In a significant honour for his contributions to the world of sound, legendary composer AR Rahman was presented with the prestigious Lakshminarayana International Award on Monday. The ceremony took place at the Rasika Ranjani Sabha in Mylapore, Chennai, as part of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival, held in association with The Times of India.
A Fireside Chat on Musical Evolution
The event was a celebration of musical excellence, beginning with a dance performance by SaPa, choreographed to Rahman's iconic compositions. This was followed by an instrumental showcase by the festival's violin ensemble. The highlight was a candid fireside conversation between the award recipient, AR Rahman, and the celebrated violinist Dr L Subramaniam, who instituted the award. The session was deftly moderated by singer-songwriter Bindu Subramaniam.
During the conversation, Rahman shared his profound philosophy on creativity, drawing a vivid analogy. He stated that music must be like flowing water; if it stagnates, it becomes unusable. Emphasising the need for constant growth, he revealed that he believes the mind "should evolve and unlearn." He credited his students as a primary source of inspiration, keeping his own perspective fresh and dynamic.
Honouring a Legacy and Recalling Roots
Dr L Subramaniam presented the award, which was instituted in memory of his father and guru, Professor V Lakshminarayana. He shared that it was his father's dream to see the violin recognised as a solo instrument, a mission he has dedicated his life to fulfilling. Reflecting on Rahman's impact, Subramaniam noted, "Rahman changed the way film music was perceived overnight when 'Roja' was released in 1992."
The violinist also reminisced about his personal connection with Rahman's family, recalling that he used to live near the composer's father, the renowned music arranger R K Shekhar. "He would call me over to join the violinists in the orchestra," Subramaniam said, adding with a smile, "He would push me to the front too."
A Vision for Tamil Nadu's Cultural Infrastructure
The dialogue between the two maestros touched upon the future of performing arts in India. Rahman pointed out a significant gap in the country's cultural landscape. He observed that India lacks a robust tradition of musical theatre, forcing enthusiasts to travel to destinations like London or Germany to watch classics like 'The Phantom of the Opera'.
Rahman made a compelling case for developing this infrastructure locally, specifically in Tamil Nadu. "We need to build that infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. We have the money. We are the second richest state," he asserted, highlighting the economic potential to match cultural ambition.
Adding a note on collaboration and humility, Subramaniam cautioned against complacency, stating, "The moment you think you have reached the top of the game, your downfall begins." Rahman, in a witty nod to the age of AI, underscored the irreplaceable value of human genius, saying, "I still go to Mani Ratnam today, not ChatGPT," praising the director of 'Roja', who was the chief guest at the award function.
The evening stood as a testament to the enduring power of music that flows, evolves, and continues to inspire generations, just like the ever-moving water Rahman so eloquently described.
