Agra, Dec 21: Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman is excited that controversial film ‘Dam 999' is in the eligibility list of Academy Awards and three songs from the film are competing with 36 others for a nomination in the Best Song category.
The Sohan Roy-directed film, with music by Ousephachan, has been banned in Tamil Nadu over allegations that it is based on the Mullaperiyar dam issue.
The film is one among 265 movies that are eligible for Best Picture Oscar at the 2011 Academy Awards.
“I was very excited to hear about Dam 999. Hariharan (singer) texted me about it. I know Ousephachan, we have worked together. I pray at least one of the songs wins an Oscar because the film's music is brilliant,” Rahman told PTI.
The 45-year-old music maestro himself has two Oscars in his kitty for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song at the 81st Academy Awards for ‘Slumdog Millionaire'.
Rahman was here to launch the music of his upcoming film ‘Ek Deewana Tha', starring Prateik and Amy Jackson and directed by Gautham Menon.
It was reported that he was denied permission to perform at the Mehtab Bagh here with the Taj Mahal as the backdrop, but the composer said he wasn't supposed to perform in the first place.
“I am here for the film's music release, not to perform live. Even I was shocked when I heard that I was supposed to perform. I don't know who spread these rumours,” he said.
Rahman played the songs from the film's soundtrack at the launch at a hotel here with a view of the monument of love.
“I wanted my audience to look at the beauty of Taj and not stare at me when my songs were played. Coming to Taj was like coming back home,” he said.
