Why Mani Ratnam Wanted to Fire Rahman? |Untold Stories by Rajiv Menon Part3 |Rahman Music Sheets 79

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the discussion of A.R. Rahman's music career and his collaboration with Rajiv Menon.

• A.R. Rahman is a renowned musician who has collaborated with Rajiv Menon on several projects.

• Bombay, one of their collaborations, is considered to be one of Rahman's best soundtracks.

Collaboration between Rahman and Menon

This section discusses how Rajiv Menon initially refused the lead role in Roja, which eventually went to Arvind Swami. It also covers how Rahman convinced Menon to sing for Kadhal Rojave.

• Rajiv Menon initially refused the lead role in Roja but later collaborated with Rahman on many advertising films.

• When Kadhal Rojave was being made, Rahman asked Menon to sing a track he had composed during a jam session.

• Despite struggling with singing offbeat and beat, Menon sang for an hour until the power went out. He eventually finished recording in half an hour.

Collaboration on Bombay

This section covers how Rahman and Menon came together for Bombay and how it became a challenge for both of them.

• Bombay was a challenge for both Rahman and Menon as they had to interpret musically and visually justify pre-existing rituals.

• The soundtrack has an incredibly wide range of songs that includes peppy dance numbers, Qawwali, Hindustani classical music, Mapla music from Kerala, among others.

• The film won two National Awards for Best Editing and Best Film on National Integration as well as two Filmfare Critics Awards.

Timelessness of Bombay

This section discusses how Bombay remains timeless even after so many years since its release.

• Bombay is a timeless film that recently collaborated for digital release.

• The music and visuals of the film still hold strong after so many years.

Multi-level narrative of Bombay

This section covers how Bombay had a multi-level socio-political narrative while also being a mesmerizing musical journey.

• Bombay finds its axis in the communal riots of 1993, featuring inter-religious relations.

• Despite having a multi-level socio-political narrative, it became a mesmerizing musical journey that lingers with the audience for a long time to come.

Rahman's Musical Lexicon

This section discusses how Rahman's musical lexicon was different from others and how he incorporated various musical ideas into his work.

• Rahman's musical lexicon included Islamic, Hindu, Western classical music, and contemporary music.

• He incorporated various musical ideas into his work such as Hindustani music, Qawwali, Mapla music from Kerala among others.

AR Rahman's Collaborative Approach

In this section, the speaker talks about how AR Rahman's collaborative approach sets him apart from other musicians.

Collaborating with Singers

• AR Rahman collaborates with singers to bring out their unique skills and voices.

• This approach sets him apart from others who may have musical knowledge but lack humility.

Nuanced Imagery in Mani Ratnam's Films

In this section, the speaker discusses the nuanced imagery in Mani Ratnam's films.

Maintaining Secular Narrative

• The film "Bombay" had a secular narrative that was carefully thought out.

• The character losing her burka was not a loss of faith, as she carried the Quran with her when leaving home.

Visualizing Screenplay

• The filmmaker used his background in documentary filmmaking to visualize riot sequences realistically.

• Riot sequences are different from fight sequences and require careful study of visuals to create an accurate portrayal.

Challenges of Making "Bombay" Today

In this section, the speaker talks about the challenges of making a film like "Bombay" today.

Volatile Situation in India

• The situation in India is too volatile today to make a film like "Bombay."

• People take strong positions on religion, making it difficult to release such a film without backlash.

Message of Film

• The message of "Bombay" was about two people coming together despite their religious differences and going through a secular civil marriage without losing their faith.

• The film's message is even more relevant today, as India has become less tolerant.

Divided Narrative

• The narrative of "Bombay" was divided into two parts: the peaceful times and the riots.

• The riot sequences required careful study of visuals to create an accurate portrayal.

Creating the Look and Feel of Bombay

In this section, Mani Ratnam discusses how they created the look and feel of the film Bombay. They studied riots in India, Vietnam War films, Killing Fields about Cambodia, and how people like Haskell Wexler had come in to shoot.

Miniature Photography and Photojournalism

• The team created miniature photography on one side and then there was a study of photojournalism.

• They erected sets to create Prasad Studios with flares, haze, dust, and tracks.

• Another set was created from inside where people with crowbars are breaking plaster.

Studying Riots

• The team studied riots in India as well as other films such as Vietnam War films and Killing Fields about Cambodia.

• They also studied how people like Haskell Wexler had come in to shoot.

Raymond's Music for Ride Sequences

• Raymond's music for ride sequences became Bombay's theme.

• Rahman scored the entire thing for three days unable to do Hama but what he did is create the background score for the main theme.

Rahman's Modesty

• Rajiv Menon talks about A.R Rahman's musical modesty compared to others who had musical knowledge but also arrogance and ego.