Amy Winehouse - Funeral Pictures

A private funeral for Amy Winehouse was held at Edgwarebury Cemetery in London on Tuesday (26-July-2011), with family and friends in attendance including Kelly Osbourne, "Back to Black" producer Mark Ronson and recent boyfriend, filmmaker Reg Traviss.

Wearing dark suits, black dresses and the occasional beehive hairdo, friends and family said goodbye to Amy Winehouse with prayers, tears, laughter and song at an emotional funeral ceremony.

Amy Winehouse lived her chaotic life through a lens. But her family made sure at least part of her funeral was a sedate and private affair.

According to Amy's wishes, she has been cremated at Golders Green Crematorium. Her ashes have been placed alongside her grandmother, Cynthia, who was a jazz singer and a great influence on Amy and her music.

The soul diva, who had battled alcohol and drug addiction, was found dead on Saturday (23-July-2011) at her London home. She was 27.

Amy Winehouse - Funeral Pictures

A private funeral for Amy Winehouse was held at Edgwarebury Cemetery in London on Tuesday (26-July-2011), with family and friends in attendance including Kelly Osbourne, "Back to Black" producer Mark Ronson and recent boyfriend, filmmaker Reg Traviss.

Wearing dark suits, black dresses and the occasional beehive hairdo, friends and family said goodbye to Amy Winehouse with prayers, tears, laughter and song at an emotional funeral ceremony.

Amy Winehouse lived her chaotic life through a lens. But her family made sure at least part of her funeral was a sedate and private affair.

According to Amy's wishes, she has been cremated at Golders Green Crematorium. Her ashes have been placed alongside her grandmother, Cynthia, who was a jazz singer and a great influence on Amy and her music.

The soul diva, who had battled alcohol and drug addiction, was found dead on Saturday (23-July-2011) at her London home. She was 27.

Funeral of singer Amy Winehouse to be held today (26-July-2011)

The lifeless body of Amy Winehouse was discovered in her home at 3.54pm on Saturday. Within hours, rumours were circulating on Twitter, before finally being confirmed by police sources, and then backed up by someone claiming to know the officer who had been called to the scene.

Once upon a time, Amy Winehouse was a musician who earned a living by recording songs and offering them to the public.

Singer Amy Winehouse may have sensed her impending death - she had chosen to spent the last three weeks contacting her friends with whom she had not spoken for years.

Sources close to the 'Rehab' hitmaker, who was found dead in her North London home on Saturday, feel that probably Winehouse knew that 'her end was near', reported Sun online.

An autopsy on singer Amy Winehouse failed to determine what killed the 27-year-old star, leaving fans and family with a weeks-long wait for the results of toxicology tests. Her funeral will be held tonight (26-July-2011).

An intimate funeral for Amy Winehouse will take place Tuesday, the singer's spokesman said.

Sparse details are being released about the ceremony -- including exactly when and where it will occur -- though spokesman Chris Goodman said "it will be a small, private event for a few friends and family."

Amy, who struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, won five Grammy awards for her album "Back To Black" and was considered by many critics to be one of the most soulful and talented British female singers of her time.

Crowds have gathered outside her north London home since her death to light candles and leave flowers and other tributes.

Funeral of singer Amy Winehouse to be held today (26-July-2011)

The lifeless body of Amy Winehouse was discovered in her home at 3.54pm on Saturday. Within hours, rumours were circulating on Twitter, before finally being confirmed by police sources, and then backed up by someone claiming to know the officer who had been called to the scene.

Once upon a time, Amy Winehouse was a musician who earned a living by recording songs and offering them to the public.

Singer Amy Winehouse may have sensed her impending death - she had chosen to spent the last three weeks contacting her friends with whom she had not spoken for years.

Sources close to the 'Rehab' hitmaker, who was found dead in her North London home on Saturday, feel that probably Winehouse knew that 'her end was near', reported Sun online.

An autopsy on singer Amy Winehouse failed to determine what killed the 27-year-old star, leaving fans and family with a weeks-long wait for the results of toxicology tests. Her funeral will be held tonight (26-July-2011).

An intimate funeral for Amy Winehouse will take place Tuesday, the singer's spokesman said.

Sparse details are being released about the ceremony -- including exactly when and where it will occur -- though spokesman Chris Goodman said "it will be a small, private event for a few friends and family."

Amy, who struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, won five Grammy awards for her album "Back To Black" and was considered by many critics to be one of the most soulful and talented British female singers of her time.

