Latest news with #BombayDreams
CNA
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
AR Rahman meets The Lord Of The Rings: How the acclaimed Indian composer brought Middle-earth to life
When the musical adaptation of The Lord Of Rings opens in Singapore this August, it won't just bring Middle-earth to life on stage, it will also celebrate the music of one of the world's most celebrated composers, AR Rahman. The Academy- Award winning musician behind global hits such as Slumdog Millionaire and Bombay Dreams is the musical force behind the musical, which makes its Asia premiere at Marina Bay Sands' Sands Theatre from Aug 12 to 31. In an interview with CNA Lifestyle via Zoom, Rahman, who was in San Francisco for his concert tour, spoke candidly about his journey with the musical, his creative ambitions and his deep connection with Singapore. BUILDING A TIMELESS LEGACY IN MUSICAL THEATRE 'The Lord Of The Rings came about because I did Bombay Dreams with Andrew Lloyd Webber,' he shared. 'The CEO of the production was Kevin Wallace, when he went out and started his own company, he remembered me and said, it would be awesome to have AR in this thing.' At the time, Rahman admitted that he was not familiar with author JRR Tolkien's work. That changed in 2001 when Peter Jackson's film trilogy came out. He dove into the world of hobbits, elves and dark lords just in time for the musical that debuted in 2004. By the time he was invited to work on the musical, he was no stranger to London's creative circles. Having already spent two to three years in the city, he was immersed in its musical theatre scene while also working on projects back at home in India. What excited Rahman most was the opportunity to bring his cultural identity to the global stage and give a fresh perspective. 'My question always is, what have Indians contributed to the world? How can we contribute to the mainstream kind of a thing rather than just doing basic Asian, Indian stuff,' he shared. 'I don't want to be pigeonholed into being an Indian composer, Tamil composer or Hindi composer. Music is universal and I want to see what I can bring to something new to this Middle Europe, Middle-earth kind of thing.' He added: 'It was an exciting project, because it was a non-Indian project and that's the kind of thing I want to do more. In that perspective, it was a big achievement." Rahman is well-known for his seamless blending of musical traditions and The Lord Of The Rings was no exception. He curated music using his signature approach of using emotionally resonant and culturally expansive melodies. 'Even though it doesn't have an Indian kind of influence in it, melody is melody,' he said. To bring the mythical world of Middle-earth to life on stage, he also worked alongside some of the biggest names in theatre, including playwright Matthew Warchus, known for his critically acclaimed productions, such as Matilda. '[Working with the team] helped me to realise what I have to learn or what I have to unlearn,' he shared. 'Matthew Warchus is a very critically acclaimed kind of director. And his vision for musical theatre is completely different from what Andrew Lloyd Webber would do. So it was nice to see both sides of musical theatre with – Webber on Bombay Dreams and Warchus with The Lord Of The Rings.' He also worked alongside Finnish folk band Varttina, who handled the earthy, ancient textures of Middle-earth. Rahman, meanwhile, focused on the cinematic elements – the orchestration of war, the emotional highs and lows, and the sound of darkness. 'It was a cool process. Because the Lord Of The Rings goes to a very, very dark stage, unbearably dark stage,' he said laughing. 'So while writing and recording, it was a bit too much. But I think we did it.' For Rahman, his music has never been just about sound. It's about crafting an experience. He approaches his work like a director, considering everything from poster design to font choices, ensuring that every detail aligns with his creative vision. "We are what our choices are, our work is our choice of listening or writing,' he said. 'Lately, I've been kind of controlling that. So that my real feel of what I want the people to see of myself, my evolution comes through better. 'So people don't think that some third person is doing it... when we do like musical theatre or anything produced from India, it'll have a certain kind of quality which will be very unique,' he added. For the musical, Rahman turned to an eclectic mix of instruments such as the nyckelharpa (a Swedish string instrument), violin, brass, flutes and even voices. For the vocals he collaborated with a Bosnian singer, Alma Ferovic. The collaboration blossomed into a long-standing friendship and Ferovic later worked with him on the Bollywood hit film Rockstar. With the musical being reimagined for a new era, Rahman believes it's the perfect time for the production to take the spotlight once again. 'The musical is being reinvented,' he shared. 'I think right now the adaptation is very cool, it's very immersive and it can still contain the whole story.' AR RAHMAN ON THE REAL CHALLENGE BEHIND THE PRODUCTION Were there any challenges when he composed the music for the beloved classic? Rahman admits that the hardest part wasn't the epic scope or the extensive work, but being away from home. With a laugh, he recalled the one thing he missed the most during his time in London: 'Home food'. 'I was really missing home,' he said. 'I had to stay there for like a month or two and come back, go back again. I was trying to manage film scores in India.' 'When my mother was there, it was a compulsion that I should eat with her. Because that's the kind of love she has. Even if my sisters come, she's like, 'Go, I'll do it for my son',' he said. Beyond homesickness, there were practical hurdles too. 'I didn't have a studio there, I had to rent a studio,' he added. 'Going out of the comfort zone is when you realise what life is, what people go through. And that is probably an exercise for further bigger things you do in life,' he said with a smile. SINGAPORE: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN While his music makes his way to Singapore next month, turns out, the city holds a far deeper meaning for him. Decades before he became a global icon, Singapore was the first country he travelled to, a gateway from his hometown in Tamil Nadu to the wider world. 