The Master of Many Moods: A R Rahman

Quick question. What is common between theme music of NDTV India, the music that is played to NDTV’s Hindi speaking viewers and “Muqabala Muqabala”, the iconic song of 90s which made moves of Prabhudeva legendary?

Answer: The man behind both these recognizable tunes is the same. Legendary music composer Mr. A. R. Rahman.

Now that we have an idea the vast genres of music Rahaman masters, let us dwell into the awards and accolades on his curriculum vitae.

A R Rahman boasts of Academy, Grammys, BAFTA, Golden globe, Nationals and a countless of other rewards and recognitions. In totality the musician has 125 awards and 139 nominations against his name .FYI, Wikipedia has a separate page titled “List of awards and nominations received by A. R. Rahman”.

Achievers don’t have things easy. Same was with Rahman. Born in a Hindu Tamil family Rahman started playing music by a tender age of 5 and it was only after his father’s demise that his mother decided to give wings to Rahman’s talent. Flair was always there, all it needed was that little push.

During his formative years Rahman listened from Jim Reevs to Naushad Ali and everything in between. Such was and still is his penchant for music. Might be this is the reason that his music appeals to a nonagenarian and a teen alike. His carving for music led him to put together a band before he took off for Trinity college of Music, London to study western classical music.

The year is 1992 and a movie made around the issue of militancy in Kashmir, Roja, hits Indian theaters. Originally made in Tamil the Hindi dubbed version makes critics and viewers sit up and take notice of a young music composer. The man was none other than Rahman. His work in Roja made him win a plethora of awards. Such was the melody in his compositions that even after 24 years songs “Ye Haseen Vadiyaan” and “Dil hai chota sa” still make their way in many people’s playlists.  A great composer in making? Arguably yes, as years later Times magazine dubbed him as “Mozart of Madras”.

The Master of Many Moods: A R Rahman 

Life changed for good as Raham shot to fame churning out one melody after another. Of the numerous national projects that he has worked on Rangeela, Bombay, Dil se, Lagaan, Swades, Rang de Basanti and Jodha Akhbar deserves special mention. Again each project vastly different from the previous one highlighting his knack in mixing and experimenting with music.

Internationally he has been involved in various capacities for projects like 127 Hours, Million Dollar Arm, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Slumdog Millionaire, Muhammad: The messenger of God, Pele: Birth of a legend and countless more. Of all these Slumdog Millionaire remains the milestone event of his career as it brought to him 2 Academy awards, 2 Grammy awards and one each of BAFTA and Golden Globe award. 127 Hours was not that successful a venture in terms of awards but nevertheless equally impressive one. Acknowledging his stunning International success, Songlines named his as one of “Tomorrow’s World Music Icon” in August 2011.  Rahman is now an international brand in himself but he remains ever so patriotic to his motherland. His composition “Vande Maatram” is a testimony to the fact. 

Awards, recognitions, honors, money and fame tends to get into the heads of artists and celebrities who then tend to get swayed by all this and get derailed from their artistic and creative pursuits. Rahman though is a human being on another level. He still remains humble and firmly rooted to ground. The musician credits his simplicity to Islam, the religion which he adopted at the age of 23. A certain Dileep Kumar became more known to the world as Allah Rakha Rahman or simply A R Rahman. In his interview to The Guardian Rahman had this to say:

“What appealed to me about Islam was that this is a religion based on unconditional love and a belief in one god and one love, and I was especially drawn to Sufism which has a rich musical tradition. I never skip prayers. I find it releases me from tension and gives me hope and confidence that Allah is with me, that this is not the only world”    

His philanthropic venture The A R Rahamn foundation, music single ‘Pray for me brother’ and services to The United Nations speaks volume about the innate nature of the person.  

His international tours and concerts attracts people from all across the globe. Sell outs is a word that Rahman has grown used to. When he plays or sings the world holds its breath in anticipation of something epic and Rahman never disappoints.

Rahman has now given more than half of his life to Indian music Industry. He has tried, tested mixed genres like Indian classical music, electronic music world music and traditional orchestra. In the process he has taken Indian music to new heights and to the corners of the world where it earlier did not exist. His contributions has given the world of music a much needed facelift.

The world of music and Indian music in particular will forever remain indebted to the superstar called A R Rahman. From “Lukka Chippi” to “Loose Control” Rahman has done it all.

For once let us all say a resounding Jai Ho to A R Rahman The Master of Many Moods.