Crowds have gathered outside her north London home since her death to light candles and leave flowers and other tributes.

Amy Winehouse - Death and mystery

Globally known British singer Amy Winehouse had a medical examination the night before her death and was given the all clear, it has been reported.

Sordid details surrounding Amy Winehouse's tragic death have emerged, with claims that she bought a cocktail of narcotics including cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine in her final hours.

Amy Winehouse gained a lot of accolades for bringing such genres of music like Soul and Jazz to the mainstream, paving way for other emerging musicians, not only from the UK but also from other parts of the world.

Celebrity friends and her fans have been paying tribute to the singer, Amy Winehouse

The police are to fix a date later for the post-mortem examination into the death of Amy Winehouse.

Amy reached far and wide with her music, popularising her genre, gaining recognition and respect for her talent and sharing the rare gift that she had.

Amy Winehouse's final night was spent watching videos with her bodyguard, her management said, contradicting reports that she bought drugs hours before her death.

AMY's unfinished third album could be released posthumously, The (London) Daily Telegraph reports.

While it is believed that the songs recorded by the 27-year-old British singer are still nothing more than demos, sources told the newspaper there was plenty of material available for another album.

Unfortunately, her life was peppered with a manic depressive disorder and encounters with drugs and alcohol. She'd shown the first signs of a self-destructive tendencies as a kid. Her father Mitch Winehouse was once quoted as saying, "She's always been a very self-willed kid."

Amy Winehouse - Death and mystery

Globally known British singer Amy Winehouse had a medical examination the night before her death and was given the all clear, it has been reported.

Sordid details surrounding Amy Winehouse's tragic death have emerged, with claims that she bought a cocktail of narcotics including cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine in her final hours.

Amy Winehouse gained a lot of accolades for bringing such genres of music like Soul and Jazz to the mainstream, paving way for other emerging musicians, not only from the UK but also from other parts of the world.

Celebrity friends and her fans have been paying tribute to the singer, Amy Winehouse

The police are to fix a date later for the post-mortem examination into the death of Amy Winehouse.

Amy reached far and wide with her music, popularising her genre, gaining recognition and respect for her talent and sharing the rare gift that she had.

Amy Winehouse's final night was spent watching videos with her bodyguard, her management said, contradicting reports that she bought drugs hours before her death.

AMY's unfinished third album could be released posthumously, The (London) Daily Telegraph reports.

While it is believed that the songs recorded by the 27-year-old British singer are still nothing more than demos, sources told the newspaper there was plenty of material available for another album.

Unfortunately, her life was peppered with a manic depressive disorder and encounters with drugs and alcohol. She'd shown the first signs of a self-destructive tendencies as a kid. Her father Mitch Winehouse was once quoted as saying, "She's always been a very self-willed kid."

Kiran Rao: 'D K Bose' is a funny song

Delhi Belly is already creating a lot of buzz, thanks to its superhit music. On Wednesday 08-June-2011, Kiran Rao (wife of Aamir Khan) launched a fresh music video named 'Switty tera pyaar' which features Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor.

Defending the song 'DK Bose', that has become quite popular, from Aamir Khan's forthcoming project 'Delhi Belly', producer Kiran Rao has said there is nothing wrong with its lyrics.

The director of Ra One, Abhinay Deo was pretty upset with the lyrics of the song and stated that it is likely to have a wrong impact on children.

He is even shocked as to how can a responsible producer like Aamir Khan include such a song in his upcoming home production Delhi Belly starring his nephew Imran Khan in the lead role.

"Take film music from any generation, 90 per cent of the songs are all bad. It is only 10 per cent of the music that is fresh, different and evolving," says Ram Sampath, singer of the popular Delhi Belly number Bhaag DK Bose. The song, along with Character dheela hain and Dhinka chika, both from Ready, has climbed up the music charts, proving that music replete with realistic allusions but shorn of the finer nuances of poetry are still a hit with listeners.

Just chillax! That’s what Aamir Khan’s wife Kiran Rao seems to be saying to those who feel offended by the song ‘D K Bose’ which has become a youth anthem nowadays.

At the launch of the new song “Switty Tera Pyaar”, Kiran Rao took the questions from reporters and said that there’s nothing objectionable about the title ‘D K Bose’.

