“Coming from Chennai, India, you have become an ambassador for KM Conservatory, for Chennai, for India for fetching the ‘World’s Best’. That is a huge thing at this young age. My wish for you is like how China has the world class pianist Lang Lang, you become India’s Lang Lang,”, remarked double Oscar winner AR Rahman about child protégé Lydian Nadhaswaram at the 11th anniversary celebrations of his KM Music Conservatory in the city.
Lydian spent four years training on a full-scholarship at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory and he went on to win the CBS show ‘The World’s Best’ and he was honoured on the occasion. Interacting at the event, ARR added, “KM was started in 2008. The seed was sown as an inspirational institute for people like Lydian. The world needs inspiration, hope and love. Music is one thing which can give this. This is the right time to live in this world. When I see Lydian, it gives me hope, he has shown that there is magic and miracle in life. Lydian is not a session musician. Now he is a solo musician. He has played for me in Amazon series as well.
He added, “KM is a place of inspiration. I want to create a world class Art Centre in Chennai.” Reacting to a query if he and Lydian would work in an album together or in films, Rahman said, “Why not? He has already worked with me in Harmony.”
Earlier, Rahman visited Lydian’s house and the composer was given a grand welcome, with Nadaswaram music marking his entry to their residence. The maestro requested Lydian to play the piano for him and Lydian obliged by performing ARR’s evergreen melodies like ‘Ennavale’ and ‘Thamizha Thamizha’. Lydian’s sister accompanied him on the flute. Later, Lydian also made a request to AR Rahman to play the piano, and he humbly acknowledged. The video of ARR’s visit to Lydian’s house uploaded on his social media handle is going viral.
