seated myself. It had happened. I had finally met him, spoken to him and been with him for longer than I could ever have imagined. And to top it all, I gave my letter to the man himself! Before I could get over the encounter, Rahman sir started singing the ‘elelo’ part from ‘Choti Si Aasha(Roja)’ on stage. It took me all my self-control and will to stop myself from running on-stage. After a while, as the singers kept going on and off the stage, Rahman sir came off-stage and was chatting with his secretary Noel James and Vijay Prakash, when I went upto him. “Excuse me sir”, I said. He looked at me and his expression told me he recognized me. “Can I have an autograph please, sir?. “No no.. all this will be at the end, not now.” “Ok sir, sure” I said, smiling, and went away.
Meanwhile, I was also given charge of the on-stage co-ordination for the Grand Piano, the qawwali songs and Sivamani and Rahman sir’s solo. With 10 workers, I got the piano rolled in to position and looked at the sheets given to me by the Rapport co-ordinator. Seeing the lyrics of ‘Rehna Tu’, ‘Jaage Hain’ and ‘Meherbaan’ on it, I realized what I would see when I turn around and sure enough, A R Rahman was waiting for me to get the piano set. I instructed the workers to keep it at the proper slant alignment, and shooed them off-stage. I then asked Rahman sir if it was fine and he looked up to me and I again saw that look of familiarity. “Yeah, it’s alrite” he said and I placed the sheets on the piano and proceeded back enough so that I don’t disrupt him but close enough to get an awesome view. After a magical unplugged-piano session, it was time for the qawwali songs, for which again I had the mattresses and harmonium placed in front of him.
During the rehearsal, Rahman sir needed to go to the console in between the ground. His other assistant from the car, Viji (Vijay Mohan Iyer), immediately told me to come with him and Rahman. There were many curious on-lookers and as soon as they saw someone come onto the grounds, they clambered on to get a glimpse. Luckily, I piloted Rahman sir to the console in time just before word got out that A R Rahman was at the console. At the console Rahman sir displayed his trademark sense of humor. Murthy sir (the orchestra conductor) was on stage and the following conversation ensued:
Rahman: Check Check Check.. Do you hear me Murthy sir?
Murthy Sir: (gesturing with a No)
Rahman: (with a smirk) Cash Cash Cash.. Now?
A man came upto me and asked me to let him meet Rahman sir as he’d come from Ireland only to meet him. There were many such people, and while Rahman sir checked the console, me and Viji stood by Rahman sir. He then proceeded onto the Control Room to see how the 3-D effect was with the glasses. A huge hoard of policemen came in near the entrance asking if A R Rahman was there. I told yeah, but they’d have to wait outside. For a second I thought they’d scream or something, but they told “ok” and I asked them to form a human chain so I could take Rahman sir back. Eager to get a glimpse of him, they all fell in line and prevented the general public from coming close. A lady dressed in white managed to come upto me and asked me if she could meet Rahman. I told her it’s out of the question. Only after we reached backstage with Rahman sir did I get to know she was a pretty well-known entrepreneur.
After the entire rehearsal (the magic of which I could write another blog about), A R Rahman’s PA, Swamidurai (who only converses in Tamil) told me through signs and words that Rahman sir will be leaving now. I told a calm “Ok sir” and slowly walked off pretending to be caught up with something else. As soon as he was out-of-sight, I ran towards the place where I knew his car was parked. I caught him midway, but he was escorted by 3-4 heads of Rapport Global. I went with him anyway and escorted him till his car. As he drove off, I got news that he will be arriving at around 2:00 pm tomorrow.
As I went back backstage and met all the other singers, I was surprised with how normal and regular I felt towards them, after having met A R Rahman. None of them had that aura of divine space around them. I’d always thought these were just fancy words, but it’s true. There really IS something divine about and around Rahman sir, something that baffles and amazes me in equal measure. Anyhow, as the singers started leaving one-by-one, I too wrapped up my work and told everyone the reporting time would be 9:00 am tomorrow. Though tired and over-whelmed by the experiences I’d had, I braced myself for the big day tomorrow.