“The song's name is D K Bose and the character they are talking about is D K Bose. I don't see any problem with it really. What's wrong with the lyrics? ‘D K Bose’ is a name just like ‘Sheila’ and ‘Munni’,” Kiran told reporters at the event.

Kiran emphasized, "I think the songs in our Hindi films are a reflection of the present. Of the way we think, speak and the words we use. That's perhaps why more and more songs nowadays have bolder lyrics. Yesteryear poetry has taken a backseat."

Surely, the producer in Kiran is highly proud about the waves each song from Delhi Belly is creating.

Kiran Rao: 'D K Bose' is a funny song

Delhi Belly is already creating a lot of buzz, thanks to its superhit music. On Wednesday 08-June-2011, Kiran Rao (wife of Aamir Khan) launched a fresh music video named 'Switty tera pyaar' which features Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor.

Defending the song 'DK Bose', that has become quite popular, from Aamir Khan's forthcoming project 'Delhi Belly', producer Kiran Rao has said there is nothing wrong with its lyrics.

The director of Ra One, Abhinay Deo was pretty upset with the lyrics of the song and stated that it is likely to have a wrong impact on children.

He is even shocked as to how can a responsible producer like Aamir Khan include such a song in his upcoming home production Delhi Belly starring his nephew Imran Khan in the lead role.

"Take film music from any generation, 90 per cent of the songs are all bad. It is only 10 per cent of the music that is fresh, different and evolving," says Ram Sampath, singer of the popular Delhi Belly number Bhaag DK Bose. The song, along with Character dheela hain and Dhinka chika, both from Ready, has climbed up the music charts, proving that music replete with realistic allusions but shorn of the finer nuances of poetry are still a hit with listeners.

Just chillax! That’s what Aamir Khan’s wife Kiran Rao seems to be saying to those who feel offended by the song ‘D K Bose’ which has become a youth anthem nowadays.

At the launch of the new song “Switty Tera Pyaar”, Kiran Rao took the questions from reporters and said that there’s nothing objectionable about the title ‘D K Bose’.

“The song's name is D K Bose and the character they are talking about is D K Bose. I don't see any problem with it really. What's wrong with the lyrics? ‘D K Bose’ is a name just like ‘Sheila’ and ‘Munni’,” Kiran told reporters at the event.

Kiran emphasized, "I think the songs in our Hindi films are a reflection of the present. Of the way we think, speak and the words we use. That's perhaps why more and more songs nowadays have bolder lyrics. Yesteryear poetry has taken a backseat."

Surely, the producer in Kiran is highly proud about the waves each song from Delhi Belly is creating.

Google's doodle lets you play and listen on 96th birthday of Les Paul

Les Paul, the electric guitar pioneer, has been celebrated on his 96th birthday by one of Google's most complex doodles – a playable and recordable 'guitar'.

Les Paul had one of the most colorful and diverse careers in the history of the entertainment industry. During his 80 years on stage and screen and in the studio, Paul was a solo performer, jazz bandleader, big band guitar chair, virtuoso sideman, pop tunesmith, radio personality, TV star, engineer producer, six-string eminence and inventor. In the latter role, the solid body guitar model that bears his name, multi-track recording and the harmonica holder are among his best-known creations.

In 1915, Les Paul, one of the most influential guitarists in pop music history, was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. With his wife Mary Ford, he had a string of hits in the late 40's and early 50's including, "Mockin' Bird Hill," "How High the Moon" and "The World is Waiting for the Sunrise." Those recordings were among the earliest to use multi-tracking.

Paul also designed guitars which were marketed by the Gibson company and became the favourites of pop, rock and country musicians. He also built the first eight-track tape recorder, which helped pioneer multitrack recording. And he invented "sound-on-sound" recording, which has since become known as overdubbing. Paul was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005. He died on Aug. 13, 2009 of complications from pneumonia at age 94.

The Google doodle in honour of Les Paul is playable by hovering the cursor over the doodle.

Google has now become more frequent with animated and interactive doodles. Of the last 10 Google doodles, five included animations or were interactive.
The Google doodle had first gone interactive in May 2010 to celebrate the 30th birthday of the popular Pac-Man game.

For a dozen years, Google has been occasionally swapping its everyday logo for a doodle. The Google doodles, an artistic take on the Google logo, have gained immense popularity over the past few years and the Google doodle team has put out commemorative doodles on numerous events of international or national importance, ranging from news events, civic milestones, birthdays, death anniversaries and important dates in history.

