Bollywood cheers as Rahman scoops double Grammys

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) The Hindi film industry is elated after music maestro A.R. Rahman triumphed at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards by scooping two golden gramophones. From Gulzar and Javed Akhtar to Shyam Benegal and Subhash Ghai, all feel he has taken Indian music places and made the country proud.

Members of Bollywood praised the dedication of the 44-year-old, who is also a double Oscar winner. This is what they had to say.

Gulzar: We all are very proud of him. This magical musician has brought more honour to India, his family, fans, friends and his entire team. Such a young man has made his mark on the music map of the world. All of us should put him on our shoulders.

Javed Akhtar: He is great! Rahman has taken India’s music places.

Imtiaz Ali: It fills me with pride. Also makes me think if he is getting this much accolade for ‘Jai ho’, wonder what the reaction of the West will be when they discover the rest of Rahman? I’m waiting to see the man go from strength to strength.

Shyam Benegal: Fantastic…Rahman is the greatest.

Subhash Ghai: I am proud of Rahman as a special friend and composer who made India proud in the world of music. It’s his true dedication towards innovative music and his connection with divine energies. Bravo Rahman!

Sulaiman Merchant: I would like to congratulate Rahman for his consecutive wins at the Oscars and Grammys. He has taken Indian music into the international arena.

Javed Ali: I am feeling on top of the world. I think this is the best award and I have worked with him, that’s why I think this is my award too.

Sukhwinder Singh: I am extremely happy for Rahman. As I have said earlier, I had been hoping for international recognition for him since ‘Roja’. So I am not at all surprised.

Vishal Dadlani: Two Grammys for Rahman, congratulations! God is great and India is truly proud.

Sunidhi Chauhan: It’s great news. He truly deserves it… heartiest congratulations to him.

Manoj Bajpayee: We all are proud of Rahman. He has opened doors for other music directors and we will be thankful to him for his contribution… I have no words to explain it. My best wishes to him.

Mallika Sherawat: Congrats A.R. (Rahman)…congrats India! Jai ho! (I’m) so proud.

Lara Dutta: Rahman congratulations! That’s a fantastic achievement. We wish you many more. God bless.

Shreya Ghoshal: What great news to wake up to this morning - double Grammy. This is just the beginning, sir. So proud of you. Hearty congratulations.

Purab Kohli: Rahman’s music has always been moving and inspiring. As Indians, we always knew that. It was only a matter of time that the world would notice. Congratulations to him. Jai ho!

Raghav Sachar: Heartiest congratulations, well deserved Grammys, besides “Jai ho”, all the work over the years. And thanks for opening the world for India in music.

Hollywood a better place for percussionists: Bickram Ghosh

Kolkata, Feb 12 (PTI) After working with Pete Lockett, the music composer of Bond films, in his new album, top Indian percussionist Bickram Ghosh is now looking forward to a future in Hollywood.

Ghosh's latest album 'The Kingdom of Rhythm', which is poised for release this month, features Lockett who has composed the background score for many Bond films.

"Hollywood is a better place to be in as a percussionist as you get recognition there. In Bollywood that doesn't happen," he told PTI.

Citing the example of Lockett, he said, "Pete plays on the Bond soundtracks and gets screen credit which does not happen in India," he pointed out.

Ghosh shot to limelight after he worked in Pandit Ravi Shankar's album 'Full Circle' that won the Grammy Award for 2004.

Known for his collaborations with international musicians, including ex-Beatle George Harrison, Yosi Levy, Ilan Salem, Khaled Kouen and Mstilav Rostropovich, Ghosh also played for Harrison's Grammy nominated album 'Brainwashed'.

He is the first tabla maestro-ever to be offered an endorsement by 'Remo', the biggest drum-heads company in the world.

PTI