National broadcaster Doordarshan kicked off its year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations with a music maestro A R Rehman concert as Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni promised that DD would broadcast the 2010 Commonwealth Games on High Definition format.
"Doordarshan made its humble beginning in a makeshift studio in September 1959. In those days, there were limited black and white television sets. Colour TV came in India in 1982 and now I promise that 2010 Commonwealth Games would be broadcast by DD on High Definition format," Soni said while inaugurating the concert on Tuesday, which is the first of the series of programmes lined up by the government to observe the 50th anniversary of the national broadcaster.
Congratulating Doordarshan for its fifty years, Soni said Doordarshan had given the countrymen their first television viewing experience and had a wide reach. It had entertained viewers with all genres and will continue to succeed.She added that DD has come a long way and has been witness to a technological revolution in the last 50 years.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Aruna Sharma, Director General, Doordarshan said, "The country’s first TV network turns fifty in September. DD is today facing problems of cable operators not sticking to the mandatory showing of DD channels. However, the network plans to increase its visibility and go digital in remote areas."
Introducing the guest of honour, music maestro A R Rahman, she said, "What better way to mark our golden anniversary than to have the winner of the Golden Globe and the Academy award with us."
Elaborating his association with DD, Rahman said, "My association with DD Madras Kendra goes back to the Madras Telugu Academy’s show, ‘Spirit Of Unity’ that was telecast on the network in the early 90’s." Rahman had composed the show’s title track and won the national award for it. Prior to this, he appeared on shows like Wonder Balloons on Madras Doordarshan channel.
Continuing the association, Rahman’s 52-episode reality show, The Big Band would be telecast on DD as a part of its golden jubilee celebrations. This co-production between Doordarshan and Phat Phish India limited, will create fusion bands encompassing a host of artists from different musical genres. With Rs one crore as prize money, the show promises to entertain.
Mr K R Harish, Managing Director, Phat Phish India said, "We are excited to bring in content that will not only kick start the celebration but also start a new era on Doordarshan."In an interaction with media persons, Rahman discussed his plans to build a studio in Los Angeles and compose something on the lines of Michael Jackson’s track , ‘Heal The World’, to spread the message of peace and harmony in India.
Referring to the three doctorates awarded to him, he said in a light vein, "You can call me Dr Dr Dr Rahman." On being asked about his association with lyrical legend Gulzar, the musician said in his trademark petal voice, "When two excited people work together, it spells magic. Gulzar saab has a childlike quality and notices little nuances in my music. We are working again in Mani Ratnam’s upcoming project."
The concert witnessed Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa belting out chart topping Rahman songs from movies like Rang De Basanti and Swades and enthralling the gathering. Kher said these songs were chosen keeping also in mind the proximity of the day to Independence Day. Hindustani classical performances by the students of K M Music Conservatory, Rahman’s music school in Chennai, saw the audience cheering for them throughout.
While Hariharan (Rahman’s associate since his debut movie, Roja), renowned drummer Sivamani and playback singer Sadhna Sargam sang his numbers, the musical genius weaved magic with the piano. The musical medley, strung like a necklace of pearls, held the audience in rapt attention and concluded with Rahman thanking Doordarshan for their association.