DAY 2
With broken legs, zero energy and full enthusiasm I managed to get myself to the venue by 10:00 am on the 29th of May. I won’t bore you with all the details and preparations, but even though I was neck-deep busy with a lot of work, my thoughts were reserved for the time Rahman sir was to come. As we neared 2:00 pm and the other artistes started coming in, I got the news I was expecting. Rahman sir would be late. To be on the safer side, I got his Trailer arranged and all set by 3:00 pm. Around 3:30 pm, I got news of some disturbance at the Main Backstage entry ( gate next to fun world/opposite TV Tower). I rushed there with the bouncers and volunteers to find that a lot of people were demanding entry from there despite the main entry point being near MCC College. I explained to everyone that this was an entry only for artistes and spent the next half-hour instructing the 15-odd traffic policemen standing there to guide everyone near MCC College and got a banner put outside. Just then, a packed car came and stood in front of the gate and as I went to check, Viji and Rahman sir peeked out. I immediately instructed the guards to open the gate properly and ran towards the backstage entry. I just reached there as the car stopped and sure enough, Rahman sir got out. Dressed in blue, he gave the same half-smile of familiarity. I then saw why the car was packed. His entire family had come comprising of His mother, wife and 3 kids. His wife, Saira Bano, is an extremely pretty and charming woman.
I welcomed all of them and as I started escorting them near the backstage, Swamidurai came in and together we escorted Rahman sir to the Trailer. I asked Saira if she wanted to get in but she refused. She, Viji and the kids stayed out as Rahman, his mother, Swamidurai and me got in. Having seated Himself on the luxurious sofa insiade, He asked Swamidurai something in Tamil (something like ‘is everything ready?’) to which he replied in the affirmative. He then looked me square in the eye and my heart skipped a beat. “You’ll be around? Crowds make me uncomfortable.. Please ensure no one comes to me for an autograph or a picture and stuff like that”. “Sure sir, Sure” I mumbled and as the Rapport Global bosses got into the trailer, I knew it was my cue to leave. I said a “If there’s anything required, do let me know sir” and rushed out. I stood transfixed outside, knowing the repercussions of what He’d said. He’d meant for me to be around but it also meant I had a task to do. I decided that even if it meant me not getting a pic with Him, I had to do my job perfectly.
It was then that I noticed Viji, Saira and the kids waiting in the Family room. Viji told me Saira needed to be taken to the VIP audience stand to meet her family here. As I escorted her, we had a free-wheeling chat about how she loved Bangalore and the weather here etc. She was pure radiance. I left her off near her family where they greeted each other with the traditional hugs and taking the back of the palm to the eye and kissing it. I asked for leave and on my way to the trailer told all artistes and dancers in their green rooms that Rahman sir had arrived and they should start getting ready with the make-up and costumes. Viji told me the kids had gone into the trailer. Just then Swamidurai came out and asked for sweets/chocolates for Rahman’s kids. I immediately sent the volunteers to the make-shift canteen but they returned empty-handed. There was all kind of food, but no chocolates. I called the volunteers and asked them to get the chocolates from outside ASAP. In 10 mins I had a handful of Dairy Milk and 5 star bars, which I gave to Swami who took it to the trailer.