'We couldn't afford to go to the USA and UK and all of Europe and all those places. So the nearest place where we can get electronic instruments and musical instruments was Singapore for us,' he shared. 'I have fond memories of Singapore and the energy which the city brings – it's not faded, even after I've been there in 1986, it's going to be almost 38 years since I visited.' Today, the same city where he once searched for his instruments now hosts his virtual reality film Le Musk, along with the upcoming musical. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ARR (@arrahman) AR RAHMAN AND HANS ZIMMER'S FULL CIRCLE MOMENT When Rahman recently posted a selfie with Hans Zimmer, the legendary German film composer behind The Lion King, Inception and Interstellar, it was not just another backstage moment. It was the soft launch of a monumental collaboration on the upcoming Bollywood film Ramayana, one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema to date. When we asked him about the collaboration and his eyes lit up. '[The story of] Ramayana is a cultural identity for India and I'm so proud that I'm part of it,' he shared. In fact, he revealed that Zimmer had invited him for a collaboration 15 years back. '[He said] let's do something together. But I was busy with my own work. And it's nice to take that invitation, which he wanted. It's all coming together and it's like a full circle.' Having pushed creative boundaries, with his work outside of just composing music, Rahman remains restless. 'I don't want to limit myself just as a composer or as a musician,' he said. 'Art is like an ocean and we have a lot of challenges now. We have to reinvent everything to engage people.' So what is the project he's most proud of? Rahman, the man with over hundred accolades, cheekily smiled.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shekhar Kapur shares rare moment of A.R. Rahman and Andrew Lloyd Webber creating music together
Picture Credit: X Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur took to social media to share a rare and cherished memory of A.R. Rahman and Andrew Lloyd Webber creating magical music together on the same piano - a moment that blended two worlds of musical genius. Taking to Instagram, Shekhar Kapur shared a rare, unseen throwback photo featuring himself with Rahman and Webber during the world announcement of Bombay Dreams-the first-ever Bollywood musical to make it to London's West End and later Broadway in New York. Reflecting on the journey, Kapur called his life "one huge adventure," urging everyone to embrace uncertainty and spontaneity. In a thought-provoking caption, he wrote, "Life has been one huge adventure. But how does adventure happen unless you actively open yourself to the adventure of life? And to open yourself to adventure, you have to fight the greatest human failing of all. The addiction to certainty. The addiction to control." Shekhar Kapur went on to reveal how "Bombay Dreams" was born from a casual lunchtime conversation with Andrew Lloyd Webber. That chance remark soon evolved into a groundbreaking musical collaboration. The photo he shared was taken at a party held at Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, where Rahman and Webber sat together at the same piano, creating music on the spot-an unforgettable moment in East-meets-West creative synergy. "Bombay Dreams was born of one chance lunchtime remark by me to Andrew Lloyd Webber .. out of which this picture was taken at the world announcement of the project .. at a party in Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Hotel .. and where A R Rahman and Andrew Lloyd Webber played together on the same piano .. creating amazing music on the go ..One chance remark .. led to the first 'Bollywood' musical ever on the West End in London and in Broadway in New York . .One chance remark! #andrewlloydwebber #arrahmaan #BombayDreams #westend #London #musical," added the director. 'Bombay Dreams' is a vibrant stage musical inspired by Bollywood, featuring music by A.R. Rahman and lyrics by Don Black. The script was penned by Meera Syal and Thomas Meehan, with Andrew Lloyd Webber backing the original production. It premiered in London in 2002, enjoying a successful two-year run before making its way to Broadway in 2004. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ahead of Thug Life, AR Rahman reflects on his decades-long collaboration with Mani Ratnam: ‘He has seen my growth'
The collaboration of director Mani Ratnam and music composer AR Rahman is one of those gifts that continues to deliver. The two have worked on many films, starting from Roja, and then to Kadal and OK Kanmani. The two of them are collaborating once again for Thug Life. In an interview with India Today, Rahman opened up about their creative process and shared how they share the common purpose to 'serve the audience and the cinema'. (Also read: Kamal Haasan stuns with knowledge; Mani Ratnam doesn't waste time on set like other directors: Thug Life's Ashok Selvan) During the interaction, Rahman talked about working with the director over the course of two decades and said, "We feel the same even today! I discovered myself in the jingle industry. He has seen my growth. When I was based in Chennai, he was there. When I was doing 'Bombay Dreams', he used to come to London for music. He didn't come to Bollywood though. When I'm doing my virtual reality stuff, he's seen it and commented on it." He went on to add, 'Our relationship is to serve the audience and the cinema. That is our common purpose. That common purpose drives us to excel. In fact, the final mixing of Thug Life was happening day before yesterday. And he asked me if we could make the music a little aggressive in a particular scene. I went to the studio, and we changed it one hour before the engineer left the studio. That's the freedom we have.' The audio launch of Thug Life took place in Chennai a few days ago. Some of the songs featured in the album are Jinguchaa, Sugar Baby, Muththa Mazhai, and Vinveli Nayaga. The gangster drama stars Kamal Haasan, Simbu and Trisha in pivotal roles. It is set to release in theatres on June 5.
India Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
AR Rahman on long-standing collaboration with Mani Ratnam: He has seen my growth
AR Rahman and Mani Ratnam's collaboration is going to hit 30 in the next two years. From 'Roja' to the upcoming film, 'Thug Life', the two have churned out many chartbusters that have stood the test of time. In a conversation with India Today, Rahman opened up about his association with Mani Ratnam and how they share mutual asked about the difference he felt working with Mani Ratnam over the years, the Oscar-award-winning composer said, "We feel the same even today! I discovered myself in the jingle industry. He has seen my growth. When I was based in Chennai, he was there. When I was doing 'Bombay Dreams', he used to come to London for music. He didn't come to Bollywood though. When I'm doing my virtual reality stuff, he's seen it and commented on it."advertisementThe 'Roja' music director also shared his insights into how they navigate through creative differences. "Our relationship is to serve the audience and the cinema. That is our common purpose. That common purpose drives us to excel. In fact, the final mixing of 'Thug Life' was happening day before yesterday. And he asked me if we could make the music a little aggressive in a particular scene. I went to the studio, and we changed it one hour before the engineer left the studio. That's the freedom we have," he explained. AR Rahman has unveiled 'Jinguchaa' from 'Thug Life', which is filmed around a marriage in 'Thug Life'. The song featured Sanya Malhotra, Silambarasan, Kamal Haasan, Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, Abhirami, Trisha and many others. The second song, 'Sugar Baby' will release on by Mani Ratnam, 'Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan, is an emotional gangster drama. The film will hit theatres on June Reel
South China Morning Post
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Incredible India Festival brings colour, culture and cuisine to Hong Kong's nightlife district
The vibrant colours and flavours of the subcontinent meet the equally riotous Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong's first Incredible India Festival. Organised by the Lan Kwai Fong Association in collaboration with the Indian consulate, the event promises a kaleidoscope of music, dance, art and cuisine over the weekend of March 15 and 16. Advertisement The festival will begin with a lively baraat, a traditional Indian wedding procession. Weaving through the streets of Lan Kwai Fong , the parade of dancers and musicians will wend its way past food stalls offering dishes that span the diverse cuisines of the vast country, such as spicy curries, pani puri and biryani from the Michelin-recommended Bombay Dreams, and podi idli, a protein-rich south Indian breakfast dish, from Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant. Spiced chai will also be available. Overseeing the festivities on D'Aguilar Street is a seven-metre-tall mural by Kerala-based artist Adarsh Appukkuttan, which blends traditional Keralan motifs with iconic Hong Kong skyscrapers. Food stalls will be offering dishes that span the diverse cuisines of India at the festival in Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong. Photo: courtesy India Festival Over at the Lan Kwai Fong Amphitheatre on Wo On Lane, a host of high-energy cultural performances will take place, including classical Indian music recitals and dance performances. Kathak and Kuchipudi dancers, hailing from two of the eight major Indian dance traditions , are set to mesmerise audiences with their intricate footwork and expressive storytelling. For those eager to join in, Bollywood dance and garba workshops will be held on the evenings of March 15 and 16, respectively. Elsewhere, guests can adorn their hands with traditional henna designs, enjoy screenings of Indian blockbusters, such as Hindi biographical sports drama Dangal (2016) and the Telugu-language historical epic RRR (2022), and explore the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda remedies. Yoga workshops are being held at the India Festival in Hong Kong. Photo: courtesy India Festival If dressing up is your thing, make your way to the booth of spiritual community ISKCON Hong Kong to don traditional Indian attire and snap photos in front of a beautifully decorated Indian chariot. Advertisement 'The canvas of Indian culture is so rich and diverse that it was felt that there should be an attempt to bring it all together over a packed, exciting weekend,' says Satwant Khanalia, consul general of India. 'We hope this will bring Indian art and culture to an accessible space for all Hongkongers, and foster an appreciation and better understanding of India's rich cultural heritage that goes back millennia.'