Google estimates it has created more than 900 doodles since 1998, with 270 of them running in 2010. Some appear globally, and others are tailored for local markets.

Google's doodle lets you play and listen on 96th birthday of Les Paul

Les Paul, the electric guitar pioneer, has been celebrated on his 96th birthday by one of Google's most complex doodles – a playable and recordable 'guitar'.

Les Paul had one of the most colorful and diverse careers in the history of the entertainment industry. During his 80 years on stage and screen and in the studio, Paul was a solo performer, jazz bandleader, big band guitar chair, virtuoso sideman, pop tunesmith, radio personality, TV star, engineer producer, six-string eminence and inventor. In the latter role, the solid body guitar model that bears his name, multi-track recording and the harmonica holder are among his best-known creations.

In 1915, Les Paul, one of the most influential guitarists in pop music history, was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. With his wife Mary Ford, he had a string of hits in the late 40's and early 50's including, "Mockin' Bird Hill," "How High the Moon" and "The World is Waiting for the Sunrise." Those recordings were among the earliest to use multi-tracking.

Paul also designed guitars which were marketed by the Gibson company and became the favourites of pop, rock and country musicians. He also built the first eight-track tape recorder, which helped pioneer multitrack recording. And he invented "sound-on-sound" recording, which has since become known as overdubbing. Paul was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005. He died on Aug. 13, 2009 of complications from pneumonia at age 94.

The Google doodle in honour of Les Paul is playable by hovering the cursor over the doodle.

Google has now become more frequent with animated and interactive doodles. Of the last 10 Google doodles, five included animations or were interactive.
The Google doodle had first gone interactive in May 2010 to celebrate the 30th birthday of the popular Pac-Man game.

For a dozen years, Google has been occasionally swapping its everyday logo for a doodle. The Google doodles, an artistic take on the Google logo, have gained immense popularity over the past few years and the Google doodle team has put out commemorative doodles on numerous events of international or national importance, ranging from news events, civic milestones, birthdays, death anniversaries and important dates in history.

Google estimates it has created more than 900 doodles since 1998, with 270 of them running in 2010. Some appear globally, and others are tailored for local markets.

DELHI BELLY - Aamir throws party for DK Bose success

Aamir Khan Production's DELHI BELLY, directed by Abhinay Deo, is all set to be released in major overseas territories including North America, UK, and Australia, on almost 250 screens, coinciding with its domestic opening on 1st July, 2011.

Generally songs in Bollywood films are written, composed, and recorded even before the shooting of the film begins. This is apparently not the case with one of the ten songs in Aamir Khan Production's DELHI BELLY.

For the first time in Bollywood, someone threw a party to celebrate the success of a song, even before the release of the film. Aamir Khan hosted the bash for the success of the Delhi Belly song 'Bhaag DK Bose'.

The much talked about success party of the popular song "Bhaag DK Bose" from 'Delhi Belly' kicked off amidst the much awaited Mumbai rains.

To celebrate the success of the song Bhag DK Bose from Delhi Belly, Aamir Khan, who has produced the film, had decided to organise a bash.

"The song 'DK Bose' has caught on like anything and it's topping the chart everywhere. Aamir thought of celebrating this success by throwing a party for the cast and crew of 'Delhi Belly'. This is for the first time in Bollywood that a success party would be thrown for a single song," a spokesperson from Aamir Khan Productions said in a statement.

The party saw the presence of the film’s leading actors: Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunaal Roy Kapoor. Also seen was the director Abhinay Deo.

Aamir Khan who is away shooting in Pondicherry also thanked everyone on the recorded video and regretted missing it.

DELHI BELLY - Aamir throws party for DK Bose success

Aamir Khan Production's DELHI BELLY, directed by Abhinay Deo, is all set to be released in major overseas territories including North America, UK, and Australia, on almost 250 screens, coinciding with its domestic opening on 1st July, 2011.

Generally songs in Bollywood films are written, composed, and recorded even before the shooting of the film begins. This is apparently not the case with one of the ten songs in Aamir Khan Production's DELHI BELLY.

For the first time in Bollywood, someone threw a party to celebrate the success of a song, even before the release of the film. Aamir Khan hosted the bash for the success of the Delhi Belly song 'Bhaag DK Bose'.

The much talked about success party of the popular song "Bhaag DK Bose" from 'Delhi Belly' kicked off amidst the much awaited Mumbai rains.

