Double treat - AR RAHMAN

It was the most memorable moment and the pinnacle of absolute joy for all AR Rahman fans.

In a matter of about 10 minutes - winning his first OSCAR for Best Original Soundtrack, performing O SAYA and JAI HO live, going on to win the second OSCAR for Best Original Song with Gulzar and then finishing it all off with that emotional " I chose love and I am here" speech and rushing away from the stage.

Guess that is where the enormity of the situation struck him. (Even if you are ARR - it is bound to happen!!!!!!!!)

And in the process, changing the landscape of Indian Cinema forever.

That the most popular yet unassuming person we are all so fond of, who started off as A.S. DILIPKUMAR accepted the first award saying எல்லா புகழும் இறைவனுக்கே in his acceptance speech made millions of Tamils like me speechless.

I am sure most of us are still dazed. Imagine what it will be for ARR. But knowing him (from whatever we read and hear about him) I am sure it would have been taken with the same degree of humility and realism.

Slumdog Millionnaire's gripping rags to riches story in all won 8 Oscars - with a shared OSCAR for our own Resul Pookutty making it all the more special.

Though India cannot rightfully stake a claim in the prizes for the movie, it is without doubt special and significant.

Anyway, who is complaining ???!!!!!!!

What makes ARR's OSCARS special is the fact that he has endeared himself to so many of us with his simple and humble demeanor - since he came on the scene.

There are these very special instances in life when someone wins an award, you feel you have won it yourself. This is one of those rare instances. It only happens when one feels the right person has won.

More so in the case of ARR. It has now become a habit whenever he has won something, we have always assumed it as our win and celebrated it to the hilt. These OSCARS are yet another addition to what has always been this long and endless list........

The ARR one knew and read of, from those heady Roja days, still is said to be the same person. People who are close to him will vouch for this. No wonder such strength of character leads to amazement.

Never one to be over excited. Never one to jump in joy. In fact one wishes he did a bit of all that, atleast on and off!!!!

Always the gracious and elegant one - to take all the accolades and awards and what not, in his stride and keep moving on to the next level.

State recognition to National recognition to International recognition ( the real variety not just perception or " put-on"/"made-up" ) - IT IS REAL SPECIAL and ADMIRABLE that ARR has been able to keep himself sane and sensible.

ARR's personality is only possible with the way he has been brought up, his personal beliefs and his overall outlook towards life. Plus that very special level of consistency, that always seems to run in him, just below the surface.

Personally to me - what was attractive of all ARR's qualities - was his willingness to give opportunities to so many music talents.

Most among the endless list of present day playback singers in Indian cinema owe a lot to ARR personally and the trend he set off - opening doors to talent, without any reservation.

The door he opened let in so many talents. Other composers had little choice but to follow the same. Indian film music has never been the same again.

The virtue is only possible to somebody who has that level of clarity, sense of purpose, real talent and genuine love for people around. Somebody who takes pride in others' talents and achievements as much as in his won.

AR Rahman is one who we all can be justifiably proud of.

He is a person who can and should rightfully be a 'role model' for all our youth.
Someone who can be idolized - in the real sense of the term.

Here's wishing him many many more years of music and tons & tons of achievements.

JAI HO!