SINGAPORE : He has gained an international audience with his smash hit “Jai Ho” from the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
And it looks like the “Jai Ho” fever for singer-composer A R Rahman has not died down. At least two of his four-nights-only concerts in Singapore are already sold out.
This will be A R Rahman’s second performance in Singapore. His first show here was in 2005.
He said: “Last time, the show was exciting, but was all over the place. This is more theme-oriented. Because it’s a journey home tour, it portrays the spirituality, the youth, romanticism and the freedom fighting kind of era and modern India.
“This world tour started after the Oscars, two years back, and I wanted to travel and give a show that is very universal – that every person, regardless of language or nationality, can relate to – the music – so we had a very international crew.”
To be held at the Grand Theatre at Marina Bay Sands, his show here promises to be more intimate.
The singer-composer said: “We had to tone down the show, because it’s a 2,000 seater, all the other shows were like 18,000. We had to make the stage a bit smaller, but it’s going to be intimate and nice.”
On his future plans, the composer revealed he is now working in an animation film with Dreamworks.
Working with other popular American singers is also a possibility.
He said: “Some of them are really good – Rihanna’s good, and Lady Gaga is a good singer too. … Anything can happen, you may be sitting somewhere in Los Angeles over lunch, some of the biggest decisions are made like that over the table.”
The stage is set – the audience will be entertained by some 23 songs. Ticket prices range from S$95 to about S$600 per seat.
“Jai Ho : The Journey Home World Tour” will run from Thursday till Sunday.