Discovery Channel will present the spectacular journey of A.R. Rahman, spanning two decades and around 130 prolific film scores, and his contribution to catapult Indian film music to the world stage in an exclusive 90-minutes programme JAI HO on October 26th, Monday at 9 pm, directed by Umesh Aggarwal, for the Public Service Broadcasting Trust.
JAI HO will take viewers into the life of A.R. Rahman and will bring forth the unseen and unheard narrative of one of the greatest musicians the world has ever known. The programme will explore the evolution of his style of music – a fusion of Eastern sensibilities and Western technology and will highlight the essential Indian-ness of his music which has appealed to people the world over.
Through JAI HO, viewers will also get an access into his personal life and his wonderful journey, right from his coming together with Mani Ratnam for Roja, his first ever commercial, his Bollywood debut with Rangeela to his versatile and successful work in films like Dil Se, Taal, Rang De Basanti, Lagaan, Highway, Rockstar and Raanjhanaa, amongst others.
The man whose name figures foremost in the world of music whenever and wherever India is mentioned; one who gave Danny Boyle just what he needed in Slumdog Millionaire; one who bagged his first ever music Oscar for India; one who is one of the world’s all-time top selling recording artists, A.R. Rahman is a true icon of India.
The programme offers the viewers a window into his personal life including emotional moments like leaving school at the age of nine, getting his first pay check, marriage and record celebrations and more. The viewers will directly hear the double Oscar and Grammy-winner talk about all this and more.
Rahul Johri, EVP and GM- South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said “Discovery Channel is delighted to offer viewers an inspiring programme on the life and journey of the music legend A.R. Rahman. We are committed to present the comprehensive image of the enchanting India – its remarkable landscapes, achievements, culture and its laudable icons to viewers across the world.”
According to Umesh Aggarwal, Director – JAI HO, “It is the first ever definitive feature on A.R. Rahman. I am confident that this film will convey his astonishing success and global phenomenon.”
Shot across the world including Los Angeles, London, Mumbai and Chennai, the programme includes interviews from the technicians, directors, producers, singers, music composers and actors with whom A.R. Rahman has worked. These include Bollywood actor Aamir Khan; playback singer Alka Yagnik; film director and producers Mani Ratnam, Ashutosh Gowariker, Subhash Ghai, Ram Gopal Varma, Shekhar Kapur, Danny Boyle; music composers Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gulzar among others.
Rajiv Mehrotra, Commissioning Editor and Managing Trustee, PSBT, said, “PSBT celebrates A. R. Rahman and is delighted to have mentored and supported a film that offers rare glimpses into the personal journey of Rahman as a human being and as a musician.”
JAI HO has been produced by Public Service Broadcasting Trust (psbt.org) with the support of the External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The programme has been directed by Umesh Aggarwal who has won many awards for his films, including the National Film Award.