To celebrate the success of the song Bhag DK Bose from Delhi Belly, Aamir Khan, who has produced the film, had decided to organise a bash.

"The song 'DK Bose' has caught on like anything and it's topping the chart everywhere. Aamir thought of celebrating this success by throwing a party for the cast and crew of 'Delhi Belly'. This is for the first time in Bollywood that a success party would be thrown for a single song," a spokesperson from Aamir Khan Productions said in a statement.

The party saw the presence of the film’s leading actors: Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunaal Roy Kapoor. Also seen was the director Abhinay Deo.

Aamir Khan who is away shooting in Pondicherry also thanked everyone on the recorded video and regretted missing it.

Akon wants to act in Bollywood movies

Senegalese-American singer Akon, who turned 38 just a day ago, considers India as his "second home" and loves its culture.

"About India I like mostly the culture. I simply love Indian culture and equally adore African. I love the fact that it is so parallel to African culture. Both cultures are so similar with an interesting historical background, and I admire the way Indians and Africans preserve them," he said.

"Most cultures do not put emphasis on history. But in India they (people) never forgot their history and passed it down to the generations. Their approach is so strong about history -- from religion to lifestyle. The legacy is carried on for generations. The best part is that people never forget their history," the singer said.

Asked whether he will be visiting any historical places during his India tour, Akon said, "I wish I could. On this trip, unfortunately, due to my tight schedule I won't be able to do it. I think I will just make a trip just for that."

Akon, in Mumbai, met up with some actors like Suniel Shetty and his wife Mana, and Sonakshi Sinha.

He expressed his desire to act in Bollywood films.

"I am waiting to get into Bollywood movies. I'm not quite sure what character I would want to play...but I definitely want to do it," Akon told reporters here.

The Smack that hit maker has worked with composer Aadesh Srivastava and also sang a song for Shahrukh Khan's forthcoming film Ra.One.

"It was an amazing experience to work with Shah Rukh . Actually he opened me up to Bollywood. I can remember all the Khans. I enjoyed so much that I am trying to get into Bollywood," the Senegalese-American rapper and singer said.

Akon wants to act in Bollywood movies

Senegalese-American singer Akon, who turned 38 just a day ago, considers India as his "second home" and loves its culture.

"About India I like mostly the culture. I simply love Indian culture and equally adore African. I love the fact that it is so parallel to African culture. Both cultures are so similar with an interesting historical background, and I admire the way Indians and Africans preserve them," he said.

"Most cultures do not put emphasis on history. But in India they (people) never forgot their history and passed it down to the generations. Their approach is so strong about history -- from religion to lifestyle. The legacy is carried on for generations. The best part is that people never forget their history," the singer said.

Asked whether he will be visiting any historical places during his India tour, Akon said, "I wish I could. On this trip, unfortunately, due to my tight schedule I won't be able to do it. I think I will just make a trip just for that."

Akon, in Mumbai, met up with some actors like Suniel Shetty and his wife Mana, and Sonakshi Sinha.

He expressed his desire to act in Bollywood films.

"I am waiting to get into Bollywood movies. I'm not quite sure what character I would want to play...but I definitely want to do it," Akon told reporters here.

The Smack that hit maker has worked with composer Aadesh Srivastava and also sang a song for Shahrukh Khan's forthcoming film Ra.One.

"It was an amazing experience to work with Shah Rukh . Actually he opened me up to Bollywood. I can remember all the Khans. I enjoyed so much that I am trying to get into Bollywood," the Senegalese-American rapper and singer said.

Deiva Thirumagan - Music Launch

The gala music launch event of Deiva Thirumagan starring Vikram and directed by A L Vijay turned out to be a huge hit and the release is scheduled in May.

- Amala Paul in DEIVA THIRUMAGAN -

The film stars Vikram, Anushka and Amala Paul in lead roles. The audio launch of the movie was done in a very different way at Chennai Trade Centre on Thursday (April 14) evening.

All the six songs in Deiva Thirumagan were partly screened for the audiences. Each of the songs tuned by GV Prakash were played and introduced to the audiences by celebrity guests. The celebrity guest list included Arya, Karthi, Amy Jackson, Sakthi, Jithan Ramesh, directors Vasanth, Suseendran, M Raja and chief guest and Vijay mentor Priyadarshan.

Meanwhile the buzz is on that director Suseendran of Venilla Kabbadi Kuzhu fame has signed Vikram for his next project. The grapevine is that Vikram has also agreed to work with Vijay again after completing his pending assignment with Suseendran.