The concert time was near and after ensuring all arrangements in the backstage were done (I saw Swamidurai going towards the trailer from the store room with Rahman sir’s entire wardrobe), I went on-stage to check for the piano and other arrangements. It was around 6:20 pm when I got on stage and God, was the sight incredible! There was a HUGE crowd already, spread far, easily more than 25,000 people. It was intimidating and exhilarating together to see so many people from stage. After getting the work done there, I was told I will be required to go on stage for the lamp lighting by the guests to light the candle and pass it on. Mr. R Ashok, a Minister of Karnataka was the chief guest along with . I quickly got my Suit on and as we were approaching 7:00 pm, we got word from Rahman sir to start after 20 minutes to allow people who might be stuck in traffic. At around 7:00, the MC for the event, a VJ from Channel Ufx, got on stage and welcomed the crowd. There was thunderous applause as she called for the lamp lighting and after that got done, the MC came back and then there was nothing for 5 minutes. As soon as we got the go-ahead to start, singer Shweta Pandit got on stage and the concert had finally begun! She started off with the female intro of ‘Roja Janeman’ and the crowd went berserk. I was told by the co-ordinator from Rapport that if this was loud, I should listen to when A R got on stage. I was positioned just at the artiste entrance where we were supposed to usher in the artistes as and when their turn came. As soon as we got news that Rahman sir was positioned on the hydraulic, the stage dimmed and with the spotlight, A R Rahman rose slowly from below the stage. Just before his face appeared at stage-level, he started off with the ‘elelo’ part (from Choti Si Aasha/Chinnai Chinnai aasai) and the noise that came out of the crowd is the loudest I’ve ever heard in my life. The crowd was screaming their lungs out as Rahman sir crooned the beautiful alap. It was a full 30 seconds before the noise started reducing and Rahman sir shouted ‘Channagidira?’. It was absolute mayhem for another 30-seconds, following which He expressed his gratitude to Bangalore and spoke to the crowd about how He’d always wanted to perform here for the wonderful crowd. He then proceeded on with the show (I’ll put up the full event-list) with ‘Tere Bina’ from Guru and ‘Dil Se re..’. It was a super-duper, mesmerizing concert and I happened to get the best view of it all. He kept coming on and off stage for costume-changes. The concert was a tribute to all the songs that He’d composed in the 1st half of his career. I could go on and on about the concert details and about every awesome performance, but that would take another day to write about! When the time came for ‘Yeh jo des..’ from Swades, I got a bar-stool placed on stage and when it was time for a medley of songs on the Grand Piano, I got it rolled on stage and put the lyric sheets in front. As I gestured for Him to come sit, he gave the same half-smile that had since become a sign that he was familiar with a person. He performed unplugged versions of ‘Rehna Tu..’ from Delhi-6, ‘Jaage hain’ from Guru, ‘Meherbaan’ from Ada and ‘Ishq Bina’ from Taal on the Grand Piano and it was pure magic.
You can see the video here -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8QPsKtxYhI
During ‘Lukka Chippi’ from RDB, Lata ji appeared on screen digitally to sing along with Rahman sir. After a few more songs, it was time for the sufi-sequence and I got the Harmonium and the mattresses placed on stage with spotless-white covers. ‘Khwaja mere Khwaja’ from Jodha-Akbar and ‘Arziyan’ from Delhi-6 were the songs He sung in this segment.
Then, it was time to give the memento to Rahman sir by the Chief Guest. As it was handed to him, I was standing backstage itself and Rahman sir came backstage and put the memento in my hand and hurried off for the next song. If only, IF only someone had captured that moment on camera, it would have been the defining moment of my life. A R Rahman giving a memento to me :D
Later on, his mother and kids joined us backstage and as I got free then, I exchanged a few pleasantries with them. I’d also chatted up with Reihana and Israth, who are part of the chorus group. Reihana especially is very outgoing and nice to talk to. The singers kept heaving praises on Rahman as they performed. But it was easy to see that Rahman sir preferred his old friends to all the new crop of singers. On more than one occasion, as we cued the singers to go on stage, they came back in a jiffy telling Rahman sir sent them back. As we saw the screen backstage, Rahman sir had walked upto Naveen (the flautist) and Sivamani (the drummer) on separate occasions and having put his arms around them like old friends, gave solos each with Rahman sir on his Keytar(Keyboar-guitar). Both Naveen and Sivamani have known Rahman sir long before he got famous and he values such people most in his life. The concert drew to a close with ‘Roobaroo’ with all the singers on stage that quickly transformed into ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’. It was a fitting end to the grandest show Bangalore had ever seen and the 40,000+ crowd gave a standing ovation to the Mozart of Madras as he told the crowd he hoped to be back soon among them.
