Kannada industry gets emotional over Oscars

Bangalore, Feb 23 (IANS) Kannada film personalities, who have worked with A.R. Rahman, have gone on an emotional trip after hearing the big news of the Indian music maestro's twin win at the 81st Academy Awards.

"Rahman was passionate about music. We used to call him Dileep then. For music re-recordings he used to come to Bangalore in his own Maruti Car and he used to bring his keyboard along," director-producer-actor Dwarakish told IANS.

Rahman, who on Sunday bagged two Oscars for his work in "Slumdog Millionaire", worked as a keyboard player in Kannada films like "Dance Raja Dance", "Krishna Nee Kunidaaga", "Nee Baredha Kaadhambari" and "Nee Thanda Kaanike". All the four films were produced by Dwarakish.

Dwarakish, 67, said that he became emotional after watching the live Oscar ceremony and said he even danced in his house.

"Rahman is a sensational discovery of the Indian film industry. The Oscars are the beginning of the recognition of his great talents at the international level. I am sure that he will achieve more than this," said Dwarakish.

"I got a hint of his talent during the recording sessions. I would persuade him to become a music director. I was prepared to give him a break, but Rahman would tell me that he was happy being a keyboard player as he was earning well. He did not want to take any risk and I was surprised when Mani Ratnam convinced him to compose for his film ('Roja')," he added.

Director D. Rajendra Babu said he too remembers Rahman as a workaholic who showed sparks even as a keyboard player.

"I saw him working as a keyboard player for composers Shankar and Ganesh. Ganesh had a special liking for Rahman who was called Dileep at that time. The two Oscars are the result of the work he has been doing for so many years. He has composed many great songs, but it was only 'Slumdog Millionaire' that got him international recognition," said Rajendra Babu.

In the beginning of his career, Rahman worked as an assistant keyboard player with composer Vijayanand. Rahman joined Vijayanand after having worked with well-known music director Ilayaraja.

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