This article had to be on my blog. For two reasons: One, I love A R Rahman and Two, about Shah Rukh Khan the less said the better!
Considering that most filmmakers would give an arm and a leg to work with A R Rahman, it’s something of a shocker to know that King Khan has replaced him with
Vishal-Shekhar (Bluffmaster!, Dus) for his upcoming project. The film in question is Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om, which is being produced by SRK’s banner, Red Chillies Entertainment.SRK had a problem
The grapevine goes that the deal was scrapped for two reasons. Firstly, Shah Rukh didn’t like the tunes that Rahman had composed. Secondly, Rahman demanded a huge amount as his fee, which Farah refused to pay.When contacted, Rahman says that he is indeed out of Om Shanti Om, but denies that SRK had problems with his compositions (they’ve earlier worked together in Dil Se and Swades). “The truth is that we had some problems over contractual obligations. That is why I am not doing the film,” he says.
Rahman adds that he wanted the publishing rights of the music to rest with the producer, the lyricist and the composer. But Farah and Shah Rukh flatly refused.
“Actually, Shah Rukh had a problem. He could not come to terms with what I wanted. We were trying to sort this out since the last two to three months, but it just didn’t happen. SRK is a big star and maybe he doesn’t need anybody. I wish it had materialised so that more composers can get their dues in India. Someone has to start this here and I am pressing for it.”
Aamir understood
On the other hand, Rahman has succeeded in getting a share of the publishing rights for Aamir Khan’s next film, directed by Abbas Tyrewalla. “I met Aamir and he understood what I wanted in an instant. It could be because Tyrewalla’s film is a small budget venture, unlike Farah’s, which is a biggie,” Rahman says.And what of the 2 crore that he demanded as his fee? Rahman says, “I don’t do just the music in the songs, I also provide the background score. So I charge accordingly. But I guess it’s okay. Farah and I went our own ways this time, but we did tell each other that we’d work together some other time.”
‘We love Rahman’
For his part, Vishal Dadlani is glad to be a part of the project. “It’s true that Shekhar and I are doing Om Shanti Om now. We’ve known Farah for nearly two years and have done a lot of work together. She called us ten days back, and we were very happy to do it for her. We got so charged after listening to the story that we’re already ready with four songs,” he says.
The duo is also aware that Rahman was doing the film before them. “We knew that, but didn’t get into the details of what transpired between them. To tell you the truth, we are in this industry because of Rahman. He’s a great inspiration. If we were to make a film tomorrow, we would sign A R Rahman to compose the music.”
Interestingly, quite a few eyebrows were raised when Farah chose Rahman over Anu Malik for Om Shanti Om, considering his music played a big role in the success of Main Hoon Na. Our well-informed sources tell us that before assigning Om Shanti Om to Rahman, Farah had indeed thought of Anu but later changed her mind.
We wonder if the soundtracks of Zindaggi Rocks or Umrao Jaan might have had something to do with that?
Irrespective of this article I knew that A R Rahman is out of Om Shanti Om. I don’t know what the problem was though. Though I might not particularly like SRK, I have come to know him as a professional going about doing his job while the media creates all these images. Maybe the money that would come from the music rights was the only biggest chunk that they thought it could produce! (Sorry, couldn’t resist that one!)
On a serious note, kudos to A R Rahman for standing up and asking for his rights. This act of his stands to benefit the entire community of music directors. We are with you A R Rahman. And we love you as always!
Rs 2 crore! still seems high doesnt it?
Come on!!!! Film making is a business. Nobody is there to do charity. Why are you blaming SRK for that? They had some contractual problems and hence didn’t do it, so what’s the big deal? Just because you like AR does not mean all his ventures have to be successful!
AR had his rules, at the same time SRK and Co, had their rules. How come AR is not at fault but SRK is at fault!??? Logic???
SRK didn’t get the recording done or anything and then refused to give the rights right?? He said what his conditions were upright, if that does not suit some people then so be it.
If SRK is rich… AR is no poor man. By the way who got caught by Lok Ayuktha and got his house raided and they found crores of rupees is hard cash basically black money? – AR Rahman.
P.S.: I am a HUGE fan of AR Rahman. But at the same time, just because one of his deals did not work for reasons known before hand you cannot balme SRK for that! That’s disgraceful.
Nandhu:
Well, there seem to be people ready to pay him that money. But yeah, it might seem high to mortals like us.
Shark:
Well, well, well, where did I ever blame SRK yar? I only said that I don’t like him and I guess i am allowed to have an opinion of that. And in fact, I have stated I don’t know what the problem is. Never have I accused SRK of anything. Read again!
And reacting to your Lok ayukta crap: See if you don’t know, keep quiet or ask. Don’t rake up imaginary things. Tell me one place where you read that they got lot of money from his house? I will sue those people rightaway. People who spread such rumours should be hung I tell you!
To quote from another article
But Rahman holds no grudges against anyone, least of all Aamir Khan or Shah Rukh from whose productions the composer has opted out, on this issue. “In fact Shah Rukh tried his utmost to see and to put forward my point of view,” defends Rahman.
Peace okay? SRK and AR Rahman are friends. We don’t need to fight.
i am also Rahman’s fan! i too support his decision of getting rights for his own composion. I love his Swadesh songs, esp the Munaana Thaana…. and Kavariya… songs are awesome.
Jeevan:
I think Rahman needs our support now! Swades was definitely a great album! :)
agreed…every individual has their own rules and regulations and firstly lets not talk much about these individuals and rather focus on their values.
I completely agree with Rehman’s thoughts about the publishing rights, it would be a revolutionary change it the music industry.
Believe me.
