Let's forget about the East-West divide now, says Rahman

Chennai, Feb 26 (IANS) Double-Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, who returned home Thursday to a rousing welcome, says his victory at the 81st Academy Awards has bridged the gap between the east and west.

'Let's forget about the East and West divide now - it's the closeness now that has happened. There used to be a lot of apprehensions earlier for Indian music in the west but this award has changed that perception,' Rahman told reporters here at a press conference.

'The series of awards has got me so much of respect. All the legends like Mick Jagger and others talk to me like equals now - that's great. We can do collaborations and some extraordinary work in the future,' he added.

Rahman won two golden statuettes for 'Slumdog Millionaire' for best original score and best original song for 'Jai Ho'.

Apart from two golden statuettes, Rahman also bagged the Golden Globes award and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) trophy for an original score in Danny Boyle's rags-to-riches drama 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

The film, that has won eight Oscars, has also been controversies' favourite child in India for highlighting the 'impoverished underbelly' of the country.

Rahman shunned all such remarks and said: 'If they (the producers) had made the film with a dirty mind, it would not have got an Oscar. The film shows India in a positive light. It shows that India is a developing nation. It gives so much mileage to India.'

Having already donated the Oscar to the younger generation of India, the music Mozart also said: 'I got the Oscar for all of them who wanted to get an Oscar in this country. So, I got two of them. I want the future generation to feel confident that anyone can get an Oscar.

'It's an important award. It's a starting point for a lot even in my career as the Oscar is for my work in the film and not my entire talent.'

The music maestro also expressed his disappointment for the 'unrecognised' talent in the country.

'There is an extraordinary talent in the country, which is unnoticed. I wish they get recognition. I also hope they incorporate more cultural stuff in their music.

'I am not saying that I am the biggest or anything. I am a composer and the only message that I want to give through my music is peace and harmony. One should have a good intention and work through it and they will definitely be successful.'

Rahman's future projects include a film with Mani Ratnam's 'Robot' and 'Blue'.

Apart from Rahman, Resul Pookutty too won an Oscar for sound mixing in 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

Copyright  IANS

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