Rahman plans massive world tour to salute Indian music

Oscar winning composer A R Rahman has teamed up with the brains behind stage shows for pop divas Britney Spears and Mariah Carey to produce world tour saluting the Indian music.

The acclaimed musician, who scored 2008’s ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, has announced dates for the ‘Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour’, which will feature music from the film and tracks he was working on with Michael Jackson before the ‘King of Pop’ died last summer, Contactmusic reported.

Rahman will kick off the event in June at the Nassau Coliseum in New York.

Produced by Deepak Gattani, the tour will travel to over 20 major arenas and cities around the world, including The Forum in Los Angeles, The Patriot Center in Washington, DC, American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas and Wembley Arena and the O2 Arena in London.

The composer will collaborate with creative director Amy Tinkham, who is known for creating live musical concerts for Spears and Carey, among other pop stars.

“The Journey Home World Tour will be a theatrical experience that will blend new technologies with powerful dance arrangements and acrobatics. The concert will keep intact the heritage and traditions of India with a new modern presentation. The show will feature changing sets, large images on LED screens and a spectacular cast of musicians,” a spokesman for Rahman said.

A.R.Rahman to compose music for Karunanidhi’s poem

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman will compose music for a poem penned by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

The poem will be the theme song for the World Tamil Classical Conference to be held at Coimbatore in June.

The music composer met Mr. Karunanidhi at his residence and sought his advice in this regard, an official press release said.

Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Sun network group head Kalanidhi Maran, Kanimozhi, MP, renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar and singer Bombay Jayashree were present during the meeting.