AR Rahman requests fans to ‘take it easy’
Although Rahman had requested not to indulge in political sarcasm, fans were in no mood to listen
What happens when Oscar winner AR Rahman asks fans and netizens to share their best lines for a new version of an old hit? The web simply exploded with lines and comments as ARR sought new lines for the ‘Urvashi Urvashi’ song from the soundtrack of his 1994 Tamil film Kaadhalan. The only condition the Masstro imposed was that the hook line — ‘Take it Easy Policy’ —had to be intact.
Kadhalan had Prabhu Deva and Nagma in the lead. Prabhu Deva had choreographed and performed in the song ‘Urvashi’, which was an opening street dance sequence featuring him, Vadivelu and other dancers.
Late evening on Thursday the maestro took to his social media handle and wrote, “Friends, it’s time for you to wear your creative hat again! You were so creative 2 years ago when we recreated Urvashi with new lyrics. Send us your best lines & we’ll include them in our performance in Chennai on Aug 10 at YMCA Grounds. No politics, please! #RecreatUrvashi.”
No sooner, the Mozart of Madras posted his idea than the crowd sourced lines touching upon various contemporary issues, including NEET, India losing in the cricket World Cup, the water crisis, lack of rains, ARR’s recent song leak from Vijay’s Bigil, twitter fight between Thala and Thalapathi and Dhoni’s patrol duty in Kashmir started pouring in.
Although Rahman had requested not to indulge in political sarcasm, fans were in no mood to listen. There were references to politicians as well. A few felt that ‘Uravashi’ is ‘90s kids special cult song and requested ARR not to touch it in the name of recreating.
Last year Yo Yo Honey Singh recreated the ‘Urvashi’ song for Batti Gul Meter Chalu starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani. Also, the 2.O composer had recreated the Urvashi magic for the popular MTV show ‘Unplugged’. In 2014, American rapper will.i.am used ARR’s ‘Urvashi’ track for his hip-hop number It’s My Birthday.
Speaking to DC about his emotional attachment to the ‘Urvashi’ song, Rahman said, “Take it easy Urvasi belongs to its fans . So we wanted them to be a part of its new update for the Chennai concert. We got some really funny tweets last time and wanted it to be updated to today’s sensibilities and life.”