3 Jan : Preparations are on in Muscat (Oman) for Oscar winner A.R. Rahman’s (Slumdog Millionaire) live performance on January 21, according to reports.
Organizers are expecting a packed Police Stadium in Wattayeh with about 15,000 fans, including many from adjoining countries. About 90-member entourage, including well known names like Filmfare nominated Sadhana Sargam (Kuch Naa Kaho) and Hariharan (Bhoothnath), will reportedly accompany Rahman.
Some local artists will also reportedly perform in this about three-hour show, which is expected to feature Rahman’s latest hits. Tickets cost from 10 to 200 Oman Rials (OMR). One OMR equals to about 2.6 United States Dollars or about 121 India Rupees. Although the show will reportedly start at eight pm, but the gates will be open as early as three pm. Eventful is the organizer, reports suggest.
Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded Rahman for taking the Indian music to new heights and bringing respect and global recognition to Indian film music. Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, urged Government of India to launch some world-class conservatories in collaboration with major business conglomerates to channelize the abundant musical talent of India.
Besides this Muscat concert, Rahman will also reportedly perform at Aspire Dome in Doha (Qatar) on January eight and historic Parramatta Park outside Sydney (Australia) on January 16. The two-and-a-half hours outdoor concert in Australia will be free for the public where the organizers have described it as “a night like no other”. These shows are claimed to be audiovisual spectacle involving pyrotechnics and lighting.
Rahman, who has reportedly recorded sales of over 300 million, was called “Mozart of Madras” by Time magazine. Rahman sees music “as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it” and for “creating harmony in troubled times”.