We braved the weather, we walked a mile, we stood in line, we pushed and got pushed and as the watch said seven o’clock, the crowd went quiet (Rain stops for the rockstar, October 2). The only sound we could hear was of our hearts beating and lungs expanding as the masses stood, waited and got wet with baited breath for the maestro to begin his show.
There on the stage, a fair distance away, a glimpse of A.R. Rahman and the crowds went ballistic. He sang Dil se and we shouted and there began Celkon RahmanIshq.
Having attended all three of Rahman’s concerts in Calcutta, I realised 45 minutes into this show that it was going to be different. The songs this time weren’t the usual Khalbali, Roja, Masti ki Paathshala and Rangeela Re. Like most in the crowd, I too was initially disappointed at the exclusion of these songs but as the concert went on we were all left mesmerised. The singing, the glamour and the RAHMAN factor left us spellbound.
The songs he sang this time were from his more recent compositions, and for the very first time we heard Rahman saab perform so many songs by himself. He started off with Dil se and then the rest followed. We heard him sing Kun faya kun, Jo bhi main, Rehna tu, Khwaja mere khwaja and How many stars do you see in the sky among others. Each performance was met with a grand applause and heartfelt shouts of appreciation.The maestro enchanted us with his magical voice and his solo instrumental (piano and harmonium) performances.
Although it was RahmanIshq, we can’t forget the fabulous performances by the others. Sukhwinder Singh (or Sukhi) who set the audience in motion with Chhaiyya chhaiyya, Ramta jogi and Aayo re sakhi. Javed Ali who transported us to a different world with songs from Raanjhanaa. Lastly, A.R. Rahman’s Lady Troupe who set the stage on fire, and also a few hearts if I’m not mistaken, with songs like Katyan karun, Jiya re and Maiya maiya — once the ladies started singing, the crowd was absolutely ecstatic and suddenly knew all the lyrics by heart.
So when Metro asks us what we liked best about Celkon RahmanIshq, I wonder what to say. We were just transported to a different plane altogether — strung together by musical tunes, where each performance outdid the last one and the grand finale of fireworks was only matched by the pulsating energy of the crowd singing Maa tujhe salaam along with the maestro and his troupe.
Ye dil se kehte hain mitwa, ki kehna hi kya aapko, aap akar khalbali macha diye aur hum aapke sang so gaye hain ki mun ke train par sirf chhaiyya chhaiyya ho raha hain.
Rohin Banerji
Totally in ISHQ with RahmanIshq! Even the rain took a break! Definitely one of the greatest concerts ever in Calcutta. The combination of the futuristic stage lighting and the music of our Mozart of Madras was like a fairy-tale ride. But as a fan I really hoped for a track or two from all-time favourites like Roja and Bombay. Really missed those vintage tracks. But otherwise it was an experience of a lifetime. Hope you return soon Rahman sir.
Srinjoy Das
For every music lover, a Rahman concert is nothing short of a pilgrimage. Expectations are always sky-rocketing from the Mozart of Madras. But I was disappointed as there was no Rangeela, no Bombay, no Roja, no instrumentals. Vande Mataram was indeed the high point of the show along with Chhaiyya chhaiyya but much more was expected from a musician whose musical appeal is international while the essence being Indian.
Udayan Das,
Jadavpur University
Rahman’s concert in Calcutta was excellent. Gulzar ji’s lyrics in the Dil se song, Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya/ Woh yaar hai jo khushboo ki tarah/ Woh jiski zubaan urdu ki tarah are really sweet.
Md.Tanweer
The best part of the RahmanIshq concert was its compactness. I have seen ARR performing live at the same venue in 2009 also. But the difference this time was in the planning and perfect arrangement.
As for the concert itself, it’s difficult to choose the best part. It’s like choosing the purest drop of water from an ocean. The sufi songs and the ending were really unforgettable. The environment created at the time of the sufi tracks and appearance of Rahman and Javed Ali was simply mindblowing.
The final round with songs like Mustafa mustafa, Chhaiyya chhaiyya, Tu mun shudi, Jai Ho and Maa tujhe salaam was a treat to both the eyes and ears.
Another moment that made me feel like I was in another world of eternity was when Javed Ali started singing Naino ke ghat le ja, naino ki naiyaa with a little alaap, followed by Tum tak from Ranjhanaa. Ayo re from Water sung by Sukhwinder was pure magic. And last, but not the least, the background visuals and fireworks made the event a memorable one.
Aveebishnoo Sarkar,
Howrah Maidan
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