Deiva Thirumagan - Music Launch

The gala music launch event of Deiva Thirumagan starring Vikram and directed by A L Vijay turned out to be a huge hit and the release is scheduled in May.

- Amala Paul in DEIVA THIRUMAGAN -

The film stars Vikram, Anushka and Amala Paul in lead roles. The audio launch of the movie was done in a very different way at Chennai Trade Centre on Thursday (April 14) evening.

All the six songs in Deiva Thirumagan were partly screened for the audiences. Each of the songs tuned by GV Prakash were played and introduced to the audiences by celebrity guests. The celebrity guest list included Arya, Karthi, Amy Jackson, Sakthi, Jithan Ramesh, directors Vasanth, Suseendran, M Raja and chief guest and Vijay mentor Priyadarshan.

Meanwhile the buzz is on that director Suseendran of Venilla Kabbadi Kuzhu fame has signed Vikram for his next project. The grapevine is that Vikram has also agreed to work with Vijay again after completing his pending assignment with Suseendran.

Mani Ratnam unveils book on AR Rahman

Oscar winner Rahman gets witty and candid about his life at the launch of his biography. It started little late but the launch of AR Rahman's book in a Juhu hotel was worth the wait.

While the launch was a bit delayed as Rahman's mother and sister were caught up in traffic, the wait was certainly worth it for the publishers, who were uncertain if the composer would have much to say.


Rahman however, surprised all by confessing about the trials and tribulations of his life. He narrated a small example to the audience, saying "One such moment was right after I had bought my studio. It was like a shell with an air-conditioner.

I had no money to buy any equipment. When my mother asked me what I needed, I told her I required Rs 4 lakh for all the equipment. So she sold some of my sister's jewellery."

It was Mani Ratnam, director and long-time friend of Rahman, who officially launched the book - A R Rahman The Spirit of Music - a the Novotel Hotel in Juhu, Mumbai. The book was the result of a series of conversations with documentary filmmaker and writer Nasreen Munni Kabir.

Mani Ratnam in his own words is "not just a fan of AR Rahman - the composer but a bigger admirer of Rahman - the person", making him the obvious choice to unveil Nasreen Munni Kabir's biographic work, titled AR Rahman - The Spirit of Music.

Before getting around to actually launching the book, Ratnam recalled on how they first met at Rahman's tiny studio. It was about one-fourth the size Ratnam was used to but the melodies he heard were simply beautiful.

Bollywood biggies like Ashutosh Gowariker, Ramgopal Varma, Subhash Ghai, Imtiaz Ali and others graced the glorious event in Mumbai on 06th of April 2011.

The book talks about Rahman’s honesty, intelligence and his unpretentious shine, his life and the world of music. It also carries rare photographs and a music CD with some of his selected tracks.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahman said, “I thank my family, guru and all musicians for their support and love. All of them are stepping stones in my life.”

The book took four years to come together, during which Nasreen spoke to Rahman some times in person, at others via a video conferencing facility.

Rahman, the Oscar hero went on to describe the people who contributed in his successful journey in music. Naturally, he mentioned Ratnam, his friend and early mentor, before going on to name Ashutosh Gowariker, Ram Gopal Varma and Subhash Ghai, all of whom were present. Also present were Singers Javed Ali and Madhushree, director Imtiaz Ali and percussionist Shivmani.

The composer said, "There are lots of facts about me. What Nasreen wanted is a completeness." He described the book as universal while still maintaining a simple tone.

Asked if he had yet endured failure after the high of the Oscars, he responded philosophically, saying that if fame came along in plenty, the opposite was also a likelihood.

Mani Ratnam unveils book on AR Rahman

Oscar winner Rahman gets witty and candid about his life at the launch of his biography. It started little late but the launch of AR Rahman's book in a Juhu hotel was worth the wait.

While the launch was a bit delayed as Rahman's mother and sister were caught up in traffic, the wait was certainly worth it for the publishers, who were uncertain if the composer would have much to say.


Rahman however, surprised all by confessing about the trials and tribulations of his life. He narrated a small example to the audience, saying "One such moment was right after I had bought my studio. It was like a shell with an air-conditioner.

I had no money to buy any equipment. When my mother asked me what I needed, I told her I required Rs 4 lakh for all the equipment. So she sold some of my sister's jewellery."

