The Score Magazine - Archive February 2009 issue! | Page 46

www.highonscore.com
The Score Magazine
Face-to-Face
with
Rashid Ali
Vijay Iyer
Q - Did you ever expect Kabhi Kabhi Aditi to become such a huge hit?
A- Yes and No. Yes because I had full faith in the talent of A R Rahman. No because
I did not want to set huge expectations for myself but I’m glad people have liked
the song. I was happy to do the song. It was also a good introduction to Bollywood
but I never imagined it would get so much attention and airplay. It is nice to hear so
many have liked the song and to realise that people have liked my guitar vamp at the
beginning.
Q - You have also sung for Ada?
A- The word Ishq has been used so commonly in Hindi movies that it was difficult to
think of something different but I think it has come out really well in the end. The
song has a different feel to it. A yearning sufi element with my signature muted guitar
playing with A R’s beautiful neopolitan-like accordion interludes. I love the ethnic feel
this song has and I feel it really stands out of the ordinary.
Q - How did you get associated with Rahman?
A - We met in London and after hearing me play and sing, A R invited me to sing and
play on various session recordings and soon after asked me to play on tour with him
around the world. During this time he was always trying to pick a song that would
very much suit my voice and bring out the best in it . Soon after this 3 songs came
onto the scene, Kabhi Kabhi and Kahin Tho from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and Ishq Ada
Hai from A R’s Ada Album.
Q - Last year one saw you spending a lot of time in Chennai. Anything on the cards ?
A - I have been signed on by K M Musiq, Rahman’s music label and was in Chennai for
almost two months working on the album.
Q- When’s it coming out?
A - I understand the anticipation and I am excited about it myself but the aim is for
it to be an extra special debut album, unique in its manner which is why there is a
delay. We hope to achieve a completion this year and will keep everyone posted.
Q - Any other film projects that you have worked on?
A - I did record a song for Nikhil Advani and recorded another solo song for a film
directed by Anthony De Souza and music by A R Rahman last year and hope to
continue recording for other music directors in 2009.
Q - What is your take on your contemporaries?
A - I respect anyone who has talent and gets their due recognition for their abilities
and good work.