26 Feb :Returning to a rousing welcome in Chennai after his golden run at the Oscars, music maestro A R Rahman hoped the top honours inspire the young generation to spread the message of peace and love.
Fans and friends thronged the airport as the 43 year old musician, who won the Oscars for Best Original Music and Best Song for his compositions in "Slumdog Millionaire", arrived at 2:30 am.The ‘Mozart of Madras’ was cheered as he emerged from the international terminal to the beats of drum specialist Sivamani and his troupe.
An elated Rahman said, "This (Oscar awards) is for the younger generation. I am told now that I have already crossed a major phase of my life. I hope they take inspiration from this and spread the message of peace and love."
Asked which of the movie numbers ‘Jai Ho’ or ‘O Saya’ was his favourite, the maestro said, "I think it is ‘Jai Ho’ because it goes with the spirit of the film and the whole life".Rahman, who had earlier bagged the BAFTA and Golden Globe awards for his score for the rags to riches film, said he had not actually prepared his Oscar speech."I actually hadn’t prepared my Oscar speech …I said whatever I felt rather than something which is prepared," he said.
In his acceptance speech, a humble Rahman had said that "There is a Hindi dialogue ‘mere pass ma hai’ which means even if I have got nothing I have my mother here. I want to thank her for coming all the way to support me".
Recalling the moments before the first Oscar was announced, he said "I did not want to expect too much. Oscars are really very unpredictable sometimes. I am really happy that they all were very kind to me…It is great to have that highest respect, having them (trophies) in hand."
At the airport, Kerala’s "Kottu Melam" (percussion instrument) artists gave a performance in honour of the musician on behalf of Indian Airlines.Tamil Nadu Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi received Rahman with a bouquet at the airport terminal.
`Slumdog…’ stars Pookutty, Irrfan return home
"This award is a gift for every Indian," said Oscar winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty, as he arrived in Mumbai on Thursday morning to a rousing welcome along with Slumdog Millionaire actor Irrfan Khan.
Pookutty and Khan, who starred in the Danny Boyle-directed film that won eight Oscars, were garlanded by enthusiastic fans amidst beating of drums.
Overwhelmed by the euphoric scenes outside the international airport, Kerala-born Pookutty, who won the coveted award for sound mixing said "I never expected such a grand welcome. This award is a gift for every Indian."
Khan said "I am lucky to be appreciated for my work."