Rehmat-e-Rehman

I woke up this morning and went to the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea. As I opened the window, the winter breeze brushed gently against my face, gushed through my nostrils and rushed down the oesophagus. It was still dark outside, the sun rays yet to penetrate through the foggy clouds. "Damn!" I exclaimed and shut the window. As the water boiled, I put on the radio. The sound of 'Kehne ko jashn-e-bahara hain' filled the kitchen. I was definitely not ready for this. My ears were used to the beats and
(c)rap of 'Lungi Dance' by Honey Singh. After all, that's the most popular 'Bhajan' now a days and Honey Baba is the new Anoop Jalota. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard the melody. I didn't give it much thought and went back to add the 'chai-patti'. As I poured my tea into the cup, Roza's title track was being played. 'Kuch to gadbad hai !!' ACP Pradyumna inside me sensed and was trying to assess the problem . I wondered as I took the first sip and 'Voila!' (it was more like 'Ailla'); the warm tea did the magic again and stirred my brain which was by now overjoyed and shouting " Arey Rehman! Rehman!"

Yes. Forty seven years ago, on this day, God wrote a melody and sent it to the earth to soothe the thirsty souls. R.S. Dileepkumar , future's Allah Rakha Rehman had made his way through different gates of heaven to the Earth. An angel had arrived, disguised as human. The Mozart of Madras, as he is popularly known, had come to show the people that even vibrations can produce the image of the Almighty and orgasms could be achieved in mind without stimulating any of the sexual hormones.

One may wonder, isn't this an exaggeration? Well, maybe. But is there any other and better way to describe him and his contribution to the Music industry across the world ? At least, I don't have. I mean, come on, all that Hollywood could give him was two OSCAR awards. If 'Jai Ho' was extraordinarily good for them, I guess they will die out of sheer joy when they’ll listen to some of his best works.

Indian Music World has been very fortunate to be blessed with many brilliant music directors, classical and non-classical singers and lyricists. Then what is it that puts A.R.Rehman in a different category altogether? Well, it is difficult to put in words. Some things are better felt. Mahatma Gandhi once said," Faith begins where facts and logics falter." Rehman's music has continuously made me believe that even excellence can become a synonym of mediocrity. No matter where you are, a pub in Brazil or a restaurant in Jamaica or with a Russian boss in the middle of an ocean, his music will find its way to your ears and will leave not only you, but also those around you, Indian, foreigner alike, with great amount of pleasure. At that moment, one can feel what our ancestors meant when they said that music has no language. Another charming feather is his personality. Till date, I am yet to meet a person, who doesn't adore him and his genius. When others are busy pampering their ego and attitude on a mountain peak, this gentleman peeps out of the sky just to confirm that his feet are still on the ground.

Let us all, who drink, raise our glasses to the health, happiness and success of A.R.Rehman and along with those who don't drink, wish him a very happy birthday !!! :)