The combination of these two gifts has created his entire body of work. It allows him to experiment with other forms, he has a very open approach towards any and every kind of filmmaker. With every film he has a completely different soundtrack which is what makes him so different.

Rahman as a person is very passionate about his thoughts and his emotions. He tends to express in his music what he feels very strongly and whatever that emotion is, gets enhanced and accentuated in that music. I have found that his biggest foray and contribution is to the patriotic song.

He brings about an emotional connect with his songs and has always enhanced the script. He takes the story to a completely different level after he has blessed it with his music.

My favourite patriotic song of Rahman is Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera. I think it is the pinnacle of the patriotic nationalistic theme.

It has been an immense pleasure working with him. When I think of Rahman, I don't think of a song -- but a set songs and my favourite album is Vande Mataram.

A R Rahman has composed the score for Ashutosh Gowariker's Lagaan, Swades and Jodhaa Akbar. He will shortly begin work on the score for Gowariker's next movie. Gowariker, the last Indian filmmaker to be nominated for an Oscar, spoke to Archana Masih.

Video: Rajesh Karkera. Footage courtesy: AGPPL and BharatBala Productions.

Also see: A R Rahman's 10 best compositions

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