A. R. Rahman Advocates for Enhanced Investment in Talent and Entertainment Facilities
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Mumbai, Dec 14 (NationPress) Oscar and Grammy-winning music composer A. R. Rahman, recently designated as the Honorary President of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, has called for increased investment in nurturing talent and developing high-quality infrastructure in the entertainment and arts sector.
Rahman's remarks follow his appointment at the esteemed institution located in London, renowned for its innovative offerings in music, musical theatre, and contemporary dance. He will hold this honorary position for a five-year term, further solidifying his impact on the performing arts landscape.
Reflecting on his journey in musical theatre, Rahman recounted a pivotal encounter in 2000 with music composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. He shared, "When I met the king of musical theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber, he casually asked me, 'Are you going to take the mantle of musical theatre forward?' At that moment, I didn’t fully comprehend his question. However, through my experiences with productions like Bombay Dreams on Broadway and The Lord of the Rings in England and Canada, I came to appreciate the depth of his foresight. It was a profound, visionary thought.”
Rahman is optimistic about the promising future of musical theatre in India, yet he underscores the necessity of fostering local talent.
He stated, “If we invest in our talent and build the right infrastructure, we can unlock an entirely new genre of entertainment in India. However, I cannot achieve this alone. I require government backing, incentives for performers, musicians, and the necessary infrastructure to facilitate this development. We are currently at a technological turning point where visuals can be easily created, but nothing rivals the enchantment of live performances.”
Additionally, he commented on the international success of recent Western tours as indicative of the increasing demand within the subcontinent.
He further elaborated, “Western artists have amassed billions on recent tours. Audiences crave authentic performances. The privilege of being appointed Honorary President of Trinity Laban coincides perfectly with my aspirations to embark on transformative projects in India, especially through collaborations like the KM Music Conservatory and exciting future endeavors at Trinity Laban.”
“The upcoming five years at Trinity Laban may herald a new chapter of global collaboration in music and dance,” he concluded.
