The Tamil Anthem - Music AR Rahman - Lyrics - Chief Minister Karunanidhi

The Tamil Anthem - Music AR Rahman - Lyrics - Chief Minister Karunanidhi

A week before leaving for the Jai Ho World Tour, i was asked to come into studio to record... little did i know at the time, this was going to be the biggest and most remembered song in tamil history... With pure amazing lyrics, and the sounds of an anthem that will remain in people's hearts, body and soul for generations to come, bringing together 3 generations of singers, and making the perfect composition, when i heard what Mr. AR Rahman had been working on, it was a 'magical' moment. Only rahman could have thought of this diverse blend of genres and styles and sounds in One song. To check on my pronounciation of each and every word, the humble Ms. Kanimozhi, was present in the studio, and though i really wanted to take a snap with her, as i do admire her strength and leadership qualities and her service to the people, i just did not have the guts to ask her for a picture ... maybe one day soon, godwilling :) We later shot a few portions with Mr Gautham Menon and his team, and also in studio with Mr. Selva. To me, it is a moment in time that will stand the test of time.

someone posted a comment about my involvement in the tamil anthem, on arr fans group about how my portion is 'different' in the anthem and not reqd... so i posted this response to the group...

Honestly, i feel truly honoured, humbled and blessed to be a part of such an
amazing anthem. And amongst the best, to feature my rap bit is such a
heartwarming feeling. I finally feel a sense of belonging, and a sense of
community... and to me, this is my Oscar! AR Rahman, God Bless...
Peace...BlaaZe'

in reply.. these are the responses:

Dear Sathya Sundaram,

See the reply from BlaaZe Anna himself.. he is an humble person just like ARR.

There can be no one who can do rap like BlaaZe Anna. Love you Anna.
You are the BEST
------------------------
Oh my,
you really are Blaaze,
I am really really sorry if any of the group members hurt you in anyway. It
must be unintentional.
Keep up the great work.

Warm regards,
Pravinder.
-------------------------------
A R R told his view at the function itself.....lets not lock Tamil let the
language and its culture spread world wide.......this is possible only be A
R R ....i know how my kannadiga friends are loving Tamil songs of A R R
...and the reason is how A R R simplify the language in songs, and blazee
has played a very significant role in making non Tamil people to like Tamil
songs....even the younger generation, my students in 10th standard keep
humming blazee's rap quite often.

I feel A R R and blazee are rocking ! from baba to Tamil anthem i have liked
all their works.
-----------------------------
Blaaze is not just rapping, he also sang a couple of songs. For example Thigu
Thigu from Anbe Aaruyire and Dating from Boys...
--------------------------------------------
Blaaze bro..you rock...err no you RAP ! Keep on going....irrespective of
genres, songs, movies etc. Your Hosanna is still going strong. And your
gangsta blues from SDM is a worldclass hip-hop song....awesome...

Cheers !
Ram
-------------------------------
Dear Blaaze,

Your performance in the Tamil Anthem was rocking to the core.

First time I heard your performance, I was really stunned by the introduction
of RAP into the song. It was truly unique and note worthy performance.

Also the beautiful transition from the nadaswaram and thavil beats to your part
(when u forcefully say "Kambanataarmum") was really the highlight of the whole
composition.

I only wish that the name of "Avvai Nallalum" was pronounced more clearly, as
the name sounded like "Vai Nallalum".

I truly enjoy all your earlier songs and the energy in your RAP part.

We are all eagerly waiting to see you during the Jai Ho Concert in Los-Angeles.

Jai ho,
Jayram
----------------------------------------------------------

Blaaze bro, glad to see you in this group.
Your rap potion in anthem song is so Nice

We all love you
------------------------------------------------------

Blaaze sir,

Nice to see you in the group. Still can't forget the 'Endrendrum Punnagai' you
and Shankar sir sang in the TOI concert. Had AR seen you in 2000, that
evergreen song would'Ve been a much bigger hit than what it is right now..

Do post more in the future, sir... God bless..
Ajay Bhaskar

------------------------------------------------

Is Violin a part of Carnatic Music ? YES.
Isn't it an instrument from the West ? YES.

So there you go, Why should Tamil Anthem not have all other influences ?
After all , India as a population demographically & culturally has been
absorbing & spilling so much.
Why restrict Music...
Pradeepan

---------------------------------------------------------

BlaaZe is my most favourite and he is needed...

