Rahman was conferred doctorate by he Berklee College of Music
AR Rahman
Chennai: The musical maestro and double Oscar winner A. R. Rahman was conferred an honorary doctorate by one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, the Berklee College of Music, on Friday, October 24, amidst much fanfare.
The Mozart of Madras made every Tamilian proud, choosing to start his acceptance speech in Tamil. He usually ends all his speeches with an invocation in Tamil, Ella Pugazhum Iraivanukke (‘All praise to God’, a translation from the Quran) as he had done at the Oscar Award ceremony a few years ago. On this occasion, however, he chose to praise God for his success at the beginning of his speech itself.
Apparently, Rahman looked excited and in a cheerful mood which was also reflected in his words.
Rahman shares a close bond with his mother, Karima Begum, and given an occasion, he never fails to speak about her. He felt keenly her absence at the Berklee event. He said, “I feel sad that my family is not here. My mother is unwell and is just recovering and my wife is by her side to take care of her.” Pointing to the entire gathering, he quickly added with a smile, “I am happy that my entire music family is here,” as thunderous applause broke out.
He also shared an unknown bit of information. “When I was about to fill the admission forms to join the Berklee College of Music, an amazing opportunity came from Mani Ratnam. He offered me the film, Roja. I had to choose between the two. And you all know the rest. Today, I am here and feel that I have come full circle,” he said in an emotion-laden voice.
He also wrote on his microblog as follows, “Spent an incredible day with the talent at Berklee College of Music yesterday. Feel very honored by therecognition from this hallowed institution.”
( Source : dc )
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