I like Will.i.am’s version: AR Rahman

Chennai: It’s My Birthday, the much-awaited single of American rapper Will.i.am was released recently. For most Indians and music lovers, the excitement to hear the much-hyped remix version of our own A.R.Rahman’s mega hit Urvasi Urvasi song from the blockbuster film Kadhalan was the biggest draw, after all, after years of being labelled ‘copycats’, this was one of the few times the West has openly admitted being inspired by an Indian musician.

Will.i.am teamed up with R&B artist Cody Wise to create a remix version of Urvasi Urvasi and the single It’s My Birthday was released two weeks back. However, the response to the attempt was mixed, with most fans complaining that Rahman’s timeless tunes had been completely messed up. Others said the video was poorly made and uninspired.

A R Rahman, who had been actively supporting Will.i.am’s efforts, earlier tweeted “Excited to creatively partner with Will.i.am to recreate an early popular track of mine in a new flavor”. However, despite being in LA during the release, he remained silent.

We caught up with him on his return to India and asked him what he thought of the track. ARR smiled and said, “Though I didn’t give any input on this  version apart from the tune, Will.i.am is a really talented artist. I liked the new attempt. It’s flattering and it links the original to a larger audience”.

When this newspaper brought up the topic of negative reactions surrounding the song, Rahman was quick to add, “I know that the Urvasi Urvasi sound track was an integral part of a whole generation, and when one gets used to something or it becomes a part of one’s life, it’s hard to digest a little change.”