Street Food of Mumbai

 “I’ve been on diet for two weeks and all I have lost is two weeks”

One of things in life that I love to do is to eat. A first look at me and one will realize how much I love to keep my taste buds happy. From "maa ke haath ki roti" to Fondue there are few dishes that I don't like. I try to derive taste from everything I eat. I am no food blogger that I describe the tastes in details but yeah I relish on everything I eat. My crazy eating habits makes my mother worried as my BMI takes a beating, but hell I care. My expressions when I dwell on Gulab Jamun are like a junkie snorting cocaine.

During my graduation years I was put up in a hostel in Noida. There used to be days when the hostel food used to suck and I used to venture out of my hostel with friends to satisfy the hungry belly. It was but natural that for 5 years that I was in hostel I grew up on a diet of Parathe,GolGappe,Aloo ki tikki, Chole Bhature,Dahi Bhalle,aachari chaap,jaleebi and moong dal ka halwa. Ok I need to stop here or else I will be forced to book my tickets for the capital city, which at the moment I can ill afford to.   

Life moved on and I shifted from Noida to Mumbai .I had got so used to the street food of Delhi that I found adjusting in Mumbai difficult. I just could not connect to what was being served street side. It is only recently that I have developed my taste in Mumbai's fast food. As my tongue became more accustomed to Mumbai's fast food I started having a ball.

It is about time that I write a ballad in praise of the food that has kept me going in such a competitive city. So, here is a list of delicacies that streets of Mumbai have to offer:

1. Cutting chai:

Cutting chai is the fuel on which Mumbai runs. Having tea at home and having cutting chai served street side are experiences as different as chalk and cheese. Black tea mixed with creamy full fat milk an extra pinch of sugar and a mix of cardamom, Tulsi and ginger this beverage is sure to melt your day's stress away. One can notice people puffing cigarette and sipping cutting chai by streets of Mumbai. There are few experiences as romantic as Mumbai rains and cutting chai. Chembur to Churchgate the chai maintains its consistency throughout Mumbai.

2. Vada-Paav:

Mumbai's burger is how we can define Vada-Paav. Vada-Paav has a fan following across the length and breadth of the city that will put the likes of McDonalds and Burger King to shame. A potato patty (vada) stuffed in a bun (paav) then served with deep fried green chilies and grainy chuttney (thecha) is a delight any day. A bite of vada-paav and you will have salty, minty and spicy flavors in your mouth making you go wow!! While every Vaada Paav vendor in whole of Mumbai has almost the same kind of Vada-Paav on offer, drop by the Central Telegraph Office area at Fountain in South Mumbai to taste one of Mumbai’s best (and safest) vada pavs.

3. Bun Maska:

Found outside almost all local stations Bun Maska is a sweet bun served with melted butter. This snack is light and can be had at any time. Bun maska goes well with cutting chai. Simplicity is the USP of the dish. It takes a grand total of 5 minutes for it to reach from tava to tummy. Qutuz near Infiniti Malad, a round the clock Iranian joint is an absolute must for Bun Maska and Iranian chai.

  

4. Pani-Puri:

Puchka of Bengal, GolGappa of Delhi becomes Pani Puri of Mumbai. Pani Puri rules Indian hearts. Pani Puri is refreshing and fun to eat. A small puri is filled with chickpea,potatoes,onions spices and lots of flavored water. Put the puri in your mouth and let this bomb of a dish explode in your mouth. It is spicy, it is sweet,pani-puri is difficult to beat. Elco, a pani puri center in Bandra west is widely considered as melting pot for Pani Puri aficionados. 

5. Paav Bhaji:

Giving Vada Paav a run for its money is Paav Bhaaji. The bhaaji is a mashed up puree of potato,tomato and spices. Once prepared, bhajji is served with a crispy Paav. The butter on the top of the bhaaji adds to the taste. The dish is spicy and fulfilling. Paav-Bhaaji is Mumbai's subzi-roti. Sardar refreshment, a tiny restaurant located at Tardeo road junction is heaven for those who love to have Paav-Bhaji. Juhu Chowpati is not a bad option either to have authentic Paav Bhaaji of Mumbai.

6. Missal-Paav:

Pav Bhaji’s near cousin is Missal Paav. A scrumptious mix of savoury and sprouts. The wholesome spouts are cooked in a tangy tomato and pungent onion puree with lots of spices in the mix. The mouthwatering gravy is served with crispy farsaan and soft warm paavs. Dip the paav in the gravy and put it in your mouth. That’s it! Let the dish do the rest. Maamledaar in Thane west serves the best and most authentic Missal-Paav in whole of Mumbai. Word of caution: The place serves really spicy Misal Paav.