He writes lyrics, composes music himself...

I am very sure, ARR will keep BlaaZe with him for all future projects
too. INSHALLAH Ameen.
Vithur
----------------------------------------------------------

If they DID not want any WESTERN influence or BLAAZE for a Tamil Anthem;
then they should have gone for MS VISHWANATHAN sir instead of ARR. They
certainly wanted ARR signature in it!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Blaaze ,
your portion in anthem song is so cute...
Keep it up...
V love ARR...
---------------------------------------------------------------

SO TO ALL WHO WROTE BACK, THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE.. SINCERELY.. GOD BLESS

BlaaZe's B-Roll - this one's for H Shridhar

In 2007, we were on tour, and i started my B-Roll shoot :) Got this real nice clip with dearest Mr. Shridhar.. and i think today will be good to share it with HIS fans..HIS memories..HIS kindness..HIS moments... nuff respect and much love...always... in dear memory.. smile in peace...blaaze

here it is...

MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT - INDIA

michael jackson - a celebration of his inspiration !!

blaaze performs 'one king' live in concert

mj tribute concert by pravin mani and artists united for mj 2009

LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE – COUPLES RETREAT

AR Rahman … the music and the magic … forever !!

Finally, the world hears the soundtrack to Couples Retreat. And what a way to promote it by listing all the songs to hear right here.

Usually we get to see the credits first, and then patiently wait for the songs to release. However, as is with most of us, the names on the songs already form a sound in our ears and we start by listening to the songs with prejudice. In this regard, it was great to just have the world listen to the soundtrack as a true A R Rahman release, and just enjoy the music. Credits would follow once the songs were heard…and this truly made us listen without prejudice!!

For those trying to figure out the lyrics to the two songs that we wrote… here they are…officially!

NANA – AR Rahman, BlaaZe, Viviane Chaix, AR Ameen, Clinton and Dominic

(written by AR Rahman, BlaaZe & Viviane Chaix)

Woyoyoyeah

You got to give and get and let di pressure go

Woyoyoyeah

Boom boom - all you ever wanted me to show

Don’t lie la lie la lie la lie

Say No No …

(french rap)

Say No No No ...

Am I here, Oh my dear, Me never leave you no more

Am I here, Oh my dear, And together we grow

I wanna take you all across the island to shore

Oh, me never wanna leave you all alone

What them other people dem ah not know is how far,

Me and my lover will go...

Say Na Na…Na Na Na...

Say Na Na…Na Na Na..

(french rap)

Now I need a little time,

Now I gotta lotta time,

Nananananana me ah say what is on mi mind,

Nananananana, baby tell me let me see u smile

Nananananana lovely couples come and form a line

Now i need to need to find

Now i gotta gotta rhyme

Nananananana me ah lookin' for di perfect line

Nananananana me say...

Nananananana me say...

Now I need a little time,

Now I gotta lotta time,

Nananananana me ah say what is on mi mind,

Now i need to need to find

Now i gotta gotta rhyme

Nananananana me ah lookin' for di perfect line

Nananananana me say...

Nananananana me say...

Say Na Na ...

Say Na Na Na ...

Run far away say mi runnin to a new day,

some of dem ah follow, me say some ah dem ah dem ah say

Run far away say mi runnin to a new day,

some of dem ah follow, me say some ah dem ah dem ah say

Run run away ah ...

SAJNA – written by AR Rahman & BlaaZe’

sung by AR Rahman & PJ Morton

When u smile I smile with u

When u cry I feel it too

Hear my soul, my heart callin’ out to you

Be my eyes when I can’t see

Be my voice when I can’t speak

Be my light when darkness creeps on me

Oh… sajna sajna sajna re

To the star that shines so bright

Across the sky across the night

Making ways to be right by your side

Hold me close don’t let me go

Hold me tight don’t you say no

Save the love we have for evermore

Oh… sajna sajna sajna re

Save me… when my dream catches fire

Save me…be my only desire

Wake me…when the pain is over

Take me now…take me now

When u smile I smile with u

When u cry I feel it too

Hear my soul, my heart callin’ out to you

Be my eyes when I can’t see

Be my voice when I can’t speak

Be my light when darkness creeps on me

To the star that shines so bright

Across the sky across the night

Making ways to be right by your side

Hold me close don’t let me go

Hold me tight don’t you say no

Save the love we have for evermore

Easier Said Than Done - Shruti Haasan & BlaaZe'

here it is... the new promo video for Kamal Haasan's Unnai Pol Oruvan - in theatres soon...

