Rahman's Kolkata show to set the tone for India tour (Curtainraiser)

Months after superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif enthralled the audience here at the Indian Premier League inauguration ceremony, the city is all geared up to witness yet another spectacle Tuesday - the opening show of musical genius A.R. Rahman's month-long India tour titled "Rahmanishq".

Pegged as a musical experience accentuated with state-of-the art technology, the gala event at the Salt Lake Stadium here, would take audiences back in time with Rahman's best offerings like "Jodhaa Akbar", "Slumdog Millionaire", "Lagaan", "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", "Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na", "Dil Se", "Rang De Basanti", "Rockstar" and "Bombay".

Packed in a three-hour format, an ensemble of 20 singers that includes Javed Ali, Sukhwinder Singh and Neeti Mohan accompanied by 11 musicians will belt out Rahman's hits complete with mind-blowing special effects and energetic dance performances.

"I thought it was time to once again rekindle with my fans on a more interactive and personalised platform. Nothing compares to a live performance where I get to visually experience the love of my fans," Rahman said.

The Kolkata starter would set the tone for the tour that encompasses Vizag, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. The musical extravaganza will see a sprinkling of religion to mark Dussehra, peppered with literature, with a special section marking Bengal's legacy of Rabindra Sangeet.

The Mozart of Madras as he is called by his fans, Rahman will render his interpretation of Tagore's classic poem "Chitto Jetha Bhoyshunno" (Where the mind is without fear) to spectators here.

The poem titled "Jagao Mere Desh Ko" has been tuned by Rahman. It debuted on the 67th Independence Day and juxtaposes Tagore's lyrics with Bollywood lyricist Prasoon Joshi's contribution in Hindi.

The popular composition has been sung by Rahman and singers Suchi and Blaaze.

Visual effects, airbursts, quick shot jets and bangs will supplement gas flames in red, yellow and green colours in spells throughout the elaborate presentation.

A "waterfall of fire" cutting across the stage will heighten the illusion of a magical musical journey for fans in the city who witness very little of industry big-wigs in live acts.

To maintain his connect with the audience, minimal barricading has been arranged and confetti cannons with multi coloured bursts aimed towards them are sure to enliven the arena.

-- Indo-Asian News Service

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