Perhaps, it is for the first time that an Indian musical genius is being honoured by a world renowned orchestra by performing his extraordinary musical pieces in his native land!
Double-Oscar and Grammy winner A.R. Rahman would be felicitated by Studio Babelsberg of Germany, the world’s oldest film studio, and their orchestra with an extravagant show named ‘Classic Incantations’ in India.

To mark their centenary celebrations, Studio Babels-berg will honour Rahman with a five-city tour in India wherein the orchestral sweeps composed by the maestro will be performed by the Babelsberg orchestra. The year 2012 also marks the centenary year of Indian cinema.

Rahman said, “I am excited and grateful to Babelsberg orchestra for their gesture. There won’t be any song, dance or ‘Jai Ho’ kind of stuff! It’s purely orchestral rendition by Babelsberg from K.M. Conservatory.”

A 100-member team will perform from Roja to Robot at the show. ARR is also expected to be present at most of the shows.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview

Q We don’t get to hear your compositions in Tamil movies these days. Have you shifted bag and baggage to Hollywood?

Not really! It’s only the ‘time factor’ which is not permitting me to sign many projects. I have been shuttling to and from Chennai, Mumbai and LA with my base in the city.

(Smiles) 2012 has begun on a good note and I am doing four Tamil films – a film with Maniratnam, Bharat Bala, Kochadaiyan with Rajini and Yohan Adhayayam Ondru for Gautham Menon.

Q We hear you have teamed up with Steven Spielberg!

Yeah, for his production venture Welcome to the People. The movie is scripted and directed by Alex Kurtzmen, famous for his Mission Impossible series.

Q About Kolaveri rage.

No comments!

Q What plans for your birthday which is around the corner (January 6)?

(Giggles) I am leaving for LA tonight! So, my birthday is at Beverly Hills!