We try to be best, honest: Rahman on London concert

By Radhika Bhirani

New York, July 16 (IANS) Oscar winning composer A.R. Rahman is unperturbed by the trolling that followed after his London concert, where some people walked out because he was performing more of Tamil songs.

"I love the way how people have supported (me) for all these years. Without them, I am nothing. I'm grateful to all of them," Rahman told the media at the red carpet of the 18th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.

Rahman was in London on July 8 to perform at Wembley Stadium as part of his 'Netru, Indru, Naalai' (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow). Some fans cribbed he was singing more Tamil than Hindi songs.

Asked about the trolling that followed thereafter, Rahman said: "We try our best. We try to be honest."

In a contrast to the London concert, fans at the Metlife Stadium here, where Rahman performed for two hours as part of IIFA Rocks on Friday, were left asking for more.

In fact, they encouraged an encore once Rahman sang the Tamil version of "Urvasi Urvasi".

At the IIFA Awards gala on Sunday, Rahman was honoured with a Special Award for 25 years of contribution to music.

(The writer's trip to NY is at the invitation of the IIFA organisers. Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)