This is my 3rd blog related to Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire and the awards. I am sure I will write at least one more after he wins the Oscars!

Did Rahman’s Golden Globe, BAFTA & the potential Oscars (not one but 3) bring exposure to Indian music?
My answer to the question is both ‘No & Yes’.

The truth is that Indian music has been on the international radar from a long time – Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain have won Grammies before this. Classical music appealed to a lot of western musicians like John McLaughlin (Shakti) early on. Rock and roll fusions with Indian music were well-known in the 70s & 80s. Indian music & instruments got publicity with artists like George Harrison (Beatles). Of late, Bhangra music is proliferated to many western clubs, thanks to the second generation Punjabis living abroad.

However, till date, all international recognitions have been in the ‘classical’ or ‘fusion’ category. But Indian ‘film’ music wasn’t understood (I use the words 'wasn't understood', especially after my colleague said the same when Indian music, that too new movie dance music was played on the dance floor at one of our recent corporate parties. It took him 15mins to get the rhythm). Back to my point, the jhankar beats, over-archingly high-pitched melody and plethora of romantic tunes in Indian films, didn’t appeal to them. With Rahman’s collaboration with western musicians & producers and his ability to deliver music for all kinds of audience, he struck the right combination of western & Indian film music that people across the world understood. He composed tunes that both the western world & people at home understood. Once understood, one cannot help but appreciate & get addicted to his music. As mentioned in my previous blog, Rahman deserved an award way before Slumdog Millionaire. An English director and a Hollywood production, definitely gave his music due exposure. And with Rahman, Indian ‘film’ music emphatically got a new exposure which is long due.

Fingers crossed, best wishes to ‘Rahman & Indian film music’ as the Judgment Day for Oscars approaches.

p.s: Rahman has been nominated for three Oscar awards under two categories - for Best Original Music Score and for Best Song for "Jai Ho" and "O Saya" for 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Update on 3/2/2009: Few weeks after this post, I came across several articles on this topic including Wall Street Joural. I particularly liked the one here from SF Indie music examiner, it has videos of some of the western pieces (of indian music) I mentioned above.
Here is the link: http://www.examiner.com/x-2629-SF-Indie-Music-Examiner~y2009m2d28-In-hon...