’It was unexpected’

Music maestro A R Rahman says it was a pleasant surprise to find his name in Time's list of world's most influential people

'It was unexpected'

Music maestro A R Rahman says it was a pleasant surprise to find his name in Time's list of world's most influential peopleu00a0

America's Time magazine recently listed A R Rahman in its list of the world's 100 most influential people. Ranked at 59, this popular and talented music director, who has been busy promoting his Jai Ho concert, said he did not expect this honour.u00a0

'It was a pleasant surprise. I had not expected it,' he said. But he loves recalling the dinner event last Tuesday, organised for the people on the list where he shared the dais with US First Lady Michelle Obama and famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey. As someone who usually prefers to stay away from the limelight, the publicity generated by his two Oscars and Time honour brings out happy reactions from him.

On one hand, he is pleased that the publicity will help Indian music to gain international recognition.

International artists are seduced by Indian music, he says, adding that it is a good sign for Indian artistes.

However, he admits that it has brought added pressure on him, as his fans will have greater expectations from him. 'The pressure is definitely more and because of this I am going to be more strict in choosing whose films I work on,' he said.

Meanwhile, Rahman's Oscar-winning track Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire continues to win him laurels. The remixed version of the song by US-based pop group Pussycat Dolls is topping the charts.

The maestro is also planning a concert named after the song. The Jai Ho concerts will be held in several cities in India and abroad. Proceeds from the concerts will go to various organisations, including the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation. His fans in the city can be a part of this tour on May 31 at Balewadi Stadium.