As he got off stage, I knew it was now or never and I relentlessly pursued Him to his trailer but a plethora of tasks came my way back then that I simply could NOT ignore. However, within 10 minutes I got news from the security that Rahman sir had left Palace Grounds with his family. There was disappointment, yes, but I had already got much MUCH more than I had ever asked for and I quietly went about the various tasks at hand. On occasions when I strayed near the front row audience, there were shouts of ‘PLEASE GET ME RAHMAN’S AUTOGRAPH’ from many people. How could I tell them that I myself had not got one and had to make sure none of them do too. Then I got a call from Rahman sir’s piano tuner for help in moving the piano. It was then that I realized that maybe not all was lost. I was on good terms with the tuner (having spoken to him during the 2 days). There were crew people around who wanted to get pics on it but they were being shooed away. I’d told the tuner guy that I play the keyboard and when I asked him if I could play, he immediately lifted the hood off the 30 Lakh worth- Piano and got it ready. I played ‘Roja’, ‘Hosanna’ and ‘Jaage Hain’ on it, before he requested me that they were getting late. I provided the workers to him for moving and after having taken his contact, I thanked him for the chance and left.
After rounding up all my work, I handed in my walkie-talkie and Pass to the production company and thanked the Production heads for giving me the opportunity. After exchanging contacts with the Rapport Global co-ordinators from Mumbai, I finally left the venue around 1 am.
Unforgettable 2 days, unforgettable experience.
Unforgettable A R Rahman – The Man, The Music.
Phew!
So that is me. And then I read somewhere in March that A R Rahman was to perform in Bangalore on the 29th of May, 2011. I KNEW I had to attend the concert, but over the days I started thinking if I should attend as audience or something more? Something that could take me closer to The Man, The Music – A R. So after running through a lot of contacts and interviews, I got the job of the Backstage co-ordinator for the concert. I remember driving back home in a trance that day. So as the date got closer, the payment package was being discussed. I frankly told them I am doing it for the experience and am not expecting any remuneration. Apart from an earnest thought, I also told this coz I was getting feelers that they may bring in people in main posts who quote the lowest salary to save money. So I cut out the competition completely, and the Job was mine to keep.
DAY ONE
I remember it was raining every single day that week. On the 27th of May, while it was raining heavily outside, I got a call from the Production Head to come in tomorrow morning at the venue. As I kept the call, I prayed for the rain to cease for the next two days. It was a pleasant morning on the 28th of May as I reached Palace rounds at around 10 am. The stage was built spectacularly, a far cry from the shabby construction I had seen a week back. There was news that the Rahman concert in Nagpur was managed very badly and Rahman sir had told on-stage that everyone should come to Bangalore for the complete show. The stakes were even higher, and there were a few crores riding on us, the production team, to ensure a successful show. I was given an All Access Pass and a walkie-talkie and there I was, the entire backstage with the artist green rooms, all to myself with 50 volunteers/workers under me. Each artiste or 2 was given one green room with common rooms to dancers/make-up people. As I got the AC’s fitted into the 30-odd green rooms along with other basic amenities, my eyes distinctly went off to the Trailer van parked at the backstage entrance with ‘A R Rahman’ written on it. I got it opened by the bouncers there and got it cleaned and replenished with cool drinks, water etc. I knew he’d eventually come here. Then we got news that the artistes have started coming, and my hopes went up. Then Rahman sir’s PA came upto me and I introduced myself. He told me Rahman sir will be coming in at around 3:30 pm. As the artistes started rehearsing on stage, I got a chance to meet all the artistes, including Rahman sir’s 2 sisters, Reihana and Israth. From then on I kept getting news about delays with Rahman sir’s time and finally at around 6:00 pm we got news that Rahman sir had left for Palace Grounds. By then I’d gotten familiar with most of the artistes. Sivamani cancelled his rehearsal slot coz he was in Chennai seeing the IPL match.