Nuff Respect to Shruti Haasan / Akshara (the best hip hop dancer i've seen) / Shiran / everybody on the sets...

... an honour to work on the lyrics with Mr. Kamal Haasan...

"easier said than done" - Unnai Pol Oruvan

check it out...

Tears refuse to flow, For to me, MJ, is immortal for sure, From Thriller he made my heart sing,
To his legacy, I salute the 'one' king! - BlaaZe'

Two days after hearing the sad news, i found the only way i could truly express myself was to make an original song, for him. And the song is called, 'One King.' To be performed at the MJ tribute Concert in Chennai, India, on Saturday, August 29th, Godwilling...light a candle for MJ at www.blaaze.in

MJ has been a part of my growing up from 1983 till today..in pic, young BlaaZe' at an MJ song performance in Zambia, wearing the Thriller t-shirt :)

Lets Heal The World together.... BlaaZe'

ONE KING - Michael Jackson - tribute by BlaaZe'

One

I love Michael

Two

You love Michael

Three

We love Michael

One

I love Michael

Two

You love Michael

Three

We love Michael

he was a man who was one of a kind

and he was kind, he was so kind

we never will find

another soul who could take his place

i never will forget his face

with the white socks, and di pant up high

with the stripe upon di side

with the magical diamond studded glove

with the smile of an angel from up above

he was the one who really cared,

the one who had to tolerate and put up with despair

he was always there

no matter how far he would always care

he could light up your life

no matter how dark it would be alright

he be the one that we all love

he be in heaven up above

One

I love Michael

Two

You love Michael

Three

We love Michael

One

I love Michael

Two

You love Michael

Three

We love Michael

there could only ever be one king

one king that could make the heart sing

there could only ever be one king

we could count it down like 1,2 3

take a look around tell me what would ya see

see di world turnin see di world burnin

listen up loud to his message are we learnin?

when did we stop and throw away our love

when did we stop and forget all above

One

I love Michael

Two

You love Michael

Three

We love Michael

One

I love Michael

Two

You love Michael

Three

We love Michael

he was a man who was one of a kind

and he was kind, he was so kind

we never will find

another soul who could take his place

i never will forget his face

with the white socks, and di pant up high

with the stripe upon di side

with the magical diamond studded glove

with the smile of an angel from up above

he was the one who really cared,

the one who had to tolerate and put up with despair

he was always there

no matter how far he would always care

he could light up your life

no matter how dark it would be alright

he be the one that we all love

he be in heaven up above

he was the one who really cared,

the one who had to tolerate and put up with despair

he was always there

no matter how far he would always care

he could light up your life

no matter how dark it would be alright

he be the one that we all love

he be in heaven up above

there could only ever be one king

one king that could make the heart sing

there could only ever be one king

there could only ever be one king

one king that could make the heart sing

there could only ever be one king

BlaaZe rhymes for his daughter - and his broken toe

Time is gettin harder to steal,

words are seeming lesser to heal,

life is blessed with only good health,

the rest will vanish, wither and melt,

then why must my baby girl face her fate,

at only 5 years of age, her brain ain't safe,

is it a sign that my karma rules,

are we just rationalising, like fools,

do we not stop and wonder if ever,

the best we can do is offer a prayer,

i say this, but why, i may not understand,

tuberculoma in the brain... DAMN !!

never heard it before, don't wanna hear it again,

but reality is a lesson, to share with friends,

to remain silent, i decided for a while,

for the eyez that saw, kept me lagging behind,

from my broken toe, fractured and bruised - oh still,

what more do u want to play with, my will?

thought it was lost, set to sink my ship,

then got up on stage with my pimp cane, my walking stick,

still i pretend to continue and endure,

we rocked calicut and pune is next for sure,

if its not too clear whats goin' on in my rhymes,

imagine what it is, goin on in my mind... ... ... 

... blaaze 2009

...still speechless

God is kind... WOW... what a day... what a weekend actually...

