I wish to see more Indians win such accolades: AR Rahman

AR Rahman’s internationally-hit soundtrack from Slumdog Millionaire won big by bagging two awards — best compilation soundtrack for a motion picture and best song (Jai Ho) in a motion picture — at the prestigious 52nd Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles yesterday.

Rahman says, “I’m overwhelmed with the response. Slumdog Millionaire is very close to my heart and it is becoming even more special with each passing day. It is a moment of pride as an Indian to win so many awards and I wish to see more Indians win such accolades.”

In his trademark style Rahman started off the thanksgiving at the awards by praising the Almighty. He also remembered to mention his mentors and family, especially his late father composer RK Shekhar.

He says, “I thank my mentor Mani Ratnam, mentors in Mumbai Shekhar Kapur and Subhash Ghai and mentor in the West, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Then I also thank my mother, father, sisters and my lovely wife and children and all my well-wishers.” Rahman also thanked Gulzar and Sukhwinder Singh as well as his late friend sound engineer H Sridhar who died last year.

Rahman beat Cadillac Records, Inglourious Basterds, Twilight and True Blood for the best compilation soundtrack. He faced tough competition from Bruce Springsteen in the best song category. Bruce’s song The Wrestler from the movie of the same name was speculated by many to bag top honours.