At around 6:30 pm, my walkie-talkie buzzed with info that Rahman sir has almost reached and that he will be entering from the main entrance and will proceed to stage directly. With a heavy heart, I kept myself backstage. At 6:40 pm, a car drove up near the tiny backstage entry where all iron rods and stage waste was littered. I’d told the guard at the far entrance NOT to allow anyone in. Curious to see who it was, I walked towards the car. As I stood to query in front of the Black Merc, A R Rahman opened the door, got off and said “Hi”.
A R Rahman. Idol, Guru, 2-time Oscar winner, Grammy, BAFTA etc.. God.
A R Rahman.
It took me a full 5 seconds (1. 2. 3. 4. 5) before I could find my voice. “Welcome to Bangalore sir”, I mumbled. I think he murmured “Thank you” and looked around and took a long *sigh*, as if finally breathing fresh air. His driver/assistant went forward to park it ahead and there I was, with A R Rahman, outside the backstage entrance. He was dressed in a patterned-shirt with a waist-coat over it and jeans. I managed to blurt out “Shall we go, sir?” “Yeah” came the prompt reply and head bowed down, he followed. With my walkie-talkie arm ahead of me, I spoke to him about how much I loved his music and how I myself am a musician and stuff. “That’s good” he said, without even looking up properly. I immediately remembered a letter I had written to him for such an occasion itself and I gave it to him requesting him to read it. He smiled and put it in his waist-coat. Filled with a renewed energy, I brought him to his Trailer and just as I got the door opened, he said to me “Why why? No need.. We can go to the stage directly?”. “Yes sir, sure” I said and with my walkie-talkie gestured to the volunteers to clear the path ahead. With my walkie-talkie arm held out clearing the people ahead, we reached the main backstage where the dancers and singers and musicians were chatting around. There were cries of “Shit” “Crap, He’s Here!” “Go GO soon!” as there was silence and everyone rushed to their green rooms. I escorted him till on-stage and as I said “Thank you sir” he gave a half-smile and I left. Immediately there were cries of “A R!” from the console, where Rahman’s personal event management company, Rapport Global’s, heads were present.
As Rahman sir took stock of the situation on-stage, I went backstage and seated myself. It had happened. I had finally met him, spoken to him and been with him for longer than I could ever have imagined. And to top it all, I gave my letter to the man himself! Before I could get over the encounter, Rahman sir started singing the ‘elelo’ part from ‘Choti Si Aasha(Roja)’ on stage. It took me all my self-control and will to stop myself from running on-stage. After a while, as the singers kept going on and off the stage, Rahman sir came off-stage and was chatting with his secretary Noel James and Vijay Prakash, when I went upto him. “Excuse me sir”, I said. He looked at me and his expression told me he recognized me. “Can I have an autograph please, sir?. “No no.. all this will be at the end, not now.” “Ok sir, sure” I said, smiling, and went away.
Meanwhile, I was also given charge of the on-stage co-ordination for the Grand Piano, the qawwali songs and Sivamani and Rahman sir’s solo. With 10 workers, I got the piano rolled in to position and looked at the sheets given to me by the Rapport co-ordinator. Seeing the lyrics of ‘Rehna Tu’, ‘Jaage Hain’ and ‘Meherbaan’ on it, I realized what I would see when I turn around and sure enough, A R Rahman was waiting for me to get the piano set. I instructed the workers to keep it at the proper slant alignment, and shooed them off-stage. I then asked Rahman sir if it was fine and he looked up to me and I again saw that look of familiarity. “Yeah, it’s alrite” he said and I placed the sheets on the piano and proceeded back enough so that I don’t disrupt him but close enough to get an awesome view. After a magical unplugged-piano session, it was time for the qawwali songs, for which again I had the mattresses and harmonium placed in front of him.