Started off on a rather strange note, very bizarre indeed. After meticulous planning we worked out the kids schedules to workout a trip to the movies, (wife n kids and a friend). Delhi 6... and the movie was with a great message, which i believed in, so it was all good. Got through the rush, carrying my son, and though was sure i heard whispers of, 'is that blaaaa...?' not once did anyone stop to speak or sign autographs or anything, which was cool, as the kids were with me and it was hopefully just a trip to the movies with family and friends... however, the next day, a newspaper carries the story of BlaaZe spotted at the cinemas, with family n friends, in his trademark yellow pants..?? with the dangling B chain..? and seemed very self conscious with a change in his attitude...? fame ke side effects..? The story was correct in only the fact that we saw the film at the theatre.. the rest is made up to fill lines...! For the record, blue shirt / black n white addidas trackpants... No B medallion ..and still appreciate a friendly word or two with fans...!!! But .. this lead me to thinking how delicate words/statements/lies can become, when actually all that matters should be the work... ... ...!! well, wanted to get that off my chest all weekend!!


And with that the calls started for the next days run..this time it was for the pre oscars / oscars live on various channels, to be featured on whilst the show was on air... i found it hard to explain, but finaly did tell the people concerned who had been calling, i wanted to watch it in private, at peace and truly pray silently for Mr. Rahman's win... and it was all i wanted to do... and am thankful i managed to do it eventually.

Mr. A R Rahman's first Oscar

It felt strange to not want to do interviews at this time, when all i really thought about was wanting to speak to Mr. Rahman and tell him how amazing he is !! Truly, what a moment for him and ... what a moment for raqueeb and myself, to be mentioned alongwith Mr. Gulzar, at the Academy's is something that is God-sent. It seems to be a moment trapped in time in my mind, and am very humbled by his mentioning my name. Wow..again... and it was even more special cause i was with my family at home, watching it and praying within for his name to be announced...and when they did... what a moment indeed... god bless. Spoke to my sister who called from NY and even my BA Cinema college professor who saw the event live in LA... and my near and dear ones...they were so happy ..thank you, brother Rahman...

Today is also Maha Siva Ratri day and will be at the temple most evening and night...

If i missed your call in all this magic... hope you understand... am still kind of speechless...

World Premiere of Inqualab - The Video

here it is... the world premiere on MTV... Republic day Special 2009 !!

Inqualab by BlaaZe, Prince Ali & Raqueeb Alam
Video directed by Sajeed, Yusuf Khan & Adhil
featuring MTV Youth Icons and MTV Vj's



Thank You for making this possible !!

Sometimes you gotta learn to love tradition!

Ama Vasya today... A day i never quite truly understood. The dark night with a full moon after 14 days, the monthly prayers offerred to our dear ones passed away, our ancestors. A remembrance of their lives, and an offerring of water to their souls..?

As a child, i often watched my dad perform this prayer every month, though i did not know then, that he was doing the 'tharpan' for his father, who had passed away at an early age. Nor did i imagine that i would be doing the same tharpan prayers for my late father, ever since 2003.

At that same span of three months, in 2003, my grandfather(mother's dad), and my grandmother(father's mum) also passed away...sending me to a crazy time of questioning, 'purpose' !! ..trying to learn and understand the rituals.. i slowly do - because it needs to be done. Sometimes you gotta learn to love tradition.

The souls' existence on another plane and still being with us in a sense, is what my belief says. On ama vasya day,when there is no moon visible, it is said that the plane on another level, passes one new day, , which to us is one month in our calendar, on this existence. And as we await our daily meal, it is this, the reason why we offer black-thil seeds and water, whilst doing the 'tharpan,' to signify an offering that transcends planes, every day to the departed soul, and to also feed the needy, so as to give the lost souls - in remembrance, and to give our own spirit, strength.

Never thought i would be able to do this, but today i await the ama vasya day, so as to relive a closeness to my dad and the ancestors, that i do miss dearly. A way to say i am doing what i know you would have done for me...

Inquilab - the story... the commitment...the youth

1) Could you tell me the main theme of the song?

The intention is to give us the strength to stand up and unite against the terror.

2) Pls tell me a bit about the inception of the song. How do you conceptualise it? Tell us about the creative team behind it? Tell us a bit about Prince Ali and Raqeeb Alam? How long did you take to make this song? How do you plan to distribute the song?

