Genius, and something else...

Rahman created history by clinching two Academy Awards past sunday at Los Angeles for Slumdog Millionaire - one for the best score and other for the best song (Jai Ho). Being the first Indian to do so speaks volumes about this legendary composer. From his humble beginnings as a music composer in early 90's with Roja (for which he won National Award as a debutant, another first), he definitely has come a long way. Much has been written about his genius and after his latest triumph, much will be written. I, however, would like to focus on a different matter.Lets examine the factors that may have played a part in the build-up to Rahman winning the Oscars.

Composition
No two views about it, the composition was absolutely world class. Score for the movie was fabulous, but I frankly think that the song Jai Ho was not something which can bag an Academy. Over the years, Rahman has composed so many songs which can make Jai Ho look like a pretty ordinary composition. One of my friends argued that Jai Ho has used such a variety of musical instruments and vocal pitches that it appeals to 'foreign junta' unlike the 'regular Indian stuff'. He has a point, but this is not the first time Rahman has used a variety of instruments and vocal pitches in a song. So what else might be at work here?

The Package
Its not only about the music, there were performances, technical aspects, direction, cinematography et al. - all handled and executed to near perfection. And such a package rightfully creates a media hype which benefits all the departments, especially if the department (music, in this case) is a contributing factor to the hype.

Rise of the Emerging Markets
India, in particular has been the darling of developed markets at various points in time. There was a period (1994-2000) when Indian beauties would win international beauty pageants very often. Looking back, does it mean that India produced women of exceptional beauty and talent back then, and the era is over now ? Now look at it from a different angle: 1992-1993 was the time when all the cosmetic biggies were trying to enter India and epitomizing Indian beauty on a world level was a natural precursor to creating a demand for cosmetics and allied products.
The same thing is happening now as well. An audience of a billion people, who have started to accept different forms of cinema (Spiderman, Matrix and many others were run-away successes), is a natural target for western film-makers and production studios.

Its startling - what may simply pass as a genius can comprise of so many other factors working together in harmony, which actually results in the recognition of the genius.

The sad part is that it takes a foreign director and crew to make the world sit-up and take notice of the phenomenon called A R Rahman. The good part, however, is that the world has taken notice and the benefits of the same are bound to trickle into many corners of Indian cinema. Long live AR!

Settling Down

Warning: This entry comes on the heels of a self-imposed rule, one that says I write a blog every week. And so, the text that follows might read like utter crap to some. I don't care.

I have been struggling to discover myself for quite sometime now. I had a start-up in college. I joined a company upon my graduation. I started out again. I freelanced as a designer. And now, I am working with a company. All in a span of 17 months! All to discover what I love to do and would do the rest of my life. I gape at the road and wonder where am I in my journey and how much time will I take to 'settle down'. But hey, is there something called 'settle down'?

The system which we have been brought up with advocates that we 'settle down' as soon as we can. There are rules and there are codes of conduct - a degree just after school, a job just after graduation, marriage just after job and so on. A person who denies to confirm to the above is dubbed a 'rebel' among the otherwise pool of the 'virtuos'.

I had a stimulating discussion with a person last saturday as to why Indians tend to become fat by eating even in moderation while our counterparts in other countries don't. And he pointed out that living in India which, historically, has been famine affected has caused our bodies to use a little portion of our diets and assimilate everything else as fats. I don't know if its true but it does sound logical to me. And today, when I sit back and think about our notion of 'settling down', I can very well relate to the same theory again. We have been conditioned to be opportunistic, to grab any chance that comes along and leave nothing to fate. Our counterparts in the west, on the other hand, have been brought up in abundance and have been allowed to exercise choices and pursue life on their terms. But does it mean that they do not have a concept of 'settling down'? I am sure they have one, for they also own homes, raise children and like to see smiling faces after work. The difference, it seems then, lies in the way they approach the steady state - no set patterns and freedom to explore.

Things have started making sense to me now. Instead of wondering how much time will I take to settle down, I need to think how would I get there. Instead of blaming it on the system, I need to explore how can I alter the patterns set in the system. And be confident that someday, my dots will also connect.

Watch this video of Steve Jobs' address at Stanford and be inspired ;-)

Tryst With Konkan

Konkan. The word conjures up so many images in people's minds - a splendid coastline with towering coconut trees, delectable cuisine, beautiful arekanut (supari) plantations and many more. And I had a chance to relish it all during one of my recent trips to Ladghar.

I happened to stay at a resort named Gaaaz (chaste hindi for the sound of waves), around 50 mts. further from the beach. It was a small place with four rooms, interestingly christened Agni, Jal, Vaayu & Aakash and styled accordingly. Close proximity to the beach and well laid rooms made for a good place to stay.

Sitting on a rock or taking a stroll, the beach with distinct stretches of rocks and sands was ideal for both. Observing sunset on the beach makes for a pleasurable experience and so does gazing at stars and meteors (yes, you do see them often at a place like this!). And if you like to spot dolphins, you can hire a ferry and raid the deep waters early morning - you may be lucky to spot a school of dolphins; I could only spot a lonesome though.

The next day, I visited a place (don't remember the name) situated around 5 kms from Ladghar. And, that was a revelation. The place is a small agrarian village, known for its religious connections. The adjoining beach is uncrowded, remarkably clean and comparatively less saline - a perfect place to get those man-made-materials off your bod and submerge yourself into the clear waters. After a refreshing bath comes an irresistible hunger which is best satiated by taking a wholesome meal at one of the many village homes who serve mouth-watering local cuisine (which you need to pre-order before proceeding to the beach). The food which I had at a home remains the most cherished memory of my entire trip - simple, honest and tasty food served with so much affection that it can put a 5-star restaurant to shame. Out of this world. A must have if you happen to visit this place.

And like all good things come to an end, it was time to depart. But I would come again, for this place beholds a magnificent blend of simplicity and peculiarity, leaving a permanent impression deep within.