During the rehearsal, Rahman sir needed to go to the console in between the ground. His other assistant from the car, Viji (Vijay Mohan Iyer), immediately told me to come with him and Rahman. There were many curious on-lookers and as soon as they saw someone come onto the grounds, they clambered on to get a glimpse. Luckily, I piloted Rahman sir to the console in time just before word got out that A R Rahman was at the console. At the console Rahman sir displayed his trademark sense of humor. Murthy sir (the orchestra conductor) was on stage and the following conversation ensued:
Rahman: Check Check Check.. Do you hear me Murthy sir?
Murthy Sir: (gesturing with a No)
Rahman: (with a smirk) Cash Cash Cash.. Now?
A man came upto me and asked me to let him meet Rahman sir as he’d come from Ireland only to meet him. There were many such people, and while Rahman sir checked the console, me and Viji stood by Rahman sir. He then proceeded onto the Control Room to see how the 3-D effect was with the glasses. A huge hoard of policemen came in near the entrance asking if A R Rahman was there. I told yeah, but they’d have to wait outside. For a second I thought they’d scream or something, but they told “ok” and I asked them to form a human chain so I could take Rahman sir back. Eager to get a glimpse of him, they all fell in line and prevented the general public from coming close. A lady dressed in white managed to come upto me and asked me if she could meet Rahman. I told her it’s out of the question. Only after we reached backstage with Rahman sir did I get to know she was a pretty well-known entrepreneur.
After the entire rehearsal (the magic of which I could write another blog about), A R Rahman’s PA, Swamidurai (who only converses in Tamil) told me through signs and words that Rahman sir will be leaving now. I told a calm “Ok sir” and slowly walked off pretending to be caught up with something else. As soon as he was out-of-sight, I ran towards the place where I knew his car was parked. I caught him midway, but he was escorted by 3-4 heads of Rapport Global. I went with him anyway and escorted him till his car. As he drove off, I got news that he will be arriving at around 2:00 pm tomorrow.
As I went back backstage and met all the other singers, I was surprised with how normal and regular I felt towards them, after having met A R Rahman. None of them had that aura of divine space around them. I’d always thought these were just fancy words, but it’s true. There really IS something divine about and around Rahman sir, something that baffles and amazes me in equal measure. Anyhow, as the singers started leaving one-by-one, I too wrapped up my work and told everyone the reporting time would be 9:00 am tomorrow. Though tired and over-whelmed by the experiences I’d had, I braced myself for the big day tomorrow.
DAY 2
With broken legs, zero energy and full enthusiasm I managed to get myself to the venue by 10:00 am on the 29th of May. I won’t bore you with all the details and preparations, but even though I was neck-deep busy with a lot of work, my thoughts were reserved for the time Rahman sir was to come. As we neared 2:00 pm and the other artistes started coming in, I got the news I was expecting. Rahman sir would be late. To be on the safer side, I got his Trailer arranged and all set by 3:00 pm. Around 3:30 pm, I got news of some disturbance at the Main Backstage entry ( gate next to fun world/opposite TV Tower). I rushed there with the bouncers and volunteers to find that a lot of people were demanding entry from there despite the main entry point being near MCC College. I explained to everyone that this was an entry only for artistes and spent the next half-hour instructing the 15-odd traffic policemen standing there to guide everyone near MCC College and got a banner put outside. Just then, a packed car came and stood in front of the gate and as I went to check, Viji and Rahman sir peeked out. I immediately instructed the guards to open the gate properly and ran towards the backstage entry. I just reached there as the car stopped and sure enough, Rahman sir got out. Dressed in blue, he gave the same half-smile of familiarity. I then saw why the car was packed. His entire family had come comprising of His mother, wife and 3 kids. His wife, Saira Bano, is an extremely pretty and charming woman.
