A.R. Rahman on turning producer

Feb 27, 2029
Mumbai: Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman says turning producer is like being born again as a new man.

He has turned writer and producer with his movie “99 Songs”.

“I feel like I have been reborn since the time I have decided to turn producer. It’s an entirely new feeling,” Rahman said.

Opening up about the challenges of making a film, he said: “It’s like being born again as a new man. When I started as a film music composer, I already had ten years of experience.

“But as a producer, it felt so new and seemed like I was starting all over again and I wanted to leave no stone unturned in giving it my best. Also, since I was working with other debutants — the director and the actor — I was reminded that I have a completely new team and we had a modest budget. I didn’t want to spare any effort in presenting it well and try to make our own epic.”

Asked if he was a regular on sets during the shoot, he said: “I knew that if some important scenes needed to be expanded, I ensured I would be present on set. Our executive producer would tell me that we have time constraints and will have to wrap the scene in a day while I was keen on four because those are the scenes that need love and complete justice. It’s an art to balance between creative and commercial. However, if you get too creative then you may have to sell your property.”

“It is a first attempt and I hope we have done our best. My wife and daughters have been a great support,” he added.

The movie is directed by debutant director Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy and will release in three languages, including Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. “99 Songs” will also introduce Ehan Bhat.

Presented by Jio Studios, the film is produced by A.R. Rahman’s production company YM Movies and co-produced by Ideal Entertainment.
No instruction to banks on withdrawing Rs 2000 notes: FM
(22:59)
New Delhi, Feb 26 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that no instructions have been given to banks on stopping issuing notes of Rs 2000 denomination.

“As far as I know, no such instruction has been given to the banks (on stopping issue of Rs 2000 notes),” she said at a meeting with heads of PSU banks.

The Minister’s comments come after reports of ATM recalibration to phase out of Rs 2,000 notes and that the largest currency denomination will remain legal tender, but would be gradually phased out of public circulation. IANS