A.R.Rahman Became A Dr. Rahman

After the Oscars, it is raining awards, accolades and honours on A.R. Rahman! The latest to honour Rahman is the prestigious Anna University of Tamil Nadu, which is to confer an honorary doctorate on the music maestro as part of its centenary celebrations. Anna University will bestow a Ph.D. on A.R Rahman, a Doctorate of Media Sciences, during its forthcoming special convocation.Scheduled for the last week of March, the Varsity will confer honorary doctorates on two other popular personalities also - Tamil Nadu Local Administration Minister Mr. M.K. Stalin for Architecture and scientist Mr. Mayilsamy for Space Science and Aerospace Engineering. Recently, the Governor of Tamil Nadu hoisted a dinner as a tribute to Rahman’s success at the Oscars. At the dinner, the maestro performed the Oscar -winning Best Original Song ’Jai Ho’ to applause and appreciation of the Governor and the other guests.

Rahman bags 3 Hollywood offers

CHENNAI: While speculation is strife about the benefit that AR Rahman’s win in Oscars is likely to bring to Indian entertainment and sound industries, the music icon, who has grown larger than life into a maestro, has landed himself three offers from Hollywood.
“Yeah, I have received 2-3 offers,” he said in his trademark matter-of-fact tone, albeit with an added touch of euphoria. “Due to the confidentiality in the agreements, I cannot talk about them any further,” he said. He was addressing the media in Chennai on Thursday in a mood of jubilance, having slept barely seven hours after his arrival from Los Angeles at 3.
The air in the hall cackled with almost as much energy as his Oscar winning song releases. “Jai Ho! Embodies the release of an extraordinary energy,” he said. “The music enhanced the film, like the jewel on a beautiful ornament. And it, somehow, also appealed to a western sensibility.”
The musician, who did Tamil proud by addressing a few words in his mother tongue to the audience at the Kodak Theatre on Sunday, admitted that despite having forayed into different styles of music, composing for Tamil songs, having grown up with the language. But, that didn’t stop him from taking wild risks at the international stage. “Less than one-tenth of the budget of Slumdog Millionaire was allocated for its music. If I had shied away from it, I would have missed all this,” he said.
He recalled the moment nearly two decades ago, when he stood under the spotlight receiving a national award for his debut with Roja, directed by Mani Ratnam. “I had only as much expectation for this award, as I had for that one!” he said. “Well, after Golden Globe and Bafta, I had some 5% more expectation.” read more.....