We wanted to do a song on unity. And so Prince Ali was kind enough to compose the music for it and though we had recorded it in english first, brother Raqueeb Alam agreed to write it in hindi and it was very kind of him too. We have done this together, in order to help any initiative that may be out there, and as musicians, this is the first step for us. Film - makers are welcome to discuss taking it to the next level :-)
Still in the process of distribution ideas, however it is a song for the people and so it's only right that the people help distribute it.

Mr. Srinivas and Mohan, Bryan and James, all helped in getting this on the sites. Vithur and the arrahmanfans group have posted this everywhere online. Look forward to any other ideas from anybody out there on the same.

3) There seems to a very potent sense of revolution in the song, something on the likes of Lalkaar from Lagaan? Was this an intended effect?

I think the anger is evident in all of us, and we are trying to use it constructively through song, to provide strength.

4) How have the attacks in Mumbai affected you as an individual? Has it changed your perception of life?

It is very sad..and still a shock.. having lived there for several years, it deeply angers .. that there is so much hate... but again, only unity in strength and love can overcome this... so we pray.

5) You have openly spoken about bringing to task the crooked police? Tell us about that.

Whenever there is an issue that touches, we feel to write about it.. hence when the issues with policemen being in the wrong came to light, we felt the need to address it. But today, with the way the police who were there in mumbai, fighting for us, and the way in which the security services laid down their lives for us, it truly is a blessing that they 'serve to protect' even in the toughest conditions. They are true heroes and we salute them. Right now, we love the police - no doubt.

6) What do you think the youth should do in order to set things right? What do you think the government should be doing?

The youth need to unite. Need to vote. Need to study politics, actively, to be ready to join when educated about it, to serve the country and bring back respect. Government needs to be more sensitive to its people. We all need to appreciate the freedom we have today...

Q & A

1. What made you decide to choose this career?

Destiny… I wrote my first rap in 1991 for the elections in Zambia. Had written a poem and my father read it and got his colleague, Ben Chiyesu, to play the guitar on it, and we performed it Live on ZNBC, the national TV station. That same week, the president won the elections and it became news that an Indian guy had rapped! Ever since then, I knew the power of Rhythm And Poetry (RAP) in telling stories and sending messages. However, as a career, that happened only in 2002. Have been struggling throughout those years to make it a career, and when I finally gave up in ’99 and concentrated on my Film degree(BA Cinema) and started working as a Producer for a music channel, and then a radio DJ in Mumbai, India, the call from Mr. A R Rahman came. That moment defined my career’s struggle… and hence destiny decided this would work – finally – Amen.

2. When did you first realize that you were famous?

Famous? maybe when in Zambia and I wanted to perform in ’93 at my old school, Mpelembe, and the girls, who normally would have not even said, ‘hello,’ were asking me to autograph their clothes!

3. How and why did you choose the name “Blaaze” for yourself?

Firstly, my full name is Lakshmi Narasimha Vijaya Rajagopala Sheshadri Sharma Rajesh Raman:

lakshmi narasimha - from a pujari at ahobilya mutt who told my grandad lakshmi narasimha is coming
vijaya - as i was born on a vijayadasami day
rajagopal - grand fathers name
sheshadri sharma - great grandfather sheshadri as my sharma
rajesh - mum was a big rajesh khanna fan hence rajesh
raman - dad's name

and blaaze - to encompass all of the above ...

It started as MC Blaze. MC meaning Mic Controller… then the accent on the e’ for the sound, and the extra a to make sure it was pronounced right.


4. Your number in Shivaji-The Boss was a runaway hit… what was your experience working with “The boss”?

A R Rahman was ‘The Boss’… Am yet to meet Mr. Rajnikanth… for real… it’s all prayers…and I guess the blessing to get a break with Rajnikanth’s Baba, which was really well received, lead to the next song.



5. You have worked with some of the greatest music composers… who is your favorite and why is it so?

A R Rahman. The greatest. He is magical and truly knows how to get the ‘best’ from each of his artists.

6. What is the one song which you have rapped/sung that remains to be your favorite to this day?

‘In My Father’s Words’ – It is a song that emphasizes that all religions preach One God – ( I believe in the words of the Prophet Mohammed, never to underestimate the power of the moment / I believe in the sacrifice of Lord Jesus, with the resurrection I believe that he freed us / I believe in the teachings Om Namah Sivaya, I’m a say it again, Om Namah Sivaya / I believe in the words of the wise today, I believe in what my father had to say )

7. You are known as a “responsible rapper”… Is it a conscious decision to have clean cut lyrics?

It is a conscious effort to rap about issues which matter to me. The rest follows, I guess.

