One man who needs all credit for spotting the musical talent in Rahman is director Mani Ratnam. Today Rahman has grown leaps and bounds ready to lay his hands on the coveted Oscars thanks to the seeds sown by Mani Ratnam. One man who will be really proud if Rahman wins the Oscars would be Mani Ratnam.

All Mani Ratnam's films starting from 'Roja' in 1992 have musical compositions by Rahman and the director now shares a special bonding with him.

Speaking about Rahman, he said, "I have worked with two very classy composers - Illayaraja and Rahman. Both are from two different schools of musical composition. While Illayaraja is more spontaneous in his response, Rahman takes time to think over tunes, story, situation and the labors over it,' he said. According to him, Rahman, if pushed a little, is willing to think laterally.

With Thalapathi, Mani Ratnam ended his association with music director Illaiyaraja, bringing in Rahman. It turned out to be Mani's greatest findings.

A quiet Rahman in spite of his tall achievements is still humble and down-to-earth. Rahman said, 'I feel my slate is yet to be written on. There is life beyond music, album or record sales.'

Mani Ratnam and Rahman's partnership is widely regarded as having produced some of the best film music in Indian movies since 1990s.

* Roja (Tamil) - 1992

* Thiruda Thiruda (Tamil) - 1993

* Bombay (Tamil) - 1995 

* Iruvar (Tamil) - 1997 

* Dil Se (Hindi) - 1998

* Alaipayuthey (Tamil) - 2000

* Kannathil Muthamittal (Tamil) - 2002

* Ayutha Ezhuthu (Tamil) / Yuva (Hindi) - 2004

* Guru (Hindi) – 2007

The road to Oscars for Rahman began with Mani Ratnam and will end this February with just 11 more days to go!!!

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