Jai Ho - Rahmania!

Rahman's first concert in Pune at the Balewadi Stadium grounds, last night was a tremendous draw, and we enjoyed it thoroughly. The atmosphere, the lights, the crowds and above all the mesmerizing music. Pune, showed up there in all its gaiety and took in all that Rahman and his troupe did on stage. All his hit songs, some simple works on his piano and the choreographed sequences. The technologically sophisticated stage with its two floors, the hydraulic lift and the massive LED screens, overawed the audience.

Ageless Music

We were not quite sure if we should take our kids for the show. How wrong we were, they enjoyed it thoroughly and knew all his music much better than we did. The crowd that showed up to take in Rahmania! had people of all ages - kids, college students in their party-wear finery, old women in their silk sarees. The middle aged like us who grew up at the same time as Rahman turned up in large numbers. Rahman, the "Mozart of Madras" from the deep South who along with Maniratnam took Tamil cinema all over India and delivered Chennai to the rest of the country.

Participative Concert - Versatility!

The concert showcased Rahman's versatility, range of music and an amazing display of songs from the early 1990s to a few months ago. He tried to make the concert quite participative, mingling with the crowds and even "interviewing" them. Lata Mangeshkar's visit to the stage and her kind words for the Oscar Winner and his humility to accept her praise brought two generational greats together on stage and was one of those occasions to cherish for life.

Musical Effects - No Rush, No Push!

Rahman's music - both its anticipation and after effects seemed to have both a mesmerising and sobering effect on people. No rushing, pushing while going in and surprise, surprise none while going out after his show too. There was No Honking! as the hundreds of cars made their way out of the stadium area at 11:00 pm! - Were they all inspired or mellowed by Rahman's music ? Wish his music is played at all public places and functions and we'll all be at our best behaviour and our streets a lot quieter.

Finally, using the Balewadi Stadium

The Balewadi stadium and the crores spent on it is finally being put to use. A number of events have already been held there since the CYG - LIC Games, Asian Badminton championships and even school events. Citizens would be glad to know that public money that was used to create the infrastructure is being put to good use and the facilities created are being maintained.

A few more things need to be done to make it world class - create proper parking, well defined walkways, large dustbins to collect the trash that is generated and some more permanent infrastructure for musical and other non-sports events. And make sure the hotel that was built there is functional!