Timely tonic

"IT TAKES you beyond differences of caste, creed and religion in our country today. The album is like ray of hope, a small unifying factor which we can hold on to, like a rope..." A. R. Rahman's words that come after a little deliberation seem very genuine and timely. It was Independence Day and he was referring to the "Jana Gana Mana" cassette released recently.

The venue was the Music World at Spencer's Plaza and fans who had gathered at the shop to have a glimpse of their favourite and famous composer, were clamouring, pushing each other and trying to get near the nosegay of musicians at the scene of action that evening.

BharatBala Productions' recent album "Jana Gana Mana" has brought together 35 maestros of music from all over the country. A stupendous task indeed. And on August 15, the cassettes and CDs of "Jana Gana Mana" were signed in person by none other than A.R. Rahman himself. It was a momentous occasion for those who bought the cassettes without a second thought and marched away in glee with the music wizard's imprint. An astute marketing strategy. "Of course not..." says Kanika who has directed the project along with BharatBala. There is no need for promotion. This is probably just our way of celebrating Independence Day" she reiterates. The cassette according to her has received tremendous response from Indians here and abroad, in places as far as away as New York and California. Describing "Jana Gana Mana" as a "big responsibility" Kanika says that Bharatbala's intention has been to "sell India to Indians". And this couple has already done it very successfully with "Vande Mataram". They are now doing it again with "Jana Gana Mana".

It is interesting to hear Kanika elaborate on why she and BharatBala took up the project. "It is something that happened to me personally" she goes on. "I wanted to check out a word in our National Anthem and went around looking for a cassette. It was then that I felt that the Anthem would sound better if it had more emotion and soul".

When BharatBala Productions decided to produce "Jana Gana Mana" they approached A.R. Rahman. But initially A.R. Rahman was hesitant because he did not see what he could possibly do in this project. Eventually the end product proves that he has been able to give the National Anthem the soul it warrants with his orchestral arrangement.

As A.R. Rahman himself puts it, the album could serve as "an energiser".

Vikku Vinayakram who has been a part of "Jana Gana Mana" feels that his percussion prowess had been beautifully utilised by Rahman.

Kumaresh, of the Ganesh-Kumaresh duo, is all smiles. "When we received a call from BharatBala we were thrilled because of two things", he begins, "the cause, and the fact that we are associated with an album involving great legends".

Recognition and adulation they may be used to, but being amidst a crowd in such an informal manner could unnerve some. "Not us... we love it and want more of it", grins Kumaresh.

"When the recording actually took place it was one a.m." recalls Sudha Raghunathan and she found the experience exhilarating. This constant globe-trotter adds that whichever part of the world she may be in, listening to the National Anthem kindles the patriotic spirit in her, makes her proud of her motherland and in short has an electrifying effect on her.

"I don't think the youngsters of today are less patriotic" contends Sudha. They are very much aware of their country's worth. It is only that all of us are too busy pursuing our goals. A little focus through patriotic music and albums such as these would kindle their zeal even further, feels she.

In spite of their terribly busy schedules these veterans have found time to come together for this mega project. "Yes...as I told you we worked at midnight but it was worth it and I am thankful to Rahman and others who included me in the album", Sudha concludes on a sincere note.

Commenting on the positive effect of such cassettes on young minds, Rahman says that just as "Vande Mataram", the song everyone knew, became even more popular with proper orchestration, "Jana Gana Mana" too would reach everyone and make a significant impact. "It is a follow up of "Vande Mataram", he says.

When you observe that with a name that spells success behind it, the result is bound to be fantastic, Rahman shrugs his shoulders and waves his hands in humility.

MALATHI RANGARAJAN

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