Jai Ho India, Says Rahman As He Bags Two Grammys

Oscar-winner A R Rahman continued his winning streak by bagging two Grammy awards for his foot-tapping number "Jai Ho" and outstanding soundtrack for "Slumdog Millionaire".

 "This is insane, God is great again," an elated Rahman said while accepting the golden gramophones at the Staples Centre in  Los Angeles, his first Grammy win.  The composer shared the award for "Jai ho" with lyricist Gulzar and Tanvi Shah, who penned the Spanish words of the international hit. "I never dreamt about winning all these awards," the 44-year-old said, adding, "All my well wishers from the world who keep me going,... Jaiho India...!"

Rahman won in the category of 'Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media' for 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual medium' for "Jai Ho".  

Sunday's win was reminiscent of his victory at the Oscars last year where the 'Mozart of Madras' had bagged two Academy awards for his music in 'Slumdog Millionaire' besides winning a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award. However, two other Indian hopefuls sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and tabla legend Zakir Hussain lost out. 

Amjad Ali Khan, nominated in the 'Best Traditional World Music Album' category for his album "Ancient Sounds" was pipped by African Mamadou Diabate for his album "Douga Mansa" (The King's Vulture).  Hussain, who had won a Grammy last year, and was nominated in the 'Best Classical Crossover Album' category for "The Melody of Rhythm", was beaten by Chinese-origin musician Yo-Yo Ma for his record "Songs Of Joy And Peace".  

Rahman beat American Steve Jordan for "Cadillac Records", filmmaker Quentin Tarantino for "Inglourious Basterds" in the soundtrack category and the producers of "Twilight" and "True Blood." In the best song category, Rahman's rivals was rock-n-roll legend Bruce Springsteen for his song "The Wrestler", from the Oscar-nominated movie of the same name.

This is Rahman's first Grammy win and the musician joins the league of Grammy winners from India -- Pandit Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain, Vikku Vinayak and Vishvamohan Bhatt.   

Reacting to Rahman's win, his sister Rehanna from Chennai said, "My mom called me at 3.30 and told me he has won two Grammys. I was so happy...When he was first nominated for a Golden Globe last year, he was very doubtful, but I told him 'You will get it'. He got it and it has been awards, awards and more awards ever since...His hard work and focus have won."

Sound artiste Resul Pokutty who won an Academy award along with Rahman for his work in 'Slumdog Millionaire' described it as a "stupendous win", which was not unexpected.

Noted Bollywood lyricist Gulzar, who shared the Grammy honour with Rahman, said, "I immediately sent him a message of congratulation and told him that you are getting used to twins. Every time he wins two-- two Oscars, two Grammys.

 "It is a moment of great pride to see actually what Rahman is doing," he added.  Veteran director Subhash Ghai said, "I am proud of Rahman as a special friend and Indian composer who has made India so proud in the world of music." 

 It was Ghai who had suggested the words "Jai Ho" when the music composer was doing the music for 'Yuvvraaj'. Ghai replaced the track by 'Shanno Shanno' in the film.

The track was subsequently used in the Danny Boyle directed film.  Noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapoor said, "A R Rahman goes beyond 'Slumdog' and takes over Hollywood." 

Sukhwinder, who sang the peppy number, said that the recognition had been long due.  "I am feeling flabbergasted. I want to congratulate the entire musician community and everyone in India. Rahman deserves it. I have told him many times over the years that you deserve a Grammy. 

Right from his first work in 'Roja' all are award worthy. So I had been expecting this to happen," he said.  All eyes are now set on Tuesday's Oscar's nominations as Rahman is in the list of hopefuls this year for his song 'Na na' for his Hollywood debut 'Couples Retreat'. PTI