OSCAR-winning music composer AR Rahman celebrated 30 years of his musical career in Malaysia with a mega concert last night. About 60,000 made up the audience at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The ‘Secret of Success: Live in Malaysia 2023’ concert, which started about at 8.30pm, saw the prominent singer, producer and rhymester from India continue to astound the audience with his hit songs produced for the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ – 'Jai Ho' and 'Oh Sayo'.
The 56-year-old singer also sang a song from the popular Tamil film ‘Sivaji The Boss’, for which he is the music composer for the film.
AR Rahman, whose full name is Allah Rakha Rahman, also performed medley songs of various rhythms from India, including ‘Reeti Gowla’, ‘Chalanatai’ and ‘Dharmavati’.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail were also present at the concert that featured Hindi and Tamil songs that are well-known by DMY Creation.
Also present were Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Indian High Commissioner in Malaysia B.N. Reddy.
The concert also featured several other top artists, including backing vocalists Hariharan and Shweta Mohan, and drums musician Sivamani.
About two hours into the concert, the audience continued to give thunderous ovations when Malaysia's number one singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin appeared in the middle of the stage singing the Tamil song 'Munbe Vaa' – in a duet with the singer from India, Haricharan.
The night, which saw Rahman returning to Kuala Lumpur after last performing in a concert here about six years ago, ended with the singing of ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, ‘Urvasi Urvasi’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.
The three-hour concert ended at about 11.50pm.
Rahman began his career in 1992, and ever since, he has become one of India's most influential and successful musicians. He won two Academy Awards; music score and best song in year 2009 for his music in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire. – The Vibes, January 29, 2023