8. Who is your inspiration?

Tupac Shakur. He was the realest and most soulful rapper that ever existed. He truly is my Guardian Angel too.

9. How does it feel to be the first Indian artist to be featured on an international channel like Vh1?

Feels like a blessing. Feels like knowing that maybe I am on the right path.

10. You have always been politically vocal through your songs (In My Father's Words,Ban the Crooked Police do you think more artists should voice their opinions through their music?

Yes. Infact, Rap is known for its power of the word… and so I do believe the pen is mightier than the gun.

11. What are you’re the current projects in your pipeline?

Inquilab – Stand Up & Unite … a song for the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks. A song for strength and unity. Please support the song by hearing it and forwarding it to your friends. Its free and its sincere.
Slumdog Millionaire… working with Rahman and Danny Boyle was amazing
ZambeZi Funk … my album with Sagar. Due for release in March 2009.
Global One Music … an album with 20 singers from around the world. To release early next year.
The Thirukural Album … trying to bring the kurals to a new generation of listeners. The first one releases with Mr. A R Rahman this week on his forthcoming album, Connections.

12. What made you decide to come out with an all English rap album?

Zambezi funk… Its an album with Sagar Desai and its more African in style and I think it’s time our ‘funkalistic syllables’ were ready for the world.

13. What advice would you give someone who also wants to enter this field?

Pray.. keep the faith.. persevere.. don’t give up… keep it real !!

14. Good luck in all your future endeavors… Is there anything you would like to tell your fans out there?

Do something for your community. Do something for society… through whatever way you know possible. Make a difference whilst on this earth. Smile for me …

My mother's ordeal... 'open' letter to hospital

Rajesh Raman
Son Of Mrs. Sathyabhama Raman
Abhiramapuram
Chennai – 600 018
Date: 15th December, 2008

To
The Management,
Chennai Meenakshi Multispeciality Hospital Ltd.
148, Luz Church Road,
Mylapore, Chennai 600 004


Respected Sir,

It is with utmost disappointment that I am compelled to write this to bring to your notice the complete inadequacy and disrespect shown to my mother and fellow patients at your hospital.

My mother, Mrs. Sathyabhama Raman was admitted to the hospital on Friday, December 12th 2008. Having been under the care of Dr. GS Kailash, she is being discharged today, thankfully. Please note the following and do ensure the services are improved so as to help other unfortunate patients who may have to suffer the added pain of your services alongwith the illness already diagnosed. A copy of this letter is being given to all concerned departments.

Saturday December 13th 2008 - Room 211

9.27 pm – 10.00 pm

3 times was attended for medication / reports / drips
Nurse left patient on all three occasions half way…

(hospital excuse) – shortage of sisters

9.00 pm – previous 48 hours (since admission)

Patient has acute bronchitis alongwith other illness, and had been administered nebulisation – ON A BROKEN MACHINE !
Complaint in the form of a doubt was raised by the patient’s daughter-in-law, Nandini Raman, on first nebulisation, as it seemed to not work.(i.e. no trace of smoke from machine mask during nebulisation). No positive response from nurse who was attending and mentioned it is ..as is.
Second day of nebulisation, I, Rajesh Raman, was present in the evening, and being a severe asthmatic patient myself, knew the nuisances of the nebuliser, and this time when complaint was raised by myself, to the sister on duty, she AGREED that the unit being used since her admission to the hospital, was and still is…BROKEN.

(hospital excuse) – as a patient, you should have complained earlier, says the nurse!

Emergency Bell kept at bedside – response time - 7 minutes - after three rings and patient walking to desk to ask for attendance !

(hospital excuse) – there was nobody at the desk to attend to bell call.

10.12 pm

3 injections through intra-veinous (IV) was administered to patient in 21 seconds. Am curious as to whether this is common practice as my mother was in tremendous pain.

(hospital excuse) – this is the way it is done.

07.15 am Monday, December 15, 2008

After being in room 211 since Saturday, 13th December, the bedsheets of the patient have been changed only now, and that too after polite requests to do so by myself. 3 days later? A bedsheet change?

(hospital excuse-overheard) – lack of sheets

09.15 am

Dustbin changed and replaced WITHOUT removal of the bin liner inside, with cotton swabs and tea stains etc still in the new change. Complained to head nurse about some basic sense of responsibility required and prompt replacement was made.

