A.R. Rahman brought nostalgia to a crowd of abut 35,000 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 27, delivering a high-energy performance that showcased his memorable 1990s hits.
The Indian music legend’s live concert at the National Stadium in Singapore on Aug 31 is expected to be similarly entertaining, as it will showcase an extensive repertoire of songs, including his greatest hits in Tamil, Hindi and other languages, as well as his latest creations.
There will be numbers such as Kannalane (from the film Bombay), Athangara Marame (Kizhakku Cheemayile), Ponni Nadhi (PS1), Athiradee (Sivaji: The Boss), Chiku Buku Raile (Gentleman), Tu Hi Re (Uyire), Jai Ho (Slumdog Milllionaire), Param Sundari (Mimi), Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se) and Tere Bina (Guru).
“It will be three hours of pure world-class entertainment from 6.30pm,” organiser Maestro Productions Global chairman Parthiban Murugaiyan told tabla! “His music is universal and everybody will be able to enjoy it. Ticket sales have been good and we expect about 30,000 spectators.”
Fondly known as the “Mozart of Madras”, Rahman has won two Oscars, two Grammys, a Golden Globe, a Bafta and six National Awards. The 58-year-old is noted for his versatility in combining Western classical, Carnatic, Tamil traditional, folk, jazz, reggae and rock music into his compositions.
Rahman’s oeuvre has famously transcended Tamil, Hindi and Telugu films, and made a mark in Hollywood, the West End and Broadway.
He told The Straits Times that just like at his Kuala Lumpur concert, his 21-year-old son A.R. Ameen will be one of the singers performing in Singapore.
“I think the borders are all blurring and it’s the right time. I invite all the people who know and listen to my music – Singaporeans, Chinese people, Indian people, Hindi people, Tamil people – to come and celebrate it at the concert and enjoy themselves,” he said.
Singapore has always been special to Rahman, as it was the first country that he travelled to out of India.
He will be the first Indian musician to perform live at the National Stadium.
Maestro, who organised singer Anirudh’s concert at the Indoor Stadium in March 2023 that featured a 360-degree stage, is pulling out all the stops to make Rahman’s show a grand affair.
“The stage, lighting, LED displays, sound system, everything is going to be of the highest standard as far as Indian music shows in Singapore are concerned,” said Mr Parthiban. “It will be on a par with the big shows we have seen at the National Stadium in recent months.”
According to him, more than 100 people will be flying in with Rahman from India for the show, including back-up singers, dancers and technical crew.
“The dancers are said to be spectacular,” he said. “We are giving special emphasis to the technical aspects as we do not want anything to go wrong.”
It will be Rahman’s fourth concert in Singapore. His previous one in April 2014 at Gardens by the Bay was marred by technical glitches and a blackout.
To ensure everything goes right, Maestro is partnering with event management company UnUsUal Entertainment, which has experience in delivering big musical shows at the National Stadium.
“We are only four years old; on the other hand, UnUsUal is vastly experienced in this field,” said Mr Parthiban. “They do concerts all over the world and have done a lot of Western, K-pop and big-name concerts in Singapore. Ours is a very good synergy as we have the strength of knowing what the Indian community wants.”
Gates for the Rahman concert will open at 4.30pm, followed by a 30-minute pre-show.
There will be no standing, with seating separated by two sections: arena and floor.
“All the seats are placed in such a way that everyone will have a good view of the stage,” said Mr Parthiban. “Our ticket pricing has also been reasonable, as we want as many as possible to enjoy the show.”
Tickets for the concert range between $398 (VIP) and $148.
Entrepreneur Periyannan Muthukarruan, 42, who plans to attend the Rahman concert with a group of friends, said that ticket pricing for such shows is subjective.
“Some might consider the pricing steep, but if you are a diehard A.R. Rahman fan, it’s worth it.”
