AR Rahman’s salute to Jacko

Double Oscar-winner AR Rahman is so inspired by Michael Jackson’s music that he is set to include the compositions of the iconic pop star as a subject at his music school, the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. Rahman will also don the hat of a lecturer for this course, giving the first lecture on Jackson, his life and times, and how it influenced his own music.

“I have been inspired by Michael and his works for years now. I had met him and though he was such a big star, he was always a very humble human being. That really touched and inspired me. I think he was an inspiration for an entire generation. His music must have influenced countless musicians across the world and it would be an honour for me to have the students of my music school learn and discuss the artist of the century,” Rahman told DNA.

The composer adds: “Michael is an institution in his own right. His work is vast in variation and quantity. He showed his expertise in genres like R&B, Pop, Soul. We are looking at teaching our student various genres of music and also about music that left an impression on the minds and hearts of generations. Michael undoubtedly is one of them. Personally, it will be a matter of pride to talk to my students about Michael’s music. I have enjoyed his music for years now and I’ve been grieved by his untimely demise.”

Rahman also goes on to say that Michael’s sudden death has taught him a big lesson of life. “Michael Jackson was living a life which many like me can only dream of. He was a legend and did not have to hanker for the spotlight. Despite him having everything, he died in a second. It has taught me the greatest lesson  about how life truly is. You can have everything but all those things might not be of any use,” he says.

Rahman adds: “I have realised that the spotlight might be on me now because I have won awards and am doing some good work. I have to make sure that all this attention does not blind me from looking inside, and my family. I can’t let the spotlight take control of my mind because the day I don’t work well, all this will also go in a second.”