09.30 am

Had to request for toilet to be cleaned … as it has not been cleaned since admission.

(hospital excuse) – not sure …


Am truly appalled by the further stress and pain an admission to your hospital may bring to fellow patients like my mother. Please do take action.
For God’s sake, if not for humanity.



Regards

Rajesh Raman
(15-12-08)

Light A Candle at www.blaaze.in

thanks to srini, mohan and the team at knack... vithur and the brothers for spreading the word.. and all of you for the strength... the track is being taken up by MTV to work on for a video, and is currently on my official site, blaaze.in , wherein you can 'light' a candle for the victims too whilst hearing the song... also officially on radio nri too...thank u bryan, james, david and the team... to mukul, blogeswari, kirthi and arun ..thanks... peace... Jai Hind !

The sound of my soul

For the first time in an indian studio, there was a gentleman who came up and spoke to me about RAP... real rap music history.. to the legends... to the way it worked.. and that he loved the Baba Rap! To me, he was the ultimate man of musical knowledge unlike anybody i have ever known.

Mr. H Shridar.

Wisdom personified.

Ever since my first meeting with him at Panchathan studios, to every single song i have ever done with A R Rahman, he has been the man behind the sound. He taught me, ' how to hold a mic - correctly.' yes - he taught me how to monitor myself. He taught me how not to get caught up in this hustle of an industry, and he has patiently made sure that everytime my voice is on a song, it would sound 'just right' because he made sure it did.

When we toured the US, he was so amazing ! He was a man who would do so much work, and still be smiling. His smile was infectious, and i long to see that smile again. A longing which is not allowing me to think or write in clear ways. ..

During one of the tours in the US, we were at a huge basketball stadium, and he was engineering the sound for our concert from the centre on his console... on the walls around were jerseys of famous basketball stars, and as i shot that on my vdo cam, he mentioned that i should give him a copy... it still is with me... i need to give it to his sons, though my guilt is killing me for my laziness to act then.

In Atlanta, during our last tour, he came with me to the music store and he told me to buy my current 'in-ear monitors.' He was very busy, but took the time out to get me that set and taught me how to use it too. I joked that one day, i would use it a concert where only he would do my sound...

recently when the credit lists for yuvvraaj were out and my name was missing, i had been told that he wrote the credits and yet they printed wrongly... due to all the mess, it finaly came through that he had Indeed written it correctly, yet they* messed up.. he was truthful, sincere and a gem of a human being. I miss him a lot.

About 2 weeks earlier, on the last few days of slumdog millionaire mixing, i spent some nice nights with him in studio. He was smiling, working and puffing along... he reminded me not to smoke! He spoke about so many things that nobody else knew about rap. who will i talk to now?

He then mentioned how he had made my voice sound so smooth on the Dating song, for its hindi release and he had enjoyed it. He was there to make sure we sounded good, always.

He spoke to me about the thirukural song, 'Respect,' which i dedicate to him, as he loved the way he had mixed the voices so precisely... When you guys out there hear the song, you will know what i mean. Respect to you, Sir.. Respect for your life's dedication to music... Respect to your loved ones... Respect to Sound... ... for your sound lingers in my heart always and forever... in all i do... and all i hear... With Love... and prayers... ... ... though i may never have told you straight up - I love you man ...

Inquilab

we all need strength... to go thru the terror ordeal and the following weeks' actions are crucial to our resilience... (a word getting more familiar as we pretend all is ok time and again)... it is not.. and as a citizen of this world we all need to do something in our own ways to help create change!

we have a song called Inquilab, Stand Up - Unite, to give to the world... the hindi lyrics are by Raqueeb Alam and music is by Prince Ali. Have started by mailing it to all on my list.. trying to get it on radio and sincerely would appreciate ideas on getting it out there more... 

Do let me know how... am trying through the networks, but to no avail, as yet... maybe you should hear the song first... tell me how..?

May God Be Kind... 