It was Mani Ratnam, director and long-time friend of Rahman, who officially launched the book - A R Rahman The Spirit of Music - a the Novotel Hotel in Juhu, Mumbai. The book was the result of a series of conversations with documentary filmmaker and writer Nasreen Munni Kabir.

Mani Ratnam in his own words is "not just a fan of AR Rahman - the composer but a bigger admirer of Rahman - the person", making him the obvious choice to unveil Nasreen Munni Kabir's biographic work, titled AR Rahman - The Spirit of Music.

Before getting around to actually launching the book, Ratnam recalled on how they first met at Rahman's tiny studio. It was about one-fourth the size Ratnam was used to but the melodies he heard were simply beautiful.

Bollywood biggies like Ashutosh Gowariker, Ramgopal Varma, Subhash Ghai, Imtiaz Ali and others graced the glorious event in Mumbai on 06th of April 2011.

The book talks about Rahman’s honesty, intelligence and his unpretentious shine, his life and the world of music. It also carries rare photographs and a music CD with some of his selected tracks.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahman said, “I thank my family, guru and all musicians for their support and love. All of them are stepping stones in my life.”

The book took four years to come together, during which Nasreen spoke to Rahman some times in person, at others via a video conferencing facility.

Rahman, the Oscar hero went on to describe the people who contributed in his successful journey in music. Naturally, he mentioned Ratnam, his friend and early mentor, before going on to name Ashutosh Gowariker, Ram Gopal Varma and Subhash Ghai, all of whom were present. Also present were Singers Javed Ali and Madhushree, director Imtiaz Ali and percussionist Shivmani.

The composer said, "There are lots of facts about me. What Nasreen wanted is a completeness." He described the book as universal while still maintaining a simple tone.

Asked if he had yet endured failure after the high of the Oscars, he responded philosophically, saying that if fame came along in plenty, the opposite was also a likelihood.

Pawan-Trisha Starrer TEEN MAAR Audio Launch

Trisha is one of the few Tamil actresses who are as popular in Telugu cinema as they are in Tamil. The actress is currently looking forward for her Telugu film Theen Maar to hit screens. The film music launch was held recently in Hyderabad.

Teen Maar working still

Teen Maar producer Ganesh Babu was all excited on the stage of Teen Maar audio launch. He went overboard in expressing his gratitude towards Pawan Kalyan. He said that he would be with Pawan forever if the star permits him to.

Trisha on shooting location for the film Teen Maar

 
Theen Maar Audio release has created a lot of buzz among the film folks and the media planners made so much noise about its planning and all. Pawan Kalyan film is ought to create such buzz.

Trisha with Pawan - Teen Maar working still

The film's lead cast including Pawan Kalyan, Trisha, Krihi Kharabanda, music director Manisharma and director Jayanth were present at the launch. Minister Botsa Satyarayana, MP Botsa Jhansi, Allu Aravind, Naga Babu, Shyam Prasad Reddy, Konda Krishnam Raju, Shobanadri and Danaiah graced the ceremony.

Percussionist Shivamani's show was the highlight. Pawan Kalyan was mesmerised by his 'Takadina Teenmaar'.

Pawan-Trisha Starrer TEEN MAAR Audio Launch

Trisha is one of the few Tamil actresses who are as popular in Telugu cinema as they are in Tamil. The actress is currently looking forward for her Telugu film Theen Maar to hit screens. The film music launch was held recently in Hyderabad.

Teen Maar working still

Teen Maar producer Ganesh Babu was all excited on the stage of Teen Maar audio launch. He went overboard in expressing his gratitude towards Pawan Kalyan. He said that he would be with Pawan forever if the star permits him to.

Trisha on shooting location for the film Teen Maar

 
Theen Maar Audio release has created a lot of buzz among the film folks and the media planners made so much noise about its planning and all. Pawan Kalyan film is ought to create such buzz.

Trisha with Pawan - Teen Maar working still

The film's lead cast including Pawan Kalyan, Trisha, Krihi Kharabanda, music director Manisharma and director Jayanth were present at the launch. Minister Botsa Satyarayana, MP Botsa Jhansi, Allu Aravind, Naga Babu, Shyam Prasad Reddy, Konda Krishnam Raju, Shobanadri and Danaiah graced the ceremony.

Percussionist Shivamani's show was the highlight. Pawan Kalyan was mesmerised by his 'Takadina Teenmaar'.