Rohit Revo
AR Rahman concert was conceived as a community relations activity aimed at improving cultural harmony and understanding with the Indian community. The event was also designed to promote Sydney as a safe, ethnically diverse and welcoming city and going by the strong response this concert got, the aims have been achieved.
The concert was held in Parramatta Park as part of the Sydney Festival and A.R. Rahman performed a three hour set, backed by an entourage of more than 40 musicians and Bollywood dancers on stage.
The event started with Premier Kristina Keneally’s speech. “Sydney is safe for Indian students.” said a beaming Premier with American accent and a 36,000 watt smile who was visibly excited to in front of over 74,000 people. It was Premier’s first official engagement in 2010 and she returned from her holiday in far North Coast on the same day and came along with her husband. Former Premier Nathan Rees came with his wife Stacey and was in a more relaxed mood chatting to members of the Indian community. Steve Waugh also spoke on the occasion and termed Rahman as the Sachin Tendulkar of music.
Donning a Muslim cap, Rahman sat on the floor on the stage along with a harmonium to sing the sufi song Khwaja Mere Khwaja…and the audience listened with rapt attention…some of them did not understand the lyrics but you could feel the music permeate through the crowds. He also sang Vande Mataram which echoed in Parrammatta Park. The mood was addictive and only Rahman can do it. You could not help dancing.
The concert was big on pyro techniques and group dances and the presence of singers like Sukhwinder Singh and Mohit Chauhan was missed. The show had only two main male lead singers Hariharan and Rashid Ali with AR Rahman stepping in at most times with a bunch of chorus singers.
The behaviour of the Australian Indian community, who formed bulk of the audience was exemplary. The event was peaceful and it was rare to see that a function of this scale with over 74,000 people, was virtually alcohol free, something of a rarity in Sydney. Crowds cooperated with the organisers and the arrangements put in by NSW government agencies were flawless.
Earlier talking to media, Rahman said, “Media’s a great tool, but it can also be misused and provoke people and just one wrong can kill thousands of people. And that’s happened in the past and we need to be extremely careful and strict about what we are – the truth. Regarding safety, I would advise not to go anywhere at night, especially in shady places where there are a lot of drug addicts and alcoholics and be careful, because they are going to be the main reason for any trouble in the future.”
When this writer asked him if he ever thought of cancelling his concert like Amitabh Bacchan did after hearing all about Indian Student, Rahman said, ”No. I didn’t have this thought ever. I believe in destiny and if something has to happen like that, it can happen to me anytime and anywhere. I think your goodwill does play a role in such situations and it is a great opportunity for me to be here the cause of harmony. This show is for you and with your support, I look forward to come back to Australia again.”
Rahman had a message for the audience, “I want all of you guys who stay here to treat children of India with love and Australia has said it will give unconditional support and do their best (to make it safer for students). There are natural disasters in Haiti and we don’t want manmade disasters. Jai Ho for Indian Australian friendship.” His last number Jai Ho was well received by the audience along with Vande Mataram.
UIA team met AR Rahman prior to the concert at his Hotel in Parramatta and wished him all the best on behalf of Indian Community in Australia. Says UIA, “This unique gesture by AR Rehman and NSW Govt/ Sydney Festival committee will certainly help to improve Australian Indian relations.”