Talking about the price that AR quotes, come on guyz dont u know these days Our Movies recover major part of their budget just from their music albums…and when it comes to AR, its like an overseas deal!!!!!
I think even the 2 cr deal is less when compared to AR.(Iam talking about Bollywood Movies)
SRK/Farah might have his own regulations.
All in all, i think more than SRK…it is Aamir (North Version of Kamal) and AR’s combo that gels together perfectly.
Finally, when it comes to support .
My First Preference would be AR ……….
as i go with people who can deliver different flavors …rather than offering same old kinda stuff (SRK badly needs some change on his acting skills….am bored looking at the same repetitive method , the way he acts in his movies )
No Hard feelings.., just my thoughts
Cheers
Vamshee
quoting “..Rahman adds that he wanted the publishing rights of the music to rest with the producer, the lyricist and the composer..”
makes PERFECT sense.. AR is not only a great composer, but a great businessman! and his answers/comments were awesome (and diplomatic)
[Nandhu] that is the rate floating around in the “market”.. Amir and SRK charge around 4-?? crores (depending upon rights etc).. AR tried to bring the same formula into the music industry with rights and reimburement.. guess he couldnt come to an agreement on the exact terms.
I got some some Bollywood news..Nice to hear this after ages! Guess, each have their own principles and one need not give tht up and I respect tht etiquette…! :)
A 2 crore fee to ARR is very less…considering the quality of music which he delivers ! Hope other music dirs too standup to this music rights thing..otherwise..there’s no gain in a one man’s fight !
VamC:
“lets not talk much about these individuals and rather focus on their values”
Arey mama, kya entry hai re!! :)
On a serious note, I totally agree.
As you know, I always thought A R Rahman was priceless and invaluable! And treat him that way!
Aamir and A R Rahman are a bomb of a combination! “Rangeela”, “Lagaan”, “Mangal Pandey”, and up coming “Lajjo” (that too with Mani Ratnam!)
We were always in support of A R Rahman…and will always be!
That was a great comment VamC.
Pavan:
PERFECT! A R Rahman has always been a person worth idolising from the time he has come into the public domain!
I guess it’s only time before A R Rahman succeeds in getting what he wants. Otherwise, it’s only going to be Bollywood’s loss!
SCRIBBLEZ TO WAKEUP:
Keep coming. Whenever it’s relevant we do discuss Bollywood issues out here!
And yeah, that etiquette ought to be respected. It’s tough to find any princicples at all in this world nowadays!
Jo:
Wah! Wah! I bow to your statement “A 2 crore fee to ARR is very less considering the quality of music which he delivers!”
Other music directors have more to lose than to stand up with A R Rahman on this. If A R Rahman leaves Bollywood, then we all know whose loss it’s going to be!
They should form an association to fight this issue and get the rights is what I feel. But which music director in his right sense will want to antagonise the music companies is what I don’t know. A R Rahman can afford to do it, because his economics are a little different – the music companies want him.
And if the music companies decide to shun him (A R Rahman), then he can release his songs/ albums on his own music label (KM Music) which he launched recently. Now, that’s what is called a brilliant business strategy!
I am sure Pavan will have something more to add to whatever I have said because we are thinking on the same lines! Right Pavan?
If you look at 2 crores its a little over $425K.. peanuts compared to what they will make from the song rights globally..
Vijay:
That’s a good point!
Hello Adi!!!
Thanks for dropping by my blog.
Yours is one of the Finest blog i’ve ever visited.
I’m a big FAN of A.R.Rehman and literally speaking i never liked SRK.
And it’s gr8 to know the A.R took a Stand…
Too good Post & Blog.
byee!!!
:) No fight da… Only some healthy argument that’s all :)
If you didn’;t have anything against SRK then why “SRK had a problem” is bold? That kind of pin points at him. Though it’s not only his decision. It;s the production house’s decision.
Anyway All said and done… why should we bother? All of them are making loads of money… nobody is poor or anything! Some deals work out some don’t…. anything with SRK is in the news becasue his is the KING of bollywood :) whether you agree to it or not it does not matter :P
ALso, the case against AR, I saw in news. Almost 2 years back. They actually showed his house during the raid.. so it’s not that I imagined stuff or beleived rumours. Lots of other people from Tamil movie industry were also caught. But then again, they are all now free. That’s altogether different case!!
All said and done, I simply adore AR’s music. HE IS THE BEST! There are no second thoughts about it. Also he is right in demanding his rights… but we cannot blame others if they choose not to adhere his demands… somebody else adhered to it and all’ well that ends well…
Yeah, we love you A.R.Rahman. :)
Sunil:
Thanks for reciprocating with a comment on my blog. And well, all those compliments are just making me fly in air, atleast 2 to 3 feet above the ground! :)
Thanks mate! :) (That’s the effect of watching cricket with Tony Greig’s commentary!)
Shark:
If you didn’;t have anything against SRK then why “SRK had a problem” is bold? That kind of pin points at him.
That’s the way the article put it. I didn’t phrase or format the article to put forth my views. It’s the way the article has been designed and I was just quoting the article. In fact, if you read whatever I have written in the post you will find that I have nothing against SRK in this entire situation. Apparently, he has tried to help A R Rahman get his due in this.
SRK is the KING of Bollywood. There’s no doubt about that! I don’t like the King and it doesn’t matter at all I know!
I am not going to react to “A R Rahman’s house being shown and hence he was caught with crores of rupees” kind of allegations. I know A R Rahman is clean and it doesn’t matter if you think otherwise (however illogical your conclusion might be)! :P
I agree to your last paragraph though. Let’s clap to that – finally we agree to something! LOL!
Hardu:
Yeah, We love A R Rahman! :)
(If you want to know what I can do for A R Rahman, read this post)