Kama Of Kingstone

Oscar winner A R Rahman dedicated the golden statuettes he won for his score in "Slumdog Millionaire" to Indian artistes. He humbly said that "I am a representative of these artistes" and added, "it is an award for Indian artistes and their aspirations " said the young Rahman at a press-meet held here.

He also expressed the hope that Indian cinema would win more accolades at the Oscars in future.


Rahman leaves Hollywood awe-struck
Rahman became the first Indian to win two Oscars -- Original Score and Original Song ('Jai ho') -- for his music in the Danny Boyle-directed movie, which bagged eight honours at the 81st Academy Awards on Monday.

Asked about criticism from some quarters that his musical score such as 'Jai ho' was not among his best, he said it was up to "individual sensibilities".

The songs in fact "matched the Western abilities" and was even seen as the "best" in those standards, he said.

Rahman shrugged off criticism that "Slumdog Millionaire" was a "prejudiced view of the West about India" and said he saw it as "an underdog redeeming himself.

"As an artist, I see the truthfulness. However, different viewpoints are welcome," he said.

On his Oscar acceptance speech about choosing love over hate and whether it was a political statement in "troubled times", Rahman said he wanted to say those words at a time when people are divided on various grounds, including religion and caste.

Noting that the statement was "close to the heart" he said people stood divided on these grounds, among others.

To a query on whether part of his speech in Tamil had any connection to the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka, Rahman evaded a direct reply, but said, "I certainly wish for peace in Sri Lanka."

On offers from Hollywood, he said a few have come his way, but did not elaborate, quoting confidentiality.

Allaying fears of Indian audiences that he might move into Hollywood completely, Rahman said he was willing to work in good subjects in Tamil, Hindi and other languages. "I always enjoy the extra freedom in Tamil," he said.

To a query, he said he felt the Aamir Khan-starrer "Lagaan" could have won Oscars when it was nominated a few years ago.

Asked about the tense hours culminating in the ultimate moments of glory on Monday, he said he had a "sleepless night," on Sunday.

On what he had done with gifts received for winning the awards, he said with a grin, "I returned all of them since they were champagne bottles."


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