BBC Asian Network holds A.R Rahman day

The BBC Asian Network will dedicate a whole day of programming to the celebrated composer, A.R Rahman on Thursday 14th January.

The composer, who has had huge success with his soundtrack for British film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, will be featured across most programmes throughout the day.

A.R Rahman first came to the attention of Western audiences with his film music for ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ and stage shows ‘Bombay Dreams’ and’ The Lord of the Rings’, however, it is for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that the composer has received international acclaim. Since its release in January 2009, he has won several awards, including two Oscars, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and is nominated for two Grammy Awards at the end of this month.

On A.R Rahman Day, the BBC Asian Network will be honouring this success, starting with Adil Ray on the Breakfast Show from 07:00. The celebration will climax with a big interview on the Gagan Grewal Show at 18:30, where the legend will be discussing his success at the Oscars in the midst of the Mumbai attacks, his meetings with the late Michael Jackson, his faith and much more.

Husain Husaini, Head of Programmes, BBC Asian Network, comments, “The BBC Asian Network has played A.R Rahman’s brilliant music long before his recent fame in the West with Slumdog Millionaire. We have known for years that he creates some of the best music ever to come from India. We are delighted to have him on the station and to be able to celebrate his unique musical gifts across our programmes.”

A day prior to the BBC Asian Network’s special programming, Channel 4 will give ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ its UK terrestrial premiere at 21:00 (Wednesday 13th January).