I welcomed all of them and as I started escorting them near the backstage, Swamidurai came in and together we escorted Rahman sir to the Trailer. I asked Saira if she wanted to get in but she refused. She, Viji and the kids stayed out as Rahman, his mother, Swamidurai and me got in. Having seated Himself on the luxurious sofa insiade, He asked Swamidurai something in Tamil (something like ‘is everything ready?’) to which he replied in the affirmative. He then looked me square in the eye and my heart skipped a beat. “You’ll be around? Crowds make me uncomfortable.. Please ensure no one comes to me for an autograph or a picture and stuff like that”. “Sure sir, Sure” I mumbled and as the Rapport Global bosses got into the trailer, I knew it was my cue to leave. I said a “If there’s anything required, do let me know sir” and rushed out. I stood transfixed outside, knowing the repercussions of what He’d said. He’d meant for me to be around but it also meant I had a task to do. I decided that even if it meant me not getting a pic with Him, I had to do my job perfectly.
It was then that I noticed Viji, Saira and the kids waiting in the Family room. Viji told me Saira needed to be taken to the VIP audience stand to meet her family here. As I escorted her, we had a free-wheeling chat about how she loved Bangalore and the weather here etc. She was pure radiance. I left her off near her family where they greeted each other with the traditional hugs and taking the back of the palm to the eye and kissing it. I asked for leave and on my way to the trailer told all artistes and dancers in their green rooms that Rahman sir had arrived and they should start getting ready with the make-up and costumes. Viji told me the kids had gone into the trailer. Just then Swamidurai came out and asked for sweets/chocolates for Rahman’s kids. I immediately sent the volunteers to the make-shift canteen but they returned empty-handed. There was all kind of food, but no chocolates. I called the volunteers and asked them to get the chocolates from outside ASAP. In 10 mins I had a handful of Dairy Milk and 5 star bars, which I gave to Swami who took it to the trailer.
The concert time was near and after ensuring all arrangements in the backstage were done (I saw Swamidurai going towards the trailer from the store room with Rahman sir’s entire wardrobe), I went on-stage to check for the piano and other arrangements. It was around 6:20 pm when I got on stage and God, was the sight incredible! There was a HUGE crowd already, spread far, easily more than 25,000 people. It was intimidating and exhilarating together to see so many people from stage. After getting the work done there, I was told I will be required to go on stage for the lamp lighting by the guests to light the candle and pass it on. Mr. R Ashok, a Minister of Karnataka was the chief guest along with . I quickly got my Suit on and as we were approaching 7:00 pm, we got word from Rahman sir to start after 20 minutes to allow people who might be stuck in traffic. At around 7:00, the MC for the event, a VJ from Channel Ufx, got on stage and welcomed the crowd. There was thunderous applause as she called for the lamp lighting and after that got done, the MC came back and then there was nothing for 5 minutes. As soon as we got the go-ahead to start, singer Shweta Pandit got on stage and the concert had finally begun! She started off with the female intro of ‘Roja Janeman’ and the crowd went berserk. I was told by the co-ordinator from Rapport that if this was loud, I should listen to when A R got on stage. I was positioned just at the artiste entrance where we were supposed to usher in the artistes as and when their turn came. As soon as we got news that Rahman sir was positioned on the hydraulic, the stage dimmed and with the spotlight, A R Rahman rose slowly from below the stage. Just before his face appeared at stage-level, he started off with the ‘elelo’ part (from Choti Si Aasha/Chinnai Chinnai aasai) and the noise that came out of the crowd is the loudest I’ve ever heard in my life. The crowd was screaming their lungs out as Rahman sir crooned the beautiful alap. It was a full 30 seconds before the noise started reducing and Rahman sir shouted ‘Channagidira?’. It was absolute mayhem for another 30-seconds, following which He expressed his gratitude to Bangalore and spoke to the crowd about how He’d always wanted to perform here for the wonderful crowd. He then proceeded on with the show (I’ll put up the full event-list) with ‘Tere Bina’ from Guru and ‘Dil Se re..’. It was a super-duper, mesmerizing concert and I happened to get the best view of it all. He kept coming on and off stage for costume-changes. The concert was a tribute to all the songs that He’d composed in the 1st half of his career. I could go on and on about the concert details and about every awesome performance, but that would take another day to write about! When the time came for ‘Yeh jo des..’ from Swades, I got a bar-stool placed on stage and when it was time for a medley of songs on the Grand Piano, I got it rolled on stage and put the lyric sheets in front. As I gestured for Him to come sit, he gave the same half-smile that had since become a sign that he was familiar with a person. He performed unplugged versions of ‘Rehna Tu..’ from Delhi-6, ‘Jaage hain’ from Guru, ‘Meherbaan’ from Ada and ‘Ishq Bina’ from Taal on the Grand Piano and it was pure magic.
