The 44-year-old musical genius, popularly known as the 'Mozart of Madras' said that normally he gets a mixed South Asian audience. "Because of the success of 'Slumdog Millionaire,' we're hoping at least a percentage of the audience will be new," Rahman said at the preview of the event.
The 45-day world tour titled "AR Rahman Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour" will kick off in New York Friday.
The 150-minute concert has been created in such a way to reflect the career growth of Rahman from 'Roja' to his latest hit 'Slumdog Millionaire' and will also include songs from 'Laagan', 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na', 'Dil Se', and 'Rang De Basanti' among others. From the Big Apple, it will move to New Jersey, Washington DC, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Raleigh and Atlanta; after which it travels to other world cities in Canada, France, Switzerland, Holland and Britain.
"We tried to pick out songs that would be universally appealing, to mix together elements in ways that have never been done before. It's very exciting," Rahman said. The tour is internationally produced by Deepak Gattani and Rapport Productions. "From the myths of rural India to the colours of the festivities, the rhythm and beats of the urban culture, this musical concert will have it all," said Gattani.
"It will be a blend of the East and West, from Bharatnatyam to pop and tap dance," said Amy Tinkham creative director of the concert. The 150-minute show will be a theatrical experience that will blend new technologies with powerful dance arrangements and acrobatics.
The tour is internationally produced by Deepak Gattani and Rapport Productions. "We like to focus on events that highlight South Asian culture, arts, history, commerce and entertainment provides its partners, sponsors and advertisers with a unique opportunity to interact face-to-face in family-friendly atmospheres with their audiences," said Shishir Misra of Rushhi Majik.
"The AR Rahman concerts are going to be a musical extravaganza, which concert-goers will remember in a long-time for its originality and all-encompassing entertainment value," he added.
Last November, Rahman was invited to perform at The White House for Obama's the first State Dinner hosted in honor of the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh. Rahman was also featured in the re-make of 'We Are The World' alongside Wyclef Jean, Jennifer Hudson, Barbara Streisand and Celine Dion to name a few.