It’s AR Rahman - Listen to His Music, Not the Language: Musicians

The debate brings the focus back on if language really matters in art.

A.R. Rahman has placed Indian film music on the global map like no one else.

(Photo: Reuters)

The Hindi vs Tamil war is escalating by leaps and bounds. People from the music industry are now responding to the bizarre turn of events that saw some Indians tweeting against AR Rahman performing Tamil songs during his UK concert on 8 July. Though the ‘Mozart of Madras’ performed several Hindi numbers as well, some members of the audience were unhappy about having to “sit through” Tamil songs.

Singer Chinmayi Sripaada took to social media to speak her mind:

Chinmyi Sripaada

Also read: FYI: Those who Walked out of AR Rahman’s UK Concert, He’s Tamil

She also lashed out hard against how unlike South Indians, North Indians in general resist learning the language of the southern Indian state they might be living in.

Composer and singer Vayu, known for the peppy Beat Pe Booty and Banno Terra Swagger, also pointed out how insulting such behaviour is to Rahman’s talent.

Vayu

I think the whole thing is funny that people walked out because, come on... it’s Rahman! He’s known for his music and sounds. Where does language come in here? I mean, people dance to English songs without understanding most of the words. Rahman has done some very good Hindi numbers but he has done absolutely crazy stuff in Tamil. So why don’t you enjoy it? Have fun with that. People who listen to Hindi songs usually wont listen to Tamil and this is an opportunity to hear them. And Rahman knows what he’s playing and what’s the best for the concert. He’s giving you the best he could. So accept it!

Vayu, Music director

We also caught up with Humma Humma singer Shashaa Tirupati, who has sung around 30 songs for AR Rahman and also performs with him in concerts. Her reaction too gives much food for thought.

Shashaa Tirupati

Firstly, the title of the show (‘Netru, Indru, Naalai’) was very self-explanatory, so people should have known what to expect. Secondly, when you admire someone’s art, you should appreciate that he has been doing this for the last 25 years or so. And you should go and enjoy it. Especially when it comes to music... Rahman sir has revolutionised music in India and won frigging Oscars. You love his music, go and enjoy his music! The worst part is people asking for their money back. It’s repulsive I feel. You are not a true admirer of his music then. His concerts have always had Tamil songs along with Hindi. I am preparing to perform with him in a concert right now. I’m not a Tamilian but I am going to sing Tamil songs for Rahman sir’s concert. 

Shashaa Tirupati, Singer

Rahman’s old favourite Sukhwinder Singh also asked people to immerse themselves in the experience that’s the maestro rather than haggling over language.

Sukhwinder Singh

Every Rahman concert is a complete experience all in itself. Of course every person in the audience comes to listen to their favourite song, but that shouldn’t limit you while indulging in the whole experience of the concert itself! Rahman’s music goes much beyond language barriers and people shouldn’t miss a concert of that magnitude just because of the language.

Sukhwinder Singh, Singer

Others are also lending their voice to the issue:

Siddharth Basrur

When you call yourself an admirer of an artist, it shouldn’t matter what language they’re singing in. Why should language act as a barrier to something as beautiful as music? Some of Rahman sir’s best compositions aren’t even in Hindi. I’m a huge admirer and have always loved his music. I would love to see him perform, no matter what language he sang in.

Siddharth Basrur, Composer-singer

Nakash Aziz

I feel sorry for the people who couldn’t enjoy the genius. I guess it was an opportunity lost. Growing up in Mumbai and only knowing Hindi, I remember listening to all Rahman sir’s Tamil songs, and without even understanding one word, falling in love with the maestro’s music. Well I don’t speak for anyone but I don’t think language in music matters to me.

Nakash Aziz, Singer

Vishal Mishra

I think as a listener, it would interest me if Rahman sir is singing in Tamil because that is where some of his best works come from. In a concert, one interacts very closely with the audience and true music lovers are getting something unexpected along with his Hindi chart busters. As an audience member, I wouldn’t be able to move. True music lovers don’t need to understand lyrics, it’s about feeling the music.

Vishal Mishra, Singer-composer

However, there’s a lone voice supporting the miffed audience members as well.

Somesh Mathur

Music, like all other vocations has an expected and holistic impact on a listener/ fan or patron, especially when it is performed by a top talent in the field. Sadly, Rahman has started singing a lot himself, although he is a rather limited and stylised vocalist. Also in his concerts, he has students from his music school performing, most of whom don’t make the cut. So for an audience paying a hefty ticket price, it’s a huge disappointment. One can’t experiment with any art or vocation on a huge platform when there is big money involved. It’s unfair to the art and its patrons.

Somesh Mathur, Sufi and ghazal singer

Time to take a step back and respect the art for what it is?

(We all love to express ourselves, but how often do we do it in our mother tongue?Here's your chance! This Independence Day, khul ke bol with BOL – Love your Bhasha. Sing, write, perform, spew poetry – whatever you like – in your mother tongue. Send us your BOL at [e-mail] or WhatsApp it to 9910181818.)