A.R.Rahman awakes "Atlanta's" Dreams – Rahmania!

By Archith Seshadri
sesh1175@gmail.com

The Philips Arena is accustomed to athletic events with cheerleaders and fans alike rooting on for their favorite teams. However, June 23 rd, 2007 marked a different fan base at this venue as it was transformed into a spectacular concert with ardent fans all rooting for their one favorite star, the musical legend, A.R.Rahman.

As Rahman made his grand entrance, with his suave white suit and calm demeanor, the audience's energy went up after their nearly one hour wait to welcome the man of the evening. He opened with Jaage Hain (Guru) and continued with a more middle-eastern flavor in Khal Bali (Rang De Basanti). Hariharan, dressed in sleek black, polled the audience Telephone Dhun Mein Hasne Wali? (Hindustani) alternating to Tamil while thoroughly enjoying himself on stage. A versatile artist, he continued to sing Pachai Nirame(Alai Payuthe/Saathiya) and one of A.R.R's classics, Roja Janeman (Roja).

In a gorgeous, turquoise gagra chole, Madhushree had excellent stage presence as she welcomed Vaaji Vaaji Sivaji with Hariharan. The Atlanta audience definitely realized that not only was A.R.Rahman a demi-god, but also southern superstar Rajnikanth as the group performed to all of the songs from his recent Tamil hit, Sivaji. Perhaps since singers Chitra and Sukwinder Singh were not present at the concert, the group had to reinvent the wheel by adding more regional songs. However, the songs should have probably have been selected in such a way that all audiences could have appreciated them instead of only a single faction of the community. Although the audience was very supportive with many people dancing and cheering during the Tamil songs, the group could have possibly attained more adulation if they had delivered songs that were made in all three languages: Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Naresh Iyer, a recent ARR discovery, proved that he knows to "loose control" on stage as he ebulliently sang Maasti Ki Paatshaala and Rooabroo (Rang De Basanti). The young singer proved that he not only had a fantastic vocal range but also the skills needed to be a true artist, as he danced on the stage, maintained breath control and asked the audience to "be a rebel!" The Sivaji saga continued as Vijay Yesudas, son of the legendary singer Yesudas, beautifully sang Sahana and the rocking-punjabi'sh number Balle Leka along with Tanvi Shah, Sayonara and A.R.Raihanah (A.R.Rahman's sister).

Sadhana Sargam, who has performed many songs in Tamil and Hindi, performed one of her favorite ARR songs, Chupke Se (Saathiya). Madhushree came back to sing Kabhi Neem Neem/Sanda Kozhi (Yuva/Ayutha Ezhuthu). However, the audience was ecstatic when Rahman himself delivered from the heart, Dil Se Re (Dil Se).

Bandana clad BlaaZe, a contemporary hip-hop find by Rahman, proved that Indians can certainly rap as he performed with Style (Sivaji). He also emceed portions of the concert that was executed without any interruptions. Although, some people felt that the background music was a little loud at times, the energy in the atmosphere did not stop them from singing and dancing to their favorite tunes. Another Rajisthani artist, in absence of Sukwinder Singh, performed Chaiya Chaiya (Dil Se) with the assistance of some of the other chorus singers, including Naresh Iyer. Naresh Iyer helped maintain the beat of this song as well; having performed this in front of A.R.Rahman earlier in the Super Singer contest, he delivered this song also with finesse.

The audience took a few minutes to carefully observe the brilliance of drummer Sivamani, as he took them on a tour of India. Starting with the traditional South Indian ketti mellam that is played at weddings, he transcended to the dandiya beats of Gujarat before bhangra-ing with the dhol. A very talented percussionist, he was accompanied by an American vocalist who flawlessly enunciated the beats or taal.

Surprisingly, the group did not perform any songs from Taal or Rangeela but several favorites from his more recent movies. Rahman soulfully asked to Pray For Me Brother on his mission to end poverty.

Hariharah, Sadhana Sargam and another guest artist came up on stage to do an unplugged segment with Rahman on the piano. Ranjani Vijay, a singer from California, was invited to perform a song with the group as the winner of the "Voice of Ameica" talent search contest. She showcased her vocal talents by singing the jazz number from the title track of Jillunu Oru Kaadhal. Hariharan asked the audience to repeat after him by giving them a vocal 101 lesson on classical music as he beautifully forayed into Ey Hairathe (Guru). The Telugu audience of Atlanta was overjoyed as he sang Nellori Nerajana (Oke Okkadu – Telugu). Surprisingly, the song was not performed in Hindi (Chalo Chale Mitwa – Nayak) or Tamil (Kurruku Chirutavale – Mudhalvan).

The next act proved to not only showcase a brilliant composition but also a very elegant belly dance number, Maiyya Maiyya (Guru), by singer Neeti who also demonstrated her dancing abilities. While Blaaze introduced the other talented instrumentalists, the audience came to the acceptance that many of the songs were probably performed to karaoke tracks. This could be due to either the difficulty of replicating the songs live on stage or possibly the schedules of the artists.

Hariharan and Sadhana came back to showcase the romantic Chanda Re (Sapnay) followed by Rahman who reached all the high notes of Tera Bina (Guru) with ease. Ranjani Vijay sang Ika Onkar (Rang De Basanti) beautifully followed by several of the younger artists including Tanvi, Sayonara, Vijay and Naresh who sang the Boys hit SaRiGaMe! Blaaze and Rahman asked the audience to groove in to Humma Humma (Bombay) as the concert drew to a finale.

The Atlanta audience gave it their best as did the talented musicians, singers, dancers and instrumentalists for this 1D concert (wonder what happened to the 3D component!). The patriotic Maa Tujhe Salam (Vande Matram) ended the three hour concert – although perhaps if the concert had started earlier and not at IST, they would have been able to have a longer program. Overall, it was a wonderful and engaging experience for concert goers as it drew quite a large section of the Atlanta crowd. Although, not house full, the fans enjoyed themselves and cheered on for more "Rahmania." The amount of energy the artists delivered with was manifested on stage, despite having a very hectic schedule on their North American tour. Rahman poignantly apologized to the audience for having to postpone the Atlanta concert from the Memorial Day weekend. Even though there were some issues at times with the sound, and not all the tracks were live, the concert was professionally executed with something to leave the Atlanta audience talking about.

Song List

Jaage Hain (Guru)
Khal Blai (Rang De Basanti)
Telephone (Indian/Hindustani)
Pachai Nirame (Alai P ayuthey)
Roja Janeman (Roja)
Vaaji Vaaji (Sivaji)
Sahana (Sivaji)
Masti Ki Paatshala (Rang De Basanti)
Roobaroo (Rang De Basanti)
Balleleka (Sivaji)
Chupke Se (Saathiya)
Kabhi Neem Neem/Sanda Kozhi (Yuva)
Ghannan Ghannan (Lagaan)
Dil Se Re (Dil Se)
Style (Sivaji)
Sivaji Theme (Sivaji)
Adirathee (Sivaji)
Chaiya Chaiya (Dil Se)
Dor
Sivamani drums (wedding, dandiya, punjabi)
Pray For Me Brother – unplugged
Sadhana/Hariharan/Ranjini Vijay – Jillunu
Ey Hairathe (Guru)
Nellori Nerajana (Oke Okkadu)
Maaya Maaya (Guru)
Chanda Re (Sapnay)
Tera Bina (Guru)
Ika Onkar (Rang De Basanti)
Sarigame (Boys)
Humma Humma (Bombay)
Vande Mataram --