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The 43-year-old musician, who won the Oscars for Best Original Music and Best Song for his compositions in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ at the 81st Academy Awards, arrived here from London by an Emirates Airways flight at around 2.30 am.
A large number of people, who waited at the airport for the 'Mozart of Madras', cheered him up as he emerged out of the international terminal to the beats of drum specialist Sivamani and his troupe.
Kerala's "Kottu Melam" (percussion instrument) artists gave a performance on behalf of the Indian Airlines.
On behalf of the state government, Tamil Nadu Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi received Rahman with a bouquet at the airport terminal.
A visibly happy Rahman waved at the crowd acknowledging their support before leaving for his home.
Rahman was born in a musically affluent family in Chennai on January 6, 1966.
"This award is a gift for every Indian," said Oscar winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty, as he also arrived here today to a rousing welcome along with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ actor Irrfan Khan.
Pookutty and Khan were garlanded by enthusiastic fans amidst beating of drums.
Overwhelmed by the euphoric scenes outside the international airport, Kerala-born Pookutty, who won the coveted award for sound mixing, said "I never expected such a grand welcome. This award is a gift for every Indian."
Khan said "I am lucky to be appreciated for my work."
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I had a browse of Pakistani news papers online the day after the Oscars. The fact that 3 oscars came to India was given only passing mention there. The fact that 2 of her Muslim sons brought the honours to our Mother India was not at all an issue. One news paper commented that India was basking in "reflected glory" of the British film!!!I could understand their stance. Afterall, where is their reality and the promise of "a modern democratic Muslim nation" ?!The situation there is prompting many of the pak artists to flee their country to escape the wrath of "Mullas" and Talibans for their " unislamic activities" . Think of what would have been the fate of Rahman and Resul as artists had they been Pakistanis.
A fact which has escaped notice or at least not highlighted, is that in the roster of names in the award winning Slum-Dog movie Muslims dominate. Let us hope that Pakistan does not credit for the achievements of these Indians. They are Indians first and last. And Muslims, incidentlly Secular India, Jai Ho! Vengrai Parthasarathy
Please note, the first Indian to win an Oscar was Resul Pookutty, not AR Rahman. Kindly bestow some respect on the less celebrated star of the 81st Academy awards.
Rehman and Pookutty, you both are unique. You made India's prestige high among all nations. We are very proud of you. keep it up.j
Please don't popularise him as 'Mozart of Madras'. He and his music is unique, with a global appeal.
What a feat Rahman, sir! Indians and Tamils in perticular will cherish your achievement as their own. You should now receive "Bharat Ratna" since you brought this great fame to our homeland.