7. Bhel-Puri:

Bhel Puri has found its abode in the beaches of Mumbai. A crunchy snack made out of puffed rice Bhel Puri could taste anything from spicy hot to sugary sweet. Essence of BhelPuri is mashed potatoes, finely chopped tomatoes and onions, minted chutneys, lemons and dressing of coriander. Most vendors will dish out their own variations of BhelPuri to you. Apart from Jaalsa,Janak and Prateeksha if there is anything that Juhu is famous for it is surely Bhel-Puri.  

8. Dosa:

Dosa highlights the business mindset of Mumbai. A dish originally from southern India, street vendors of Mumbai have started minting money out of dosa by serving their own creative versions of it,"Chimmney Dosa" take that !A fermented batter of rice and dal goes on a hot plate till the batter becomes crispy and golden. The traditional masala dosa is served with potato masala and coconut chutney and sambhar. Anand stall, a small eatery under a tree bang opposite Mithibai College, Parle west, has made its name for serving tastiest and most creative Dosas in whole of Mumbai.  

9. Sandwich:

Sandwich is foreign to India but streets of Mumbai have their own versions of it. Basic dish calls for mashed potatoes and sliced veggies like onion, cucumber, tomatoes and beet root stuffed between two layers of bread. The best way to have to sandwich is get it toasted. Once ready Sandwich is served in a typical Mumbai way by having lots of sev and butter on top of it. Not a very big shop but Sandwizza in Sanatacruz west,has now been making its presence felt in Sandwich business.

When in Mumbai these dishes are an absolute must. These dishes will make you see the whole of Mumbai and know its people better. Hungry already??

Stories

As I approach my 5^th of the 6 creative writing classes, there is a sense of unease within me. A twist in the stomach when someone is going to miss something or someone; that is exactly how I am feeling at the moment.

“BUT WHY?” the looming question worsens the felling.

 Is it because of my submissions that are a bit behind the schedule or is it because that I now judge my writings critically more than I ever used to.

”Have I made the most of these classes?” I ask myself.

Even after much contemplation I am still unable to calm the unease in me. 

“Why Prakhar why”. My nerves have now started to get better of me.  I close my eyes and lay on my cot.

For past 1 month now I have not felt the mid-week blues. On the contrary Thursday became most sought after days of the week even more than a Saturday or a Sunday. For someone caught in a maddening corporate world this would be a crazy thing to confess.   So what happened in last one month that gave my “Thursdays” a whole new meaning?

When I first checked the course details for the creative writing classes at Xaviers Institute of Communication that I had so wanted to be a part of I was little demoralized. 6 sessions 2 hours each seemed manageable. What did not seem manageable was that classes were planned on Thursdays and that too in the evening. My energy sapping office life won’t let me enjoy the classes. I would turn for the classes exhausted and frustrated after a long office and even longer travel. By the time the class would start I would be in my dreamland. I had my inhibitions. For once I kept my inhibitions aside and got myself enrolled for the classes.  Little did I know then that what was in store for me.

As the classes began, I found my instant liking for them.

Reason?

Stories. Growing up I used to read books before going to bed. Sometimes my granny used to narrate a story or two before I used to get lost in my dream land. Needless to say reading or listening to stories became a deep part of my persona.

As far classes are concerned became  yet another platform for me to hear and read about 100s of otherwise unknown stories. Stories of my classmates. Stories which came up either randomly or through some specific discussions. I did pay attention to the details of how to polish my writing skills and nothing that my faculty said ever skipped me, but it was the stories of others that caught my attention the most. For someone who loves to read, this was all those stories coming to life. Journalists love stories. The aspiring journalist in me now had a platform to hear and read so many of them.

The story of a woman who was so shamelessly dismissed by hospital management just because she wore a hijab during her working hours. The story of a girl who through a lot of hard work and determination overcame her long standing nemesis in a game of chess. The story of a boy who misses her grandmother as she now resides in her heavenly abode. The story of a girl who was harassed by her tutor as a child, as she now tries to find the lost innocence. The story of a boy who suffered because the government decided to take few harsh steps. The story of a lady who finds it no wrong for her son to learn household chores because she is all against gender stereotyping. The story of a boy who fulfilled his dream of playing a guitar in a packed house. Stories,so many of them! 