Peace

BlaaZe

MTV YOUTH ICON NOMINATIONS

two weeks back, i got a call from Vaibhav Vishal at MTV Networks... 

this was to inform me that my name had come up in the final 30 candidates out of 8000, to be a nominee for this year's PEPSI MTV YOUTH ICON AWARDS 2008 ! Thought it was a 'bakra' at first, but then realised the blessing was truly heaven sent. Have never received an award nor nomination before, and honestly, the work is done because it has to be done... however it is a nice feeling to know the work is making a difference somewhere - sometime. So i'm honoured that the songs on issues and problems in our society, that we try to address through rhythm and poetry, and which have been a struggle in every step of the way, (as there is no record label support for 'real issues'), is being acknowledged. 

They have put together a few of my messages etc and it will be on air from tomorrow on MTV, and is already online at the site. The next blessing was that Mr. A R Rahman has also been interviewed and mentions his good wishes... wow.. i am so thankful, that i have not only mentioned it to him immediately, but have seen the clip about a million times already !

Would be great if you could check out the video, and enjoy the contest too...

It's all good... 

And oh yes, as president-elect Obama said, 'your vote counts...yes we can !' 

If you got a moment, do vote.. 

'SMS Icon  BL to 56882 to vote'

Radio NRI - Bollywood & Beyond

Radio NRI - Bollywood & Beyond

Did an interview up here for diwali... sounds interesting.. check it out... have a great diwali guys !!

Roxygen Rox !

Been a while... thank u for all the comments earlier and your patience...

Guitarist Christy Samuel (of moksha and roxygen) was in town since his earlier move to australia, and it was good to catch up. Incidentally, he was the one who introduced me to Sagar desai, together with whom my band is formed, ZambeZi funK, and we await the debut album release, soon, godwilling. 

They had a jam session, organised by Mr. Pramod, featuring the band Mother Jane and others. It had always been a fascination for me to perform live, and with a tight band like the one Roxygen put up, it was a blessing. So we had timmy doing his magic on vocals, keith on bass, jim on keys, ... ... and christy. Sound star Sean Bout made sure the decibel level was loud enough!! They were kind enough to invite me up to jam on, ' come together,' and it was truly kickin' !! 

As a band, their vocalist, Leon, had passed on - young by age and extremely talented - and though i had not met him before, there is a feeling of restlessness within me when i think of his dreams and his unfinished work, which i always feel when i am around these amazing musicians of moksha... the band which i believe, gives chennai a true sense of rock fame. As the rock genre seems to be on an upswing again here, it would be great for moksha to release the unreleased material they have and to grace the big stage again... with the spirit of Leon to guide... 

Praying for forgiveness

Well its been a busy June... hoping things materialise in July. Jaane Tu released and is doing well. Happy for the entire team ! Our track, Pappu can't dance is bangin' in the clubs which is great...had worked with Genelia during the shooting of Boys and she has surely grown into a 'Star' with perseverance...god bless - "when ah me ah see you at the dance in di hall and ah when ah me ah see you at the dance - say!"

Tomorrow, Sakkarakatti releases... the trailer for the first song is ready, and the launch should be a grand affair. Had great fun working on the track, Taxi-Taxi, and i guess having done the 'autorickshaw' theme song from Oram Po, to having the title song from 'New' being used for the 'motorbike' ads, and now to 'taxi', my transportation is steadily progressing !

However, i wanna take it back to the bicycle!! Been on my mind for a long time, not just since the fuel price hike, but in general, even for staying fit. So i had made up my mind to keep the 'chevy' in the garage, and go find a BSA or HERCULES or whatever is gonna suit my cycling dreams...

Asked a few friends, no clue. So got online and googled for shops selling cycles in chennai. Got a whole list. My GPS on the HTC phone isn't too helpful at these times and resorted to trying to discover the place myself. Bad idea. Found the shop after 45 mins, cause of the construction work going on etc. Finally got there, and was pleasantly surprised to see cycles with 21-speed and 6-speed gears, all shining like my bling ! Wow, i thought !

The only thing i didn't realise was that i hadn't sat on a cycle in maybe 18 years !!

And as i started to circle the pavement around the shop, i slowly started to realise the fact that not only was it a bit uncomfortable, but also the weather was blazing hot! And with my skin condition, which is an added extra i received with my asthma, the heat was burning through and starting to penetrate. The baggy pants i wore had to be tied with a band as the they were flying everywhere, including getting stuck between the pedals/shoes/seat.... it was a funny sight indeed!

With that, i waved bye-bye to the shop, stepped into my car, started the ignition, turned on the a/c, added my share of carbon to the ozone to help speed its depletion, and .... ... ... prayed for forgiveness...