Sign up for afaqs! Newsletters
Media News
New Delhi, August 11, 2009
Honorable Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mrs. Ambika Soni, set in motion "AR Rahman Unplugged", a curtain raiser concert organised at Siri Fort auditorium today to mark the beginning of Doordarshan’s 50th year celebrations.
The excitement at the curtain raiser concert unfolded with an exclusive concert, ‘AR Rahman Unplugged’, where India’s pride and music maestro performed some of his favourite compositions along with acclaimed singers Hariharan, Kailash Kher and Sadhana Sargam. Sivamani, the percussion powerhouse, was also a part of this enthralling evening. The event was a collaboration between Doordarshan and Phat Phish India - who also produced and presented the show.
Commenting on his association A.R Rahman said, "I am proud to be associated with Doordarshan. It feels great to be a part of such a momentous occasion today when the channel is completing 50 glorious years. I am also proud to bring to you my students of KM Conservatory from Chennai, showcasing their versatility in Indian and Western music. This will be their first public performance in New Delhi."
Speaking on the occasion of Doordarshan’s golden jubilee celebrations, Mrs. Aruna Sharma, Director General, Doordarshan said, "Doordarshan will be turning 50 in September this year and what better way to start the celebrations than with an A.R. Rahman concert, also featuring Hariharan and Kailash Kher. Today’s show has all the hallmarks that one would associate with the musical genius – a delightful infusion of music, creativity, passion and individuality to mark this historic occasion of turning 50."
Talking about Doordarshan’s association with music maestro, she added, "Our association with AR Rahman goes back a long way - to the Madras Telugu Academy’s show, ‘Spirit of Unity’ that was telecast on the network in the early 1990s. Mr. Rahman had composed the title track and he subsequently even received a national award for the composition. Prior to that, he appeared on popular music shows like 'Wonder Balloon' on the Madras Doordarshan channel."
Mr. K R Harish, Managing Director, Phat Phish India said, "We are all very excited to work with Doordarshan and bring in content that will not only kick start the golden jubilee celebration but also usher in programming of scale richness that will start a new era on Doordarshan."
Doordarshan’s year long anniversary celebrations will mark a series of events across all centres and will culminate with the 2010 Commonwealth Games next year.
For further information, please contact:
Genesis B-M
Ruchika Gupta/ Raghava Manglik
Contact No: +91-98117-60200/ +91-9999-831856
Email id: ruchika.gupta@bm.com/ raghava.manglik@bm.com