You can see the video here -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8QPsKtxYhI
During ‘Lukka Chippi’ from RDB, Lata ji appeared on screen digitally to sing along with Rahman sir. After a few more songs, it was time for the sufi-sequence and I got the Harmonium and the mattresses placed on stage with spotless-white covers. ‘Khwaja mere Khwaja’ from Jodha-Akbar and ‘Arziyan’ from Delhi-6 were the songs He sung in this segment.
Then, it was time to give the memento to Rahman sir by the Chief Guest. As it was handed to him, I was standing backstage itself and Rahman sir came backstage and put the memento in my hand and hurried off for the next song. If only, IF only someone had captured that moment on camera, it would have been the defining moment of my life. A R Rahman giving a memento to me :D
Later on, his mother and kids joined us backstage and as I got free then, I exchanged a few pleasantries with them. I’d also chatted up with Reihana and Israth, who are part of the chorus group. Reihana especially is very outgoing and nice to talk to. The singers kept heaving praises on Rahman as they performed. But it was easy to see that Rahman sir preferred his old friends to all the new crop of singers. On more than one occasion, as we cued the singers to go on stage, they came back in a jiffy telling Rahman sir sent them back. As we saw the screen backstage, Rahman sir had walked upto Naveen (the flautist) and Sivamani (the drummer) on separate occasions and having put his arms around them like old friends, gave solos each with Rahman sir on his Keytar(Keyboar-guitar). Both Naveen and Sivamani have known Rahman sir long before he got famous and he values such people most in his life. The concert drew to a close with ‘Roobaroo’ with all the singers on stage that quickly transformed into ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’. It was a fitting end to the grandest show Bangalore had ever seen and the 40,000+ crowd gave a standing ovation to the Mozart of Madras as he told the crowd he hoped to be back soon among them.
As he got off stage, I knew it was now or never and I relentlessly pursued Him to his trailer but a plethora of tasks came my way back then that I simply could NOT ignore. However, within 10 minutes I got news from the security that Rahman sir had left Palace Grounds with his family. There was disappointment, yes, but I had already got much MUCH more than I had ever asked for and I quietly went about the various tasks at hand. On occasions when I strayed near the front row audience, there were shouts of ‘PLEASE GET ME RAHMAN’S AUTOGRAPH’ from many people. How could I tell them that I myself had not got one and had to make sure none of them do too. Then I got a call from Rahman sir’s piano tuner for help in moving the piano. It was then that I realized that maybe not all was lost. I was on good terms with the tuner (having spoken to him during the 2 days). There were crew people around who wanted to get pics on it but they were being shooed away. I’d told the tuner guy that I play the keyboard and when I asked him if I could play, he immediately lifted the hood off the 30 Lakh worth- Piano and got it ready. I played ‘Roja’, ‘Hosanna’ and ‘Jaage Hain’ on it, before he requested me that they were getting late. I provided the workers to him for moving and after having taken his contact, I thanked him for the chance and left.
After rounding up all my work, I handed in my walkie-talkie and Pass to the production company and thanked the Production heads for giving me the opportunity. After exchanging contacts with the Rapport Global co-ordinators from Mumbai, I finally left the venue around 1 am.
Unforgettable 2 days, unforgettable experience.
Unforgettable A R Rahman – The Man, The Music.
Phew!
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Shoot!