Different People, Different Stories

Stories happy and sad. Stories of hope and inspiration .Every story that I came across left an impact on me.Some overwhelmed me, some made me think. Some answered a few of my longstanding questions while some made me come up with more questions. Somewhere in all those stories is my story in parts.

The classes will be over, people will disappear, the faces that I had become familiar to will slowly start becoming a thing of past. I might still be in touch with a few but what remains behind with me are the stories that I came across over past several weeks. They will surely stick with me where ever I go. For when the classes are over I won’t get new stories to read and hear.

I open my eyes. The unease persists but at least I have an answer to “BUT WHY?”

Pastime: Reading

Reading is my favorite pastime. “An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby” is how oxford dictionary defines the word “Pastime”. Reading for me ticks all the boxes and fits perfectly as a pastime. A deeper introspection though reveals that reading for me is much more than a pastime and “enjoyment” is a weak word to describe the effect that reading has on me.

Reading for me is vital. As much as I love to dwell on a lip smacking preparation, or watch a gripping game of football, I hold high regards for a compulsive book. Not a day passes when I don’t read. Reading consumes majority of my waking hours. My day starts with reading and it also ends in pretty much the same way. I remember the days when anxiety used to get better of me if the morning newspaper used to get delayed even by minutes. Bedroom to door, door to bedroom I used to pace relentlessly before the sight of Newspaper boy emerging from the gate with the paper neatly folded his hand calmed my nerves. From Champak to The Panama papers it has been some journey.

Sight that soothes the eyes 

I have no shame in accepting that I read greedily until my brain’s thirst for knowledge and wisdom is satiated. It helps to boost my self-confidence. Reading also soothes the pleasure points of my brain which in return helps me in coping with stressful situations. Being a sports aficionado my mind wanders from Manchester to Madrid. My meager salary doesn’t permit me to visit the inner sanctums of coliseums like Wankhade or SW19, but books have surely helped me paint a picture of them in my head.  

I try to contemplate on reasons behind my avid reading. As I made my mother read the first draft of this essay an interesting chat followed.

“As a college going girl, I used to sit for hours in the college library. By the time my college ended I had read all the fictions.”  Mother said.

“That’s interesting”.  I am impressed. For all that I know about my mother, this is something I come across for the first time.

“My Nanaji was also a very passionate reader as well”. Mother takes the conversation ahead. 

By now I am lost in my thoughts about a book that I spot on the table.

Anyway, the chat only made me realize that the habit of reading runs in my family. Both of my parents read. Analysis of my ancestry reveals that my maternal grandparents read. In her days my paternal grandmother was a zealous reader herself. My maternal great grandfather boasted of having a huge library of his own and my paternal great grandmother spent most of her time reading as well. Reading runs in my genes. The bio-technologist in me is compelling to be a bit cliched here.   

Reading takes me places. I travel the world through books. I might not have managed to go New York in person, but in my mind I surely have an idea what being at Times square feels like.

The many characters of my books, living or fictitious help me experience human emotions closely. Their loss is my loss, their victory is my victory. I live the life of a Prince; I live life of a pauper. In this regard I can only appreciate the words of the grand old author Georeg R.R Martin “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one”.

Reading also keeps my inner will in check.  When I read the stories of extra ordinary achievements, stories where people have defied the odds to reach the summit, my faith in hard work, determination and perseverance is only strengthened.

For the introverted person that I am, I don’t mix with people much. It is how I have grown as a person. The void created by absence of people is duly filled by books. Presence of people or their absence I am never bored, because in my books I have one steady companion. I have spent more time in company of my books than I have spent it with people. All the wisdom that people generally draw by their interaction with other people, I have drawn it from books.  Be it a memoir or a fiction, I learn the lessons of life from what I read.

Reading is not all that people aversely thing for me as well. For when I read I share my thoughts with people. It connects me with other readers. It is through reading that my thoughts are metamorphosed into words and my words help me in connecting with people. Reading helps my mind to open to new arrays of ideas. Because of reading I understand different layers of human emotions. As French novelist Honoré de Balzac aptly puts “Reading brings us unknown friends”.

I conclude by quoting Roberto Bolaño “Reading is like thinking , like praying, like talking to a friend , like expressing your ideas, like listening to other people’s ideas, like listening to music like looking at the view, like taking a walk on the beach”. These lines perfectly sum up essence of reading for me.

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