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Allah Rakha Rahman hates having the spotlight turned on him. At 42, he has overtaken the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears in the sales of his cassettes, won over Andrew Lloyd Webber and also worked with Michael Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.
Allah Rakha Rahman alias A.S.Dileep Kumar was born into to a musically oriented family. His father R.K.Sekhar was an arranger for producing music in Malayalam movies and had worked under the likes of music masters like Salil Chowdhary and Devarajan Master.
Rahman, he got his first break in advertising when he was asked to compose the jingles for ads. In 1989, he set up a small studio of his own, called Panchathan Record Inn, attached to his house. This studio has now become one of India`s most well-equipped and advanced recording studios.
In his established state-of-the-art sound and recording studio, he began experimenting in sound engineering, design and production. He also began collecting sound samples, creating one of the most comprehensive sonic libraries in Asia. Later, at an award function, he was introduced to the ace director Maniratnam, who signed him to compose music for his film Roja. The rest is history.
Q: How can you turn out breadth taking music only with your favourites like Mani Ratnam, Subhash Ghai and Ashutosh Gowarikar?
My comfort level with these people may be at a higher level. At the same time you can`t close your eyes to hit songs that I have done for other film makers like S.J.Suryah.
Q: Your critics say that Tamil film music has taken a back seat for you. Please comment.
Tamil film music is what made me. But I have to move ahead in life as opportunities knock only once at your doorsteps. When I composed songs for `Roja`, I thought that it would be my first and last film album and I was mentally prepared to go back and do jingles. I never dreamt that I would take the baton and perform live at the city of Birmingham Symphony orchestra. Today I have realised that music can change our society. I have not only been lucky but am showered with God`s blessings. I am a very happy and contended man.
Q: What is the kind of music that gives you complete satisfaction?
As a composer I like music that is able to stir my soul. My music is a spiritual exercise, like `Vande Matharam…`. I am very happy as people associate